The weather this summer has been more than a little disappointing so far, with rain and below average temperatures and little promise of better things to come. However, add some women’s leggings and you may still be able to salvage that new summer dress!

Even if it’s raining you can still get some wear out of your spring-summer wardrobe with some different styling. Just layer yours up for a weather-appropriate look that still nods to the season’s trends.

This is where leggings come in, they’re the perfect alternative to tights for wearing with summery dresses and tunics, and have had something of a makeover for SS12, with a wide selection of coloured and printed leggings to choose from.

While black leggings are a style staple, other coloured leggings will inject some fun into your look. Step out in grey, red or even fluorescent pink leggings for a change to your usual monochrome shades. Feeling bold? Printed leggings are a must-try this season. Thanks to the eighties and nineties revivals, eye-catching prints are all over the high street, and leggings are no exception.

At River Island printed leggings are available from £18 with florals, Aztec prints, stripes and cosmic prints all on offer, not to mention wild animal prints and tropical motifs. Wear yours with a plain longline vest and plimsolls for a cool and casual look that’s perfect for the British summertime.

So, just because summer’s been a washout it doesn’t mean your style has to be too!

About the Author :  Jennifer Winnett  has been wearing women’s leggings this summer.