You gotta hand it to the folks who came up with leggings. They were able to combine the girdle, the panty hose and the leg warmer and make it cool. Thicker than tights, thinner than the tightest jean, my black leggings are by far my favorite item of clothing.

Starting from the moment I pull them on. Squeezing it all in like that, I feel like I just lost five pounds. And trust me, that is the best way to start every day. From there, it’s basically just accessorizing, based on wherever I’m going or whatever I’m doing.

If I’m staying in, I’ll add a T-shirt and footie socks. Then maybe a sweatshirt, or a long sweater of some kind. So I’m dressed and able to come to the door, but it’s total comfort all the way.

Now, if I’m working that day the leggings make it so easy – because they dictate boots, and I typically wear a low-heeled riding boot. From there, it’s all about my second favorite article of clothing: the tunic – the long shirt or sweater that falls nicely over all those bumps and curves that have been lessened and flattened by the leggings. Add a necklace.

And then there’s no loosening of the belt while you’re sitting at your desk. No sucking in of the stomach while chatting at the water fountain. You feel like you’re wearing pajamas. And for someone like me who works from both home and office, I like feeling like I’m wearing pajamas – all the time.

Going out, I have a tendency to go taller. Same leggings, but a higher boot. A short skirt, which you can totally do at any age if you’re wearing leggings. A fancier tunic, poofier hair, and I’ve grown 3 inches. I have tall friends, so …

Another benefit of the legging/boot thing is that you don’t even need to have on a shirt, just a cute coat. Rolling out of bed to run carpool or grab coffee? Slide on your leggings and boots, throw on a coat, and you look dressed for the day. Clip on your work badge, and people will think you’re going to work. When really you’re going back home to watch a “Roseanne” marathon.

The legging people and the tunic people really should start their own company. A whole store with nothing but leggings and tunics, for all occasions. I’d call it, I don’t know – some combination of leggings and tunics … like “Lunatics.” And then have a catchy slogan like “Crazy for Lunatics.”

I think I’m on to something.