Leg Cast Fashion Tips: How to put together an outfit when you are sporting a leg cast.
If you read my Cozy Cable Knit Sweater blog post, you probably know I broke my ankle while walking my dog. If you haven’t had a chance to read about my adventure, you should check it out! In the meantime, leg cast fashion is my new thing–unfortunately.
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What to wear with a leg cast
Having a cast on my leg in the middle of December makes it challenging to find things to wear. It’s nearly impossible to find pants that fit over a cast, but necessary when it’s 20 degrees outside. I scoured the Internet looking for leg cast fashion tips and didn’t have much luck. However, I came up with a simple solution.
In my Cozy Cable Knit Sweater post, I talk about pairing an adorable sweater over leggings where I cut off the side that has to go over the cast. These leggings have saved me from wearing sweats every day. I have them in black and gray, and they go with just about anything and really jazz up my leg cast fashion.
I take the side of the leggings that I cut off, and simply tuck it down into the top of the cast. Since they are cut to almost the height of my cast, they stretch easily. While sweatpants seem to fit best over the cast, they aren’t necessarily very fashionable for all situations. And since it’s currently around 20 degrees outside, a dress is out of the question for me.
Tunic tops to wear with leggings
Not only have I paired the leggings with my favorite Cozy Cable Knit Sweater, I have also paired them with this Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic. The leggings are perfect pants to fit over a cast.
I am self-conscious about wearing leggings if my backside shows, so I always pair them with some sort of tunic, sweater, or long cardigan. Not only is my Cozy Cable Knit Sweater one of my go-to tops with leggings, but so is this Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic. I own this tunic in three colors because it is so versatile and can be dressed up or down. It’s super stylish and perfect for leg cast fashion.
I accepted the leg cast fashion conundrum as a challenge, and I think I came up with the perfect solution. If you have had to rock a leg cast, please tell me how you styled your clothes. I would love your feedback.
xoxo
Molly
Erin
Hi Molly, sorry to hear about your leg. But you look fabulous sporting that leg cast. I was in a ankle cast similar to you in the Summer of 2015. I will never forget that experience. Mine was a navicular stress fracture. A stress fracture of the navicular bone means casting for six to eight weeks. Mine was discovered after an MRI. Having a cast on your leg and hobbling on crutches gives you a whole new perspective on life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the little things in life we take for granted; it was always a struggle showering and getting dressed. I work in a law firm, so dressing conservatively was expected and that was a challenge; especially picking just one shoe was strange. Since it was summer I mostly wore flats and dresses….I am big flip flop gal…so wore them on my good foot whenever I could. I never had a cast shoe like you until around my second cast change. After having a cast shoe, I felt my toes were protected. With your foot in a cast, you’ll definitely be drawing attention to your feet and toes, so I did get several nice pedicures…..you definitely get a green to go with the red. I think several more styling pics with the cast will help other women…….hope you heal quickly.
Living in Normal
Hi Erin!
Thank you so much for reaching out! Yes, it feels like everything is a challenge, and it’s the little things you never think about. Even blogging has been a huge challenge–just getting around to cook, take pics, style things, etc. We have lots of stairs in our home, so that is tough. I had so many great ideas for Christmas, and they really fizzled out. I feel like I’ve let my followers down. But, I was just upgraded to an ankle brace, so I can get around a lot easier. Woohoo!!! I have to take it slow, but I at least don’t have to use crutches. Thank you, again, for reaching out!
XOXO
Molly
Donna
I was wondering what kind of leggings you bought… I have to get a cast as I’m having a terrible time with planters fasciitis as well as pain on the side of my foot. I hope you are healing well. Did you get a cover to put over your cast for showers? Thank you in advance.
Stacy
Hi Donna! I’m looking for clothes to wear to work with this beautiful leg cast! I hope you’re healing well. A shower cover for a cast sounds like the way to go. Mine is arriving tomorrow. Blessings to you and yours!
Living in Normal
Hi Donna. I bought leggings from Costco. They were so inexpensive, so I didn’t mind cutting them on one side. Also, they are very flattering!! I did not get a cover for the shower, because I took baths and propped it on the side of the tub. Hope you’re healing nicely!
Molly
Jennifer
Hi Donna, I am having a cast out on my foot on Tuesday for the same reason. Did it help? I’m so upset and stressed out. It is my right foot so I won’t be able to drive for a month! I would appreciate all the advice and tips. Thanks!
Living in Normal
Hi Jennifer.
I hope you’re on the mend. How is the recovery going? If you email me your mailing address at molly@livinginnormal.com, I’d love to send you a get well gift!
xoxo,
Molly
Venessa
Hi Jennifer, just came across your site whilst pondering what to wear to a hospital appointment on Friday with my right leg is in a cast. ❤ your idea about the leggings, will definitely give it ago. Feeling very overwhelmed right now because I may have to have a op on my fractured ankle ?
Liz
Hi Molly
Thank you for posting this! My first week with a cast hopefully it will go over fast!! Im curious how much size did you cut on the leggings!
Im having a hard time dressing ?
Liz
Ezekiel
So are there any tips for men. We’re a pair a pants or sweats on an leg cast. It’s hard.
Living in Normal
Hi Ezekiel.
There are some really nice sweat pants you can purchase without breaking the bank. I did get some nice sweat pants and paired them with a really nice shirt. No one even noticed! Especially if you wear a button down shirt with some nice sweat pants, it would look amazing! I found mine at Dick’s Sporting Goods and used a coupon for a really good deal! I also found that people were so understanding of a leg cast and the challenges I encountered! Hope you heal quickly!
Molly
Marie Kopinski
I was so happy to find this blog. I currently have a leg cast (it looks exactly like yours did), and it’s still warm enough to wear shorts, however, I am having my left foot done next and it will be too cold by then to wear shorts–I will also have to go back to work. I’m working remotely now for four weeks because I can’t drive so I can dress like a slouch in my shorts. I never thought of this idea and you just help me solve a lot of problems with what I was going to wear to work.
Janice Dixon
Have a cast on my left lower leg for a torn tibial tendon. Wore a boot for 5 days then casted after MRI. Leaving in a few days for a tropical vacation. Dresses for sure but wearing an “even-up” so shoes for the right foot are concerning. Any ideas?
Lisa
Just broke my foot on Thursday, have a temporary splint but and will get a cast next week. Not sure about surgery. Thank you for the legging idea! It is fabulous. It is my right foot so I also won’t be able to drive. Ran 12 miles last Sunday and like all of you so independent, so trying to adjust and looking for blessings every day.
Steph
Hey! I just broke my ankle. I’m gunna try! Thanks so much.
Brooke Jefferies
I broke my right ankle and have an appointment today to get a cast put on. I am so depressed and stressed out as we have been working hard to get everything ready for my daughter’s Graduation party ready for Memorial Weekend. I also work in a prison and don’t know if they are even going to let me come into work with a cast. I found out this morning I have no pants that work over the currently wrapped and splinted leg so I was glad to find you. I ‘got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and tripped (was more like launched) over the cord to my electric blanket.
Mary
Hi Molly,
Thanks for posting this. I am now week #6 wearing a full leg brace on my right leg. I fractured my right knee, my right thumb and my pelvis.
I followed your advice -Costco leggings in black, grey and brown. Pair it with a tunic or white blouse. Add Birkenstock flat shoes, and I feel semi-professional at work. Love garnethill.com for tunic styles
Ana
Thanks for this post! Broke my ankle in early October 2023 tripping on a rug. I’m returning to work, but will not be able to put weight on my right ankle until January! Appreciate your responses and advice!
Stephanie
Thank you for the tip! Just got a cast on today and I’m going to try this legging hack! How did you manage the stairs? I’m a mom of 4 and the thought of going on like this for 6 weeks is daunting!