At this point in my college career, I’ve realized that no matter how much I complain about girls on campus wearing leggings every day, there’s nothing I can say or do to convince them otherwise.

After all, leggings are indeed comfortable, warm without being stifling, and they make your legs look thinner. So now, more than anything, my problem isn’t so much the leggings themselves, but how girls are wearing them.

Let’s start with some essential what not-to-do’s. First, if I can see your pink panties from a few feet away, don’t wear them. Leggings should provide enough opaqueness so you don’t flash the Quad.

Second, if you’re getting strange fat deposits in places that should be slim, go up a size. There’s no shame in a larger size if it makes your figure look better, especially in such a constricting material. And who’s going to stop you and pull the tag out to see if you’re a small or medium?

Finally, and most importantly, leggings don’t have to be black or covered in the logos of athletic companies. Leggings, just like jeans or tights, come in a plethora of different colors, patterns and textures. Granted, it may be a bit harder to find these in Alabama, but hey, that’s what the Internet is for.

Personally, I feel that leggings look better when paired with an oversized top. This can be a loose graphic tee, a flowing tank top or a larger button down. Whatever is on top, make sure it comes to at least the middle of your bottom. Anything shorter skews your proportions. However, on this note, anything too long (a XXXL t-shirt when you’re a small) is going to make you look short and boxy … and ridiculous.

When it comes to wearing shoes with leggings, anything goes. For the summer, a strappy gladiator sandal or patent leather flat is perfect; for the fall and winter, boots of any size and shape are great. Moccasins or oxfords are also casual options for going to class or running errands. This being said, please, for the love of whatever you believe in, skip the tennis shoes. They’re comfortable, yes. Some of them work your legs out while you walk, I know. But your feet look giant and unattractive. Save the workout shoes for the Rec.

While I’ve dedicated this column to leggings and their nuances, I feel like I should say something in regard to similar leg attire: tights.

Tights are NOT leggings. They are much thinner and they tear easily. And although they look great under shorts or a cute skirt, they should NOT be worn as pants. You may say, “I’d never do that.” Well, that’s great—keep up the good work—but I’ve seen more than my fair share of tight-clad ladies on campus, and it’s appalling. I can see things I shouldn’t be able to when I go to class. Put on some pants! Or shorts. I’m not picky.

Now, some of you readers may think I’m being too harsh. I’d like to put in this disclaimer to say that I’m just trying to help you look your best. We may not have the same style at all, but when your panties start glowing through your sheer bottoms, I feel like I should say something. So ditch the invisible tights for some thick leggings, and go have fun!