Spotted in the City: Spandex

I've been away from New York too long, so it was thoroughly refreshing to get back to this city and see what crazy style concoctions people are coming up with these days.  One look I saw a few times that stuck out in my mind was the use of spandex shorts under tunics. Not in the 80s dancer kind of way- this was more downtown-chic.

via here &  here

They function as bottoms of sorts, under tunics and longer tops.  I assume it allows these girls to feel like this excuses the increasingly rising hemline on the streets.  But I must admit, styled well, it looks amazing.