Leggings As Pants

There seems to be a heated debate circulating around the fashion world about whether or not a person can pull off wearing leggings as pants.  I'll admit, I've seen a lot of great arguments for both sides of the issue, but I'm going to have to side with those people who say it's acceptable to wear leggings as pants.  To provide you with adequate proof, I will demonstrate a way to wear leggings as pants with pictures. 

Well, it's rainy today so the sundress I was considering was completely out of the question.  Instead, I decided to wear a dark blue blouse from New York and Company with my yellow sweater from Old Navy.  Along with the blouse and sweater, I wore a pair of basic black leggings and my rain boots.

Here is a picture of my polka dot rain boots with the whole outfit.  What do you think?  Would you wear leggings as pants or should they be strictly confined to the gym and under dresses/skirts?