Skinny legs

Before I gained some weight, I was about 130 at 5'11. I had super skinny legs and I was just generally skinny. About 4-5 years later I have obviously gained weight because I quit exercising. I obviously want my old body back (doesn't everyone?). I'm not extremely overweight - I'm about 158.5 now but my main problem is that most of the weight I gained is now in my thighs and legs. I don't want to have extremely muscular legs but I want my skinny ones back. I know that you can't target an area in weight loss, but how can I get back to my old body shape without looking too muscular? Walk instead of run or is that a rumor? Thank you in advance (i'm still new at all of this so these questions may be a bit noob-ish)