Pre-pandemic, leggings were making a name for themselves.
One clothing brand, Asos, reported sales of leggings in 2018 that were 95% higher than in 2017. Lyst, a fashion search engine, said leggings are one of its most-searched items, totaling 430,000 searches a month. Those are just two of many examples.
Post-quarantine, things haven’t changed much. Being at home and working remotely kept sales steady or soaring. That, combined with a growing fitness movement, means everyone is wearing leggings—including you.
Keep reading for fashionable tips on styling leggings and creating new outfits.
1. Wear With a Matching Top for a Workout
When you match your top to your bottoms, you’re giving yourself plenty of options. You can keep the style as-is, pairing it with some high-top sneakers for a cute athleisure-wear look. The matching colors make you look pulled together.
Or, you can add to the look with accessories—a wide-brimmed hat, a baseball cap, a jacket around the waist, a big bag.
Another thing to keep in mind is to try and match textures, too. For example, if you wear lace capri leggings, your matching top might feature a hint of lace.
2. Throw an Oversized Flannel Over It
Leggings as pants don’t work for everyone (especially if they’re see-through—don’t forget to check first!).
But if you pair an oversized shirt with it, your bum will stay covered and you’ll still be comfortable and fashion-forward.
Consider the tip we just covered above—let’s say you’ve got a sleek, matching black set. Throw an oversized flannel of any color over the top, and voilà, it’s an entirely new outfit! You can wear a shirt under the flannel (distressed concert tee, vintage Harley Davidson shirt, plain tee) or just rock the matching leggings and bra underneath.
3. Add a Blazer for a Polished Finish
Let’s say you’re rocking the fancier leggings look—a fitted tank, leggings, and heels.
There’s something missing from that equation, something that could pull it all together. We’re talking about a blazer!
Choose a blazer that’s long enough to cover your backside to keep it work-appropriate. The same effect can be had with a long trench coat if that’s a style you enjoy more.
4. Leather Leggings as Pants
Okay, let’s say you really, really want to wear leggings as pants. It’s been a long week, you’re bloated, you’re tired, whatever the reason may be.
If you just can’t resist, opt for leather leggings.
They look so similar to leather pants that some people might not even be able to tell the difference. Black leather leggings with a looser-fitting top, a luxe bag, and some nice shoes can work day or night.
5. Prints Are a Plus
Most of these outfit ideas center around solid-colored leggings, but patterned or printed leggings are a good idea, too!
Printed leggings go with:
- Oversized shirts with matching dominant colors
- Loose-fitting denim button-ups that cover the bum, paired with flats
- Tucked into high boots with a loose-fitting, plain top
- A plain or matching patterned sports bra
Why Not Wear Leggings?
Leggings are great for so many reasons—they’re versatile, comfortable, and can be styled up or down.
Whether you’re running errands, heading to the gym, attending a Zoom meeting, or meeting your friends for dinner, leggings are always an option as long as you style them correctly. Use the tips above to make sure you’re on the right path!
Need more fashion and beauty tips? Take a look at our fashion section for more fashion dos and don’ts.
