How to Wear Leggings: 4 Leggings Outfit Ideas

Leggings are slim-fitting pull-on pants made of stretchy materials that stay on with an elastic waistband rather than zippers or buttons. Leggings come in many styles, from faux-leather moto leggings for a night out to athletic pairs featuring sweat-wicking and flexible materials for yoga or other activities. Leggings come in thick jersey or Ponte and luxe fabrics like velvet, suede, or leather. Some leggings imitate classic pants styles, such as jeggings—a cross between leggings and denim jeans—or leather leggings. Most leggings fall to the ankle, but some fall mid-calf or knee-length.

You can wear leggings for many occasions. Use these style tips to help you craft outfits with this versatile wardrobe staple:

1. 1. Create a casual outfit. Since leggings are soft and stretchy, you can style them as comfortable loungewear. Pair a solid crop top or T-shirt with patterned leggings and a denim jacket in the spring and summer, or style black leggings with a long cardigan or oversized sweater to create a comfy and casual look in cooler months.
2. 2. Go for an athleisure look. Style leggings for a comfortable and sporty athleisure look. Brightly colored leggings or printed leggings are standard in workout wear; style a simple white tee or short top with cropped leggings or match high-waist leggings with a patterned sports bra in warmer months. Wear a full-length pair of leggings with a long sleeve shirt and hoodie in the winter.
3. 3. Style with a long shirt. For a dressy leggings look, style a pair of faux-leather leggings with a button-down shirt, blazer, and high heels, booties, or loafers. In the winter, you can wear knee-high boots over your leggings and wear a cardigan over your long top.
4. 4. Swap tights for leggings in cold weather. Sport skirts and dresses in the winter by wearing wool or cotton leggings instead of tights. Wear black leggings under a skirt with a turtleneck or long sweater, or try tight leggings under a sweater dress or long tunic top. Complete the outfit with ankle boots or ballet flats.

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