14 Leggings Outfits to Level Up Your Athleisure

The legging may be an '80s icon, but it really found its footing as a wardrobe staple in the last decade or so. In the early 2010s, teenagers and twenty-somethings alike were pairing leggings with everything and anything in their closets, from tunics and babydoll tops to layered tanks, oversized sweaters, graphic tees, and crop tops. Leggings staked their claim as the comfy alternative to denim and, in some instances, dress pants.

Then, in the late 2010s, athleisure came into the zeitgeist, securing the legging's spot in our wardrobes forever. Fast-forward to the roaring 2020s, and outfit ideas with leggings continue to be in high demand. If you're looking for new ways to wear the ever-popular piece, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite ways to wear leggings, ahead.

The Leather Look

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We love a leather jacket moment, specifically for fall and winter, and there’s just something about this particular pairing that draws us in. The contrast between the laid-back bottom and tough outer layer is perfection.

Buttoned-Up

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Remember when leggings were exclusively worn to work out in? Those days are long behind us. In 2023, leggings are appropriate in some office settings. If your company still leans more formal, style your favorite black pair with an oversized button-down (preferably one that cinches at the waist to highlight your shape) and heels. If you work in a creative environment, play with patterns, textures, and embellishments to make the look more your own.

Elevate With a Blazer

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Blazers can add polish to virtually any look, and an outfit with leggings is no exception. Wear an oversized blazer for a casual, streetwear vibe, or opt for something tailored with ballet flats and a sleek bun for the office.

A Gym Fit

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Traditional workout leggings will always be a workout essential, and the best part about wearing leggings to the gym or yoga studio is you can wear any color, pattern, or texture you’d like. Neons? Yes. Polka-dots? Perfect. You do you while you work up a sweat.

With a White Tee

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This just in: White tees and denim aren’t exclusive. A white tee and leggings are just as satisfying of a pair. We prefer a cropped top for the sake of proportions, but an oversized style can work, too. Add your favorite sneakers and appropriate outerwear, and you can be out the door in minutes.

Go for a Stirrup Style

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Regular leggings are great and all, but stirrup pants add chic Horse Girl Energy to even a simple T-shirt. The garment is also versatile, in that it can be worn semi-casually and formally, depending on the top you pair it with.

With a Cropped or Tucked-In Top

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Cropped tops of all styles tend to pair well with high-waisted leggings, because of their contrasting proportions. Not a crop top enthusiast? A tucked-in blouse has a similar effect.

Play with Patterns

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Not unlike traditional tights (i.e. pantyhose), leggings come in all sorts of textures and patterns, from lace to animal print, polka dots, and more. To ensure the print isn’t overwhelming, you can dull it down slightly with knee-high boots.

A One-and-Done Design

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One-and-done outfits of any kind are a win in our book, but we especially love the catsuit trend, seeing as it's essentially a legging jumpsuit. We’ve seen the Kardashians favor the look over the last few months, and unitards are expected to be everywhere this upcoming fall. Consider the garment your outfit's base, and layer up with vests, outerwear, dresses, and more.

Embrace the Vest-as-Top Trend

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If this article is a testament to anything, it’s that there are no rules in fashion. If leggings are pants, vests can be tops, and together they are a sophisticated, sleek ensemble. Just add heels, a chunky watch, and a slicked bun and you’re boardroom ready.

Layered Underneath a Dress or Skirt

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While we make the argument for why leggings are pants, we’d also like to point out yet again how versatile they are. Try them in lieu of tights under dresses or skirts; because leggings are thick, they add an extra layer of warmth in the cooler months.

Get Extra Cozy with a Cardigan

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We love an oversized sweater with leggings, but this upcoming season, why not switch things up with a cardigan? We love the example photographed here, as the look consists of a duster-length style, adding volume to an otherwise sleek aesthetic.

As a Neutral Base

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Let’s say you just bought a fabulous pair of metallic boots or have a statement coat you’ve been itching to show off. Choose a pair of black, grey, or tan leggings to serve as a base layer. This way, you can layer your pop of color, wild print, or neon over top and it will be the focal point of your ensemble.

As a Pop of Color

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Black leggings, take a seat. Find a pair in your favorite color and add them to an ensemble that could use some brightening.

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