When it comes to fashion, most people fall into one of two camps: those who love leggings and those who are not yet converted. For some, leggings are still the hallmark of the ’80s and ’90s aerobics boom, but after two years in lockdown required us to replace our jeans with something a little more comfortable, the resurgence of leggings was imminent (albeit with a more stylish twist). Instead of solely wearing leggings with oversized sweatshirts and slippers, influencers and editors cottoned on to the fact that when worn the right way, leggings can do what skinny jeans can’t: create a slimline silhouette without the tight restriction of denim. They’re a surefire win. And now that we’re fully in our leggings era, with black and tonal iterations filling our wardrobes, we’re accustomed to our comfy-chic uniforms. Even so, we don’t want things to get too “samey”—and that’s where trend spotting steps in.
We’ve scrolled through all of the best legging outfits on social media (and believe us, that’s a lot) to whittle down five legging trends that perfectly illustrate just how stylish these stretchy bottoms can be. So, if you’re after a five-minute outfit that looks like you took your time getting ready, keep scrolling to see how fashion people are wearing leggings, the luxury way.
Style Notes: They might be somewhat of a throwback, but stirrup leggings have stood the test of time for a very good reason. Perhaps it’s the power-dressing connotations, or maybe it’s the dose of polish they add to an outfit (they just make sense with heels), but either way, these delightfully retro bottoms are the first thing influencers grab when looking for an outfit that balances comfort, practicality and style.
Sturdy stirrups that won’t snap or fray.
These are made from a lightweight, second-skin fabric that you can also wear for yoga or pilates.
See what we mean about stirrup leggings and heels?
These are selling fast.
Trust WARDROBE.NYC to nail luxe basics.
You know ski trousers will be reliably cold-weather resistant.
Style Notes: What happens when you mix one of 2022’s biggest colour trends (beige) with one of 2023’s biggest colour trends (grey)? The answer is far less boring than you might have anticipated, and chic, cool-toned “greige” is a lesson in how pared-back shades always manage to look expensive. Whether you wear them with gym gear or tailoring, leggings in this grounded neutral will pair with anything and feel like a fresh update on a black pair.
lululemon is highly rated by our editors.
There are an unbeatable price.
If greige isn’t your thing, these come in mid-brown too.
The wide waistband and high-rise avoid sags and slips.
If you haven’t tried M&S’s active range Goodmove, you should. It’s one of the best on the high street.
Made from bio-based nylon sourced from castor beans and a plant-based elastane for added stretch.
Style Notes: Okay, so this isn’t technically a pair of leggings per se, but add a jumper or a jacket over a stretch catsuit or all-in-one body and no one would ever know the difference. We’ve spotted a surprising number of these bodysuits appearing on socials and in the new-in sections of the best loungewear and sports brands, signalling a lot of interest in head-to-toe lycra. There’s something to be said about slipping into one easy, flexible outfit though, and when the temperature drops this could be the base layer to so many cosy outfits.
It might be designed for yoga, but this shade of chocolate brown is straight from the runways.
Stretch-knit fabric and seamless construction for a flawless silhouette.
This one is even belted!
A split hem for a kick-flare shape.
If it can be done in stretch cotton, you can bet Skims has made it.
Style Notes: There are plenty of shoes that work with leggings, but knee-high boots stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to a super-sleek pairing. This simple but effective combination has the benefit of not only being practical (you’re covered for rain, shine and even snow), but it looks exceptionally good too. Dress it up with a heeled pair or keep it casual in a flat style—either way, this is an outfit guaranteed to get compliments.
Zara leggings have never let us down.
We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that these riding boots were designer.
Zips let you control the shape of the hem.
Moto boots are currently trending.
These glossy Commando leggings fit like a second skin.
We can’t think of a chicer winter pairing than leather and suede.
Style Notes: It would be impossible to talk about leggings without mentioning the activewear brand in everyone’s wardrobe this season: Adanola. It’s been a great year for the brand, which has been spotted on the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kourtney Kardashian and Kaia Gerber, and Instagram followers in their thousands have loyally converted to Adanola’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic and performance quality leggings. Expect smoothing, sculpting fits and an on-trend colour palette.
This heather grey is so pretty.
You can wear these to gym and to brunch afterwards.
Great for waist-cinching.
The exact pair we spotted on Emily Wells (pictured above).
