We could sing the praises of jeans, midi skirts and wide-leg trousers forever more, but some days (and moods) call for leggings, and nothing else will do. Design-wise, it doesn’t get much simpler—boring, you might say—than black cotton leggings, yet few other items match the comfort and ease this wardrobe basic offers.
This is exactly what we need when we’re hanging around the house, walking the dog and running errands. But what happens when it’s time to meet your friends for brunch or embark on an impromptu shopping trip? You want to maintain the level of comfort you’ve become accustomed to but also look put-together, right? Good news: It can be done with minimal effort.
The tricky part is selecting a top to style with your trusty leggings. If you go too far down the casual route, you’re in danger of looking like you just rolled out of bed. But certain blouses and button-ups just feel too dressy to pull off with your glorified loungewear. So how does one strike the balance? After consulting the internet’s best dressers, it seems like we’ve found the answer in these six tops to wear with leggings.
Style Notes: A crisp white button-down will instantly make leggings look more outside-world appropriate without compromising on comfort. Play with proportions and balance out the oversized silhouette with flared leggings, like Lydia Tsegay did.
This silhouette is having a real moment.
Perfectly relaxed.
The Frankie Shop always delivers effortlessly polished pieces.
Look to H&M for affordable shirting that lasts.
Style Notes: Brands such as Girlfriend Collective create sports bras that look and feel great, and because of their longer length, you can style them as tops with leggings—and no, not just for the gym. A trench coat will really boost the pairing.
Fun fact: These high-waisted leggings are made from recycled plastic bottles
Supportive and sweat-wicking.
This is the ideal base layer for wearing under knitwear.
It should come as no surprise that Marks & Spencer makes top-notch sports bras.
Style Notes: A blazer is always a great idea. Smarten up your downtime separates with a structured jacket and then add a pair of chunky boots for good measure.
Classic, unfussy leggings.
Every blazer collection should include this hero style.
Cream tailoring always looks so premium.
The ideal cover-up for the season ahead.
Style Notes: Achieve that cool-girl-on-the-go aesthetic with a super-soft hoodie and simple black leggings with a longline coat layered on top.
H&M leggings always rack up great reviews.
The whole set looks irresistibly comfortable.
Don’t overlook the men’s department.
Not quite white, not quite grey, this is a dreamy neutral.
Style Notes: We’re always looking for ways to incorporate cosy jumpers into our outfits. It doesn’t get easier than this foolproof combination.
Some of the sleekest leggings on the market.
We expect to see a lot of off-the-shoulder necklines this season.
A modern-day classic—grab it while you can.
The kind of jumper you’d reach for every day.
Style Notes: Ribbed tank tops made a splash over last year, and they’re here to stay for the season ahead. Easy and effortless, this elevated basic perfectly matches leggings’ energy.
Embrace cropped styles when the weather heats up.
Because this is Skims, you know it’ll be the perfect fit.
Navy on black? I’m in.
You’ll constantly find fresh ways to style this basic.
