From Chic, Cozy, to Athleisure: 7 Ways to Wear the Essential Legging this Season
When we think of essentials, we instantly think of multiple ways to incorporate a single piece into our looks—and it virtually requires no effort. Leggings have become quite the staple throughout the new normal, and it’s easy to box it into just being loungewear or a component in your activewear rotation. But as part of the sartorial changes we’re making this year, your essentials don’t have to be boring.
We’re here to show you seven different ways you can wear this beloved basic, including some styling tricks to guarantee you’re always looking chic whatever you’re up to. From street style snap-worthy looks to sprucing up your evening party ensembles, your trusty leggings are about to be your new favorite no matter the agenda or season.
Bring Out the Secret Weapon
Shop the Snake Annelise Pants ($111.95)
There’s no reason to be afraid to prints. In fact, every sartorialist can attest, it’s actually the easiest way to brighten up a look with little effort. A printed legging can be dressed up or down depending on how you choose to style them. Pair it with one of your favorite textured jackets or coats or tone it down a solid basic like a comfy tee or a turtleneck for colder days. Either way, it’s going to make you forget about trousers for a while.
Shop the Ponte Pattern Pull On Slim Legging ($19.99)
Shop the Leopard Annelise Pant ($111.95)
Take Shaping to the Next Level
Shop the Tummy Control Leggings ($34.95)
Leggings are already unparalleled in comfort for any sort of activity, so why not wear one to complement your shape for the rest of your outfits? It’s one of those pieces that allow you to get the best of both worlds. Tummy control leggings are key to take the shaping effect up a notch. It offers a high-waist silhouette that both supports the midsection and helps emphasize the curves. Try them casually with knitwear or a graphic tee or style them even further tucked over a classic white button-down or puff sleeve blouse.
Shop the Tummy Control Legging ($24.99)
Shop the DB Sunday Hacci Sweater Knit Color Block Cardigan ($29.95)
Look on the Bright Side
Perk up your mood in a flash by adding a pop of color. This styling trick is a subtler version of incorporating prints and great for those who love color blocking or prefer to keep their ensembles more solid and simple. If you’re like most whose resolutions this year involve getting into fitness, brights are our favorite way to spice up athleisure sets. The mood-altering power of a good workout look in conjunction with rich hues can get you encouraged to move. Other than activity, consider pairing the same family of colors in your dressier options. A sage green coat with pastel blue leggings is a fun take to a classy New York get-up.
Shop the Charge Up Legging ($89.95)
Shop the Charge Up Legging ($89.95)
Work Up a Sweat in Style
Shop the Fierce Liquid Legging ($108.95)
Good activewear plays a huge part in getting you motivated. On days when you feel like skipping a workout, putting on a stylish athleisure set makes all the difference in your mood. Try something new with textured pieces like a glossy or crocodile pair. Perhaps even a fun print! Not only is it important to find the right fit but also to get into the mindset that having fun is a part of getting in shape. So get into your best fitness gear, and you’ll be back into your groove in no time.
Shop the High Rise Glossy Crocodile Legging ($108.95)
Shop the Layla All Over Bolt Legging ($101.95)
Take Cues From Minimalism
Shop the Tummy Control Legging ($33.95)
There are several Instagram accounts dedicated to minimalist street style for a reason. Editors can agree, it’s an absolute foolproof method to looking polished and pulled together with just a few essentials and even fewer colors. Don’t fret if your pieces aren’t the same shade—that’s exactly the beauty of tonal dressing the way that it looks incredibly cool when you don a single hue in various tones. Apart from figuring out your main color, the key to sprucing it up is blending textures, such as your favorite knits or perhaps a patent pair of leggings for a little luster. Layer a coat and sport your favorite tall boots too when the temperature drops.
Shop the Westport Cozy Stripe Pullover Sweater ($49.95)
Shop the Roz & Ali Novelty Pullover Sweater ($29.99)
Keep It Sleek
Shop the Everyday Legging 7/8 With Pockets ($55.95)
The enduring appeal of dark solid hues is a styling trick we always look forward to for fall. It leaves plenty of room for layering and is eternally classy. For those who love uniform dressing, this is one way to utilize all your essentials. A pair of sleek black leggings will easily look great with an oversized blazer cinched with a waist belt, or take inspiration à la Clueless and get on board with the sweater vest trend layered over a puff long sleeve blouse.
Shop the Piping Detail Pointe Blazer ($60.95)
Shop the Honor Legging ($103.95)
Utilize Its Versatility
Click here to shop the Cascade Light Denim Jacket ($63.95)
The freedom and room for creativity that leggings give us are exactly why we love them so much. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and take a piece from every category—essentials, dressy options, loungewear, and more. The possibilities are just endless. Reimagine an athleisure set for your active rest day walks under a neutral duster coat. It takes the set away from being divided into just fitness wear and bumps it up to something you can wear to hang-outs with friends when the weather is in between. Invest in leggings with texture too as the smallest details can make a huge difference. Maybe it’s time for a high shine pair, zip details, or a split-hem. Trust us; if there’s a particular top, outerwear piece, or even shoe you want to re-wear after cleaning out your closet, chances are that a pair of leggings can create a look for you.
Shop the Hooded Plaids Patterned Blazer ($69.95)
Shop the Hooded Vest With Faux Mink Border ($58.95)
Shop the Riley Jacket ($182.95)
Discover Something New
Staying indoors shouldn’t put a halt to our love of fashion. In fact, it gives plenty of space for exploration because of the extra time we have on our hands. If you get inspired by looks you see on Instagram or TV, try recreating them in your own versions. Find new ways to wear your basics, create palettes of your favorite seasonal colors, and build looks around them—the world is your sartorial oyster.
No matter your resolutions this year, whether it be fitness-related or just changing up your style, always remember to have fun with it. You’ll never know the bevy of cool looks you can create with a simple piece.
