Leggings tend to get a limited reputation as athleisure wear, or clothes that you wear when you’re not really in the mood to put together a full outfit. And while they’re definitely the perfect piece to reach for when you want to be comfortable, they can also be so much more than that! If you want to take a pair of leggings to the next level, these black leggings outfit ideas prove just how chic you can look while wearing your favorite pair of cozy pants for fall and winter.
1. leggings + wrap sweater + ballet flats + gold jewelry + tote bag + white tee
sweater | leggings | shirt | flats | necklace | tote bag | earrings
Leggings might already be a staple in your work-from-home outfits, but there are a few really easy ways to dress them up to feel as professional as you are comfortable! First, think in layers when you’re putting together black leggings outfit ideas. Layers make any outfit feel more complete and well-thought-out. Even the simple act of adding a white t-shirt underneath your favorite sweater can make your styling feel more intentional.
Next, add structure to your outfit. A black legging outfit is inherently pretty casual, so pieces with more structure or tailoring help to make it feel more put-together. A wrap sweater is the perfect example! The tie at the waist gives your figure added shape, without sacrificing comfort. Then, if you have to head out of the house for an errand or want to work from a coffee shop, all you have to do is add simple jewelry and classic leather accessories to complete the ensemble.
2. blazer + sweater + long-sleeved tee + leggings + knee-high boots + sunglasses
boots | leggings | bag | t-shirt | blazer | sunglasses
Another great thing about leggings is that they’re easy to pair with your favorite capsule wardrobe basics. From sweaters to blazers to wool coats, your go-to autumn and winter staples are the perfect pieces for the job when it comes to making your black leggings look more elevated.
If you’re dressing up for a casual lunch meeting, try styling your black leggings for a chic tonal look. When paired with a black t-shirt and oversized blazer, along with knee-high boots, there’s enough coverage to give your leggings a more sophisticated vibe. Throw a sweater over your shoulders and add a structured handbag to really pull the look together!
3. v-neck sweater + button-down + wool coat + pearls + leggings + boots
leggings | boots | bag | shirt | sweater | coat | pearls
Leggings might just be one of the most comfortable pairs of pants to wear to Thanksgiving dinner. The cotton material, easy stretch, and elastic waistband make them the ideal style of clothes for a day that’s all about relaxing with family and friends (and enjoying a home-cooked meal, of course).
Styling a chic Thanksgiving outfit with leggings doesn’t have to be hard, either! On top, go for a crisp white button-down shirt underneath a v-neck sweater for a preppy look. Paired with knee-high boots and pearl earrings, along with a warm wool coat, you have a winning style recipe for your holiday get-together.
4. trench coat + turtleneck + leggings + leopard print bag + ankle boots
boots | leggings | bag | sweater | trench coat
Love chic Parisian style? With one easy swap, you can make one of their go-to casual chic outfit ideas that much more casual with black leggings. A classic trench coat, turtleneck, structured bag, and ankle boots might be a pretty standard French style look, but you can make it a little more comfy by swapping out their favorite straight-leg jeans with black leggings. You still get all the chic Parisian vibes, but in your most comfortable pants for a relaxing weekend day. Add a red lip for the cherry on top!
5. button-down + blazer + leggings + quarter-zip + hat + sneakers
shoes | socks | leggings | shirt | sweater | blazer | hat
If you want to elevate your Saturday errands run, start with your favorite black leggings. Black leggings can serve as the ideal neutral base for your look. They pair well with both your other neutral pieces and colorful ones. Although there are plenty of chic neutral outfit options on this list, always feel free to swap the black, white, or tan items out for your more vibrant pieces instead!
Chunky sneakers are having a moment right now, and if you search “casual chic looks” on Pinterest, there are probably plenty of results that pop up with this type of shoe included. Thanks to their heavier visual weight, they pair well with slim-fitting pants – like leggings! On top, just make sure to balance out the look with another piece with more visual “weight”. Layers, oversized pieces, etc., are all examples of how to create that balanced visual.
Beyond visual weight, layers also have the advantage of making your outfit look more complete and elevated. Classic workwear staples like a blazer, half-zip, button-down, etc., can take your casual weekend look to the next level.
6. wool coat + sweatshirt + leggings + beanie + tote bag + sneakers
sneakers | socks | leggings | coat | sweatshirt | bag | beanie
Let your outerwear make your first impression this winter! A wool coat will make any outfit appear more put-together and expensive, so it’s the ideal piece to pair with your leggings. If you’re running around doing last-minute Christmas shopping, or maybe getting back into your routine after the holidays are over, you can stay cute and casual in leggings, a sweatshirt, and a wool coat. A sleek pair of white sneakers, a black beanie, and a suede bag are the finishing touches to elevate this look to off-duty model level.
7. white t-shirt + sweater vest + sunglasses + leggings + sneakers + tote bag
sneakers | leggings | bag | t-shirt | sweater vest | sunglasses
Leggings that are tight all the way through aren’t the only option for this style of pants! If you have a pear, apple, hourglass, or rectangular figure, flare or bootcut leggings will be especially flattering for your figure. They’ll help to balance your proportions and create a long, lean silhouette.
If you’re heading out to meet a friend for coffee but can’t bear to change out of your favorite leggings (understandable), dress them up with a sweater vest and a t-shirt on top. A cable knit sweater adds texture to your look, while a t-shirt layer creates dimension and contrast.
8. striped sweater + mac coat + hoops + leggings + handbag + ballet flats
shoes | leggings | bag | coat | sweater | hoops
Love French fashion? Us, too! This is another way a French woman might choose to style her favorite leggings for a day off. First, give stirrup leggings a try. The extra detail makes these leggings look a little more high-end than the traditional style. They also pair well with a French woman’s favorite shoe – the ballet flat.
On top, a striped turtleneck and a classic trench make for the perfect pairing when it comes to casual chic Parisian fashion. If you have a lunch and shopping day on the books, this would be the ideal fall outfit for the occasion.
9. button-down shirt + leggings + cap-toed flats + pearls + tote bag
shoes | leggings | shirt | bag | earrings
I work from home a few days a week, and sometimes I like to mix things up by going to a coffee shop to get work done. But when I do go, I always like to look at least a little professional to get myself in a productive headspace! If you want to make your work from home day (or work from a coffee shop day) feel a little more like an occasion, pair stirrup leggings with a few elegant basics. All you need is an oversized white button-down, cap-toed flats, a chic tote bag, and pearl earrings to assemble the look!
10. t-shirt + sweatshirt + baseball cap + hoops + leggings + sneakers
sneakers | socks | leggings | t-shirt | sweatshirt | earrings | baseball cap
Wear your favorite flare leggings to watch the game with a bit of sporty chic styling. Think your comfiest, coziest neutral basics with a pop of color thrown in! Use the sandwich method to match your accessories, like burgundy sneakers paired with a burgundy baseball cap. You can keep the rest of your look simple with flare leggings, a crewneck sweatshirt, and a white t-shirt.
11. cable knit sweater + barn jacket + pearls + leggings + boots + tote bag
boots | leggings | sweater | bag | jacket | earrings
Here at MCO, we’ve been loving the English countryside for fall and winter outfits, and just as their name suggests, stirrup leggings are the perfect style if you’re going for that classic equestrian-influenced look. This is the perfect style of leggings to complement your preppy pieces like a cable knit sweater, barn jacket, and knee-high boots. Add in your minimalist, yet timeless accessories like pearl stud earrings and a Longchamp tote bag, and you’re all set for a day full of your favorite fall activities.
Looking Luxe in Leggings
You don’t have to save your leggings for your gym dates or relaxing at home – they can look just as chic while you’re out and about with the right styling! From an English countryside vibe to a chic lunch date, your leggings can easily become a regular staple in your weekly wardrobe rotation this fall and winter.
Looking for more outfit ideas that will effortlessly transition your style from fall to winter? Carolyn’s here to help! Up Next: My Week in Autumn Outfits (And How I Styled Them)
