Black leggings are often considered to be a fashion faux pas when it comes to style beyond athleisure. But there’s a lot to love about leggings! They can be slimming, comfortable, and practical for a busy day. What if I told you that it’s actually all about how you style them? Yes, you can make leggings look chic. (And I have proof for you below). Keep reading for 11 no-fail leggings outfit ideas you can style for a classy look all year long.
1. oversized blazer + t-shirt + leggings + baseball cap + sneakers
leggings | t-shirt | blazer | sneakers | tote bag | earrings | baseball cap
This first look is an instant way to level up your leggings outfits. If you’re headed out for a casual Saturday or running errands on the weekend, this classic (and trendy) look is the perfect way to elevate your black leggings. First, the leggings. Reach for a slim pair of leggings in classic black cotton. Spandex or faux leather leggings could also be a great option for this look. Next, add another staple for everyday wear: your favorite white t-shirt.
The key to making this look appear more intentional and put together is the oversized blazer. This workwear staple is a powerhouse when it comes to layering your casual looks. Wear it over cozy sweatshirts, t-shirts, or even matching lounge sets to upgrade your style from comfy casual to chic instantly.
It’s also all about your accessories. The right accessories will transform this look before your very eyes. A clean pair of sneakers, chunky gold jewelry, and an oversized tote bag pull everything together.
2. lady jacket + leggings + shoulder bag + earrings + ballet flats
lady jacket | leggings | earrings | bag | ballet flats
Try mixing high and low styles to create balance in your leggings outfits. For instance, try wearing a flared pair of leggings with a lady jacket-style cardigan. Classic, chic looks don’t have to be uncomfortable! You can make elegant looks that fit your lifestyle by experimenting with unexpected pairings.
Once again, the magic in this look comes from the accessories. They can help to further elevate your leggings and make everything come together in a cohesive way. Accessorize with black ballet flats, a quilted shoulder bag, and a pair of gold stud earrings for a Chanel-approved leggings outfit idea.
3. button-down shirt + sweater + leggings + loafers
button-down shirt | loafers | sweater | leggings | earrings
Leggings are a popular attire choice if you work from home. But if you want to look more put together for that unexpected Zoom call or lunchtime meeting, you can style them in a way that feels more work-appropriate.
On top, reach for a longtime workwear staple: the classic oversized button-down shirt. Right away, this provides coverage to your look to make a figure-hugging pair of leggings more appropriate for an office dress code. Then, layer on an oversized sweater. Try choosing a sweater and button-down in different shades of the same color to create a stacked, tonal effect. Finally, keep your accessories simple. Reach for a pair of leather loafers and gold stud earrings to round out the look inspired by business casual.
4. denim shirt + cardigan + leggings + clogs + socks
socks | clogs | leggings | denim shirt | cardigan | tote bag
Style leggings for spring with an easy layered look formula. First, start with a pair of flared leggings. They’re a great choice if you want to wear leggings that look more like your favorite pair of trousers. On top, add texture with a denim shirt. This instantly adds color and interest to your ensemble to make it appear less like athleisure.
Then, add a cozy cardigan on top. This is great for added warmth in the fall and spring. Plus, it’s another new texture to introduce to your look. That’s the key to preventing your leggings from looking like loungewear. The more textures, the better.
Drive that theory home with a leather oversized tote bag, suede clogs, and a pair of white crew socks.
5. trench coat + leggings + t-shirt + neck scarf + ballet flats
leggings | t-shirt | trench coat | ballet flats | neck scarf | straw bag
You can adapt one of our favorite French girl outfit formulas with a pair of leggings for a comfortable, yet chic Parisian-inspired look. First, start with your Parisian girl go-to: a classic trench coat. If the spring weather is warm enough, you can keep it simple underneath with a basic tee. Then, add another French girl favorite: a neck scarf. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of color to this neutral look.
The rest of your accessories are French girl-approved, too. Ballet flats and a woven tote bag complete the great leggings look.
6. sweater + t-shirt + claw clip + leggings + loafers + socks
loafers | leggings | socks | sweater | t-shirt | claw clip
This next look is one of my personal favorite leggings outfit ideas. I’ve worn the above look myself, so I can personally attest that it’s a great way to style your leggings for a comfortable day spent shopping.
Start the casual look with your cozy leggings. Then, add a white shirt paired with an oversized sweater. I love the contrast that this shade of green provides in a winter look – especially when you’re craving some color in your life. You can also swap this shade out for any of your personal favorites – a cherry red version or even a print like stripes or leopard would look great too! Cozy sweaters in an oversized style are perfect if you’re looking for full coverage over your leggings.
Burgundy has been everywhere this winter, and it’s the perfect tone of moody red for cold weather looks. Burgundy loafers and a coordinating claw clip finish out the chic look.
7. tank top + leggings + white button-down + sandals + chunky jewelry
tank top | leggings | sandals | button-down | watch | earrings
Light layers are the key to elevating your leggings for summer outfits. When the weather’s warm, it’s all about choosing the right fabrics. Linen, cotton, and poplin are your best choices to combat the summer heat.
Start this cute outfit for summer with your favorite pair of leggings and a coordinating tank top. This is the perfect slimming look if you prefer a flattering style! Plus, tonal looks always make you look more put-together and your outfit appears more intentional.
Next, add a linen button-down. This piece is key when it comes to making your outfit look more appropriate for running errands outside the home. The linen fabric will keep you from overheating, even with the extra coverage! Then, accessorize with leather sandals and chunky gold jewelry.
8. striped sweater + white tank + leggings + boat shoes + earrings + straw tote
tote bag | leggings | shoes | tank top | three-quarter zip | earrings
Are you excited about sporting nautical outfits this spring and summer? (Me, too!) This next leggings look is the perfect way to get that East Coast-inspired vibe, even if it’s still a little chilly outside.
First, start with your flared leggings. On top, reach for your favorite basic tee or t-shirt. Then, add your striped three-quarter zip. When the weather warms up, you can easily adapt this look by switching out your leggings for shorts or white linen pants.
Get the coastal look with some help from your accessories, too. Boat shoes are perfect to get that beach-ready look, and a straw tote is forever a classic. Gold knot earrings (for a little sailing reference) complete the look.
9. striped tee + crop trench + leggings + sneakers + sunglasses + bag
sneakers | leggings | t-shirt | trench coat | sunglasses | saddle bag
This next look is the perfect kind of outfit for grabbing lunch with a friend. Don’t feel like you have to change out of your comfy leggings for a casual lunch! Instead, focus on dressing up on top to make your leggings restaurant-ready.
Pair your flared leggings with a striped short-sleeve tee and a crop trench coat for an easy spring outfit formula. Then, grab a pair of neutral athletic sneakers (perfect if you’re running late!). Keep your accessories simple with a pair of timeless tortoiseshell sunglasses and a saddle bag.
10. turtleneck + top coat + leggings + tall boots + shoulder bag + gold earrings
turtleneck | coat | leggings | boots | earrings | shoulder bag
Leggings don’t have to be limited to casual outfits. If you really want to take them up a notch, here’s how to style them with a long wool coat for a classy winter outfit. If you live in a cold climate, you know that the right layers are key to creating chic ensembles, even if it’s freezing outside.
Start this look with your favorite leggings with a slim fit. This way, they’ll be easy to wear underneath a tall pair of boots for a streamlined look. On top, grab a knit turtleneck to layer under your wool coat for an elegant pairing. Accessorize with a quilted shoulder bag and gold stud earrings in this Sunday services-approved attire.
11. sweater blazer + satin tank top + leggings + jewelry + tote bag + mary jane flats
sweater blazer | leggings | mary janes | watch | earrings | tank top | tote bag
If you keep leggings in your weekly rotation, here’s how to style them with a long sweater for date night. On top, layer a sweater blazer over a satin tank top for a textured look. Then, accessorize with a pair of Mary Jane flats to add balance to your top half. You could also style a pair of pointed-toe leather ankle boots instead for a similar effect. Elevate the look further with a silver watch, a tote bag, and pearl stud earrings.
Adapt this look for a cozy day at home by swapping out the satin tank top for a cotton version, and the sweater blazer for a long cardigan. With little tweaks, you can make this outfit formula fit your everyday looks all year long.
Look Chic in Leggings All Year Long
Leggings aren’t just for the gym! You can style them in a chic, classic way with a little help from layers, texture, and interesting proportions. Whether you’re looking for comfy summer outfits or cozy winter outfits, leggings can be the perfect solution (especially if you don’t want to leave your house in the first place).
Looking for more leggings outfit ideas? Up Next: 10 Fashionable Fall and Winter Outfits With Black Leggings
