12 legging outfits: how to style the wardrobe staple this season

Orin Carlin
·2-min read

Guess what? Snobs miss out. To pigeonhole leggings exclusively the realm of loungewear does them a disservice – and we have the photographic evidence to prove it.

Granted, leggings fit into that category, after all, they are difficult to rival in the comfort department.

READ: How to style split-hem jeans

MORE: Baggy jeans outfits that are perfect for spring

But the skin-tight trouser trend serves a purpose beyond merely accompanying you to your front garden to put the bins out.

Sabina Jakubowicz sports a graphic knit alongside black leggings with white detailing
Sabina Jakubowicz sports a graphic knit alongside black leggings with white detailing

How to style leggings

It's entirely possible to look chic in leggings, but how you style them is crucial. They're typically deemed casual, but you can easily up the ante with smarter separates.

Anything too slouchy can quickly verge into sloppy. Inject a sense of structure into your outfit via a sharply tailored blazer, or a high drama blouse – think statement sleeves or defined ruffles.

READ: How to nail the smart casual dress code according to a stylist

MORE: How to create a capsule wardrobe for 2023

Angela Rozas Saiz wears pink Pantaleggings with a vibrant cardigan
Angela Rozas Saiz wears pink Pantaleggings with a vibrant cardigan

Length-wise, we'd advocate just above the ankle or beyond with a stylish stirrup. Anything shorter, swerve unless you're Bella Hadid or in a Madonna music video – the capri length cuts you off at the calf which isn't usually particularly forgiving.

A sleek black stirrup has captured the imagination of the fashion set in recent seasons. This looks fresh and interesting styled with slingbacks, or alternatively, leggings with glossy finishes (think vinyl or leather) can be relied upon for instant elevation.

Hello! Fashion shares our current favourite legging outfits:

Fatou N'Diaye wears burnt orange leggings with a statement jacket
Fatou N'Diaye wears burnt orange leggings with a statement jacket
A Fashion Week guest wears a green leggings under a mesh skirt overlay
A Fashion Week guest wears a green leggings under a mesh skirt overlay
Emilie Joseph teams leggings with a high drama gold belt
Emilie Joseph teams leggings with a high drama gold belt
Natalia Verza styles capri leggings with a mint green coat
Natalia Verza styles capri leggings with a mint green coat
A Fashion Week guest wears bright red leggings with a cream ruffle blouse
A Fashion Week guest wears bright red leggings with a cream ruffle blouse
Jessica Kahawaty wears a fluffy green knit with split-hem leggings
Jessica Kahawaty wears a fluffy green knit with split-hem leggings
Xenia Adonts styles split-hem leggings with a boxy leather jacket
Xenia Adonts styles split-hem leggings with a boxy leather jacket
Ellie Delphine wears a camel coat with black leggings and tan thigh-high boots
Ellie Delphine wears a camel coat with black leggings and tan thigh-high boots
Julia Comil styles stirrup leggings with slingbacks
Julia Comil styles stirrup leggings with slingbacks
Joicy Muniz wears blue striped leggings with heels
Joicy Muniz wears blue striped leggings with heels

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