How To Style Leggings: Fashion Rules to Wear Leggings And Stay Classy

2024 is already proving to be a year full of fashion statements, Y2K-inspired outfit ideas, and bringing back the classic style leggings outfit ideas that we all know and love.

Even though leggings are a versatile item of clothing, not everyone knows how to wear them correctly. Many people think that leggings should be worn as part of a layered ensemble. It can be challenging to pull off a fashionable look if you choose to wear leggings as pants rather than as tights underneath other apparel, but it is entirely up to you. Leggings may be worn in every season and yet look fashionable by combining and contrasting colors and wearing the appropriate footwear. Make sure you're wearing your leggings stylishly by following these instructions.

What Are Leggings?

Leggings are pull-on, form-fitting pants without zippers or buttons; their waistbands are elastic to keep them in place. Leggings are available in many different styles, from moto leggings made of faux leather for a night out to athletic pairs made of sweat-wicking and flexible materials for yoga or other sports. Luxurious materials like velvet, suede, and leather are available for leggings, in addition to a thick jersey or Ponte. Jeggings, which are a combination between leggings and denim jeans, are one type of leggings that imitates classic pant styles. Some leggings terminate at the mid-calf or knee, while most end at the ankle.

Types of Leggings

Leggings are a wardrobe staple that you can use for a variety of different outfits and a variety of different seasons. They are a staple item, meaning they must be perfect. When shopping for leggings, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. Having one trustworthy pair of leggings is better than having a bunch that doesn't fit you right or is worn down easily. However, having more variety is not a negative.

Grabbing a pair of cotton leggings is always a must. High-quality cotton leggings are great because they're usually not see-through, and they go with a lot of outfits. You can dress them down in a super casual vibe or dress them up for a more stylish, sophisticated outfit. We'd recommend playing around with shorter-length or full-length leggings for different styles.

If you're looking to expand your collection of leggings, we'll highlight a few popular fits for you to think about:

Full-Length Leggings

You undoubtedly have a pair of full-length leggings in your closet. They are the most popular kind of pants available. They are perfect for wearing out casually or as gym sweats because they are stylish, form-fitting, and comfortable.

Cropped Leggings

Established for the summer? If so, you're undoubtedly searching for a better, more permeable option. Leggings that are cropped still give off a thin appearance, but they are shorter. They work well for high-intensity tasks like wading through water.

Flared Leggings/Yoga Pants

We've included a couple of bell-bottom styles in our selected outfits throughout our "how to wear leggings" guide. If you're in the mood for a change, it's a terrific alternative. Not to mention they are a hot fashion item this season and we doubt this trend will go anywhere.

Faux Leather Leggings

Love the way leather pants look but dislike how constricting they are. Wearing imitation leather leggings is advised as a more adaptable choice and they look fantastic.

If you're getting bored of your wardrobe snatch up a pair of faux leather or leather leggings for more variation, they're great for casual outfits that are still pretty put together (they are also fantastic for club looks).

Patterned Leggings & Vibrant Colors

For apparel, the most secure choice is the essential black legging. However, choosing vibrant colors and prints is always a good choice for people who want to add a little additional spice.

Now a big hit or miss when it comes to leggings are patterned leggings. Not shaming anyone who owns these, but these are hard to style for the average person. With a lot of color and patterns, it often confuses the eye, and if you don't know what you're doing, it can go south easily. It's not impossible though, A good rule of thumb is to choose one of the colors in your patterned leggings to be the color of your top or choose a contrasting pattern completely, throw on a plain jacket and some really cute heels for an abstract look. Not a casual outfit but for sure is an eye-turner. And of course, there are the classic matching top and bottom sets which are a lot easier to style.

High Waisted Leggings

High-waisted leggings are your gym staple. Workout wear is based on high-waisted leggings for obvious reasons. High-waisted leggings suck in your tummy and give you a really beautiful shape. Now, although they're really common in the gym scene doesn't mean you can't wear them outside the gym. If you plan on going for an outside-of-the-gym look with these, we'd recommend going with a longer shirt or cardigan to cover that band.

Overall, there are a few wardrobe staples that you just have to have in your closet. A pair of black leggings, a baseball cap, some statement jewelry, high heels, booties, long sweater. and a good denim jacket is some of the most versatile pieces of clothing someone can have in their closet. These items alone can help you style the same outfit a million and one different ways.

Choosing the Perfect Leggings

The two types of leggings most people are familiar with are the fast-fashion bargain and the name-brand splurge. Both have a list of limitations.

Purchasing frequently from retailers like Lululemon, Set Active, and Nike will quickly drain your savings.

However, companies like Shein, Romwe, and Forever 21 do not provide the greatest quality to assure long-term use. How can one select the best leggings at a reasonable price keeping this in mind?

Five criteria are used by responsible shoppers to evaluate clothing: price, quality, material, fit, and design. All of the requirements should be readily met by a high-end pair of leggings.

Most kinds of fabrics are a combination of spandex, elastane, cotton, and lycra. Brands frequently create patented materials as well, like Luxtreme from Lululemon. The pants should, nevertheless, provide a high level of flexibility, stretch, and toughness. A sit-and-squat test in the changing room is a simple technique to verify this. Naturally, when buying leggings, you should also take fit into account because you don't want a pair that is too baggy and hides your waist, butt, and legs.

Customers typically choose neutral colors for design to assure continuing use. When choosing leggings, black and grey are frequently chosen. It said you shouldn't let that stop you from choosing complementary colors like pink or green. Ultimately, you should choose a pair that you can envision yourself wearing repeatedly.

Leggings can cost anything from $20 to $150. Supporting trusted companies like Girlfriend Collective and Nike is generally a smart move. When it comes to clothing, they retain a noteworthy level of design, workmanship, and quality. And their consumer testimonials are truthful.

We advise conducting some research online if you would prefer a more budget-friendly strategy. The future? Maybe you'll stumble into a local brand with a killer variety of leggings.

Fall/Winter Outfit Ideas

Styling leggings for cold weather has to be one of the easiest ways to wear leggings stylishly. You can very easily dress them up or down by just simply adding or removing layers. Let's jump into some of our favorite winter leggings outfit ideas!

Mono-Chromatic Looks

Leggings in the winter are almost the perfect base for any outfit, especially if you keep it monochromatic. Choosing a neutral base color like black, white, beige, or maybe more pastel colors like pink, blue, or green and then complimenting those leggings with a top the exact same color you've created the base that you've seen everywhere on Instagram (and for good reason).

Starting with a monochromatic base like this gives you a plethora of options when it comes to your outfits. If you want something more casual, you can wear some leg warmers with your favorite pair of ankle boots along with a really cute fuzzy cropped jacket. Pair it up with a matching headband and some cute gold earrings and you're good to go.

Now if you're going for something more sophisticated, take off those ankle boots, and throw on some closed-toe heels and a really cute blazer, this can completely transform the base into something a lot more office friendly and sophisticated. You can always take it one step further by adding a gorgeous statement necklace and some studded earrings.

If you're ready to hit the club, then go ahead and take off those heels on that blazer, add on some strappy open-toed heels, and a lacy crop top with a leather cropped jacket for the ultimate club look. If it's a bit colder in your area, you can always trade in those leggings for some faux leather leggings or just some leather leggings for some added warmth.

The Ariana Grande Effect

Over the past few years, we've ALL tried or at least witnessed the Arianna Grande effect. This is the classic oversized hoodie, complemented with some leggings and knee-high boots. This look hit the Internet by storm a few years back, and it's surprisingly still relevant.

As much as this look can seem a bit repetitive, it does have its perks. The form-fitting leggings add a good form-fitting structure, the oversized hoodie gives you an "I woke up like this" effect and the knee-high boots help put the entire look together. This outfit pretty much complements all body types.

The great thing about this look is you probably already have what you need to create it, and you can switch it up easily. You can create a variation of this outfit by changing the hoodie, and the heels, and the addition of leather leggings instead of normal leggings. We also recommend playing around with different fabric types and colors

The Hot Cowgirl

Everyone loves a hot cowgirl, especially in 2023 and the good news is you can become your own hot cowgirl very easily!

The hot cowgirl look has always focused on two main elements, the cowboy boots, and the cowboy hat. If you have these two, you're pretty much good to go, and to make it better if you have a pair of leggings, we already have an outfit in mind for you.

By putting on a pair of leggings, a cute backless top, cowboy boots, and the hat, you've pretty much put together the perfect hot cowgirl look. Now all you have to do is throw on a jacket (preferably jeans) and you're good to go.

Throw On a Trench Coat

Leggings have been worn with a bra top and a long trench for a more urbane appearance that nevertheless feels sporty. After the gym or while errand-running in the city, it's a simple look to put together that is also really comfy.

Spring/Summer Outfit Ideas

Leggings outfits are just as popular as outfits built around jeans or dresses; they're the kind of item you grab automatically to feel put together. And these days, with a little skill, the look can be a genuine fashion moment rather than being restricted to shabby stay-at-home style. For the upcoming warmer months, let's concentrate on spring and summer leggings outfits. First step? combining your favorite stretchy pants with the newest trends of the season, such as crochet and fringe.

The Classics

It may be tedious to run errands, but dressing for them doesn't have to be. Some of our favorite designers advise pairing a pair of subtle black or brown leggings with a sweatshirt or baby t-shirt: It's a stylish and cozy combination. Vollrath recommends a slicked-back bun and a pair of vintage sneakers like the New Balance 550s for the finishing touch. Add a tennis necklace as a subtle touch of luxury.

Pinstripes

Leggings are elegant when they have a classic refined print like pinstripes. Pinstripe Bra and High-Waist Zip It Flare Legging are our favorites. It boasts a shaping, breathable, and soft jacquard fabric that can be worn with heels and a blazer for a day-to-night ensemble.

Accents of Y2K

The best time of year for a picnic is in the spring, so we advise dressing comfortably and stylishly in leggings. The first thing someone would reach for is a matching set in a lighter shade or design. Adding a stylish pair of thin sunglasses is the icing on the cake. It's fun and trendy.

Cargo Details

We advise looking for an Alo style with practical aspects if you want to pair leggings with streetwear inspiration. We adore garments with our distinctive shaping fabrics, elaborate cargo pockets, and streetwear-inspired styling. It's ideal for that studio-to-street vibe when worn with your favorite bucket hat and sneakers. Finish by putting on a large-button-down shirt for more coverage.

Patterned Leggings & Colors

With the weather getting better, we are once again including outdoor brunches in our weekend plans. We would choose a colorful gingham print or printed legging for this occasion, possibly in a light green tone. Our finest advice? For a cheerfully spring-like finish, add a cardigan in a solid hue and vibrantly colored mules.

The Importance of Shoe Choice

When choosing an outfit, we often all stall at the same point, shoes. Shoes are such an important part of any outfit. They can make or break an outfit especially when it comes to leggings, choosing the type of shoe we wear sets the whole tone for the outfit.

Platform Boots, Booties & Healed Booties

We all love booties. They're great because they're cozy and comfortable and go with a lot of outfits. There are a few key things to remember though if you choose to go with booties.

If you're going for a cozier look with a fuzzy jacket or a hoodie, try to wear booties with some leg warmers or some cozy socks. Now if you're opting for a more office look, go with the heeled booties. Pair it up with a blazer, a simple yet chic button-up shirt, and some statement jewelry.

One of our favorite winter shoe staples is the platform boots. They go beautifully with so many different outfits and they're very easy to style not to mention comfortable. Whether it's a long cardigan, long tunic, love leggings, slim pants, or denim jacket, platform boots go perfectly with everything.

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats have been very on and off with most fashion editors these last couple of years. The staple ballet flat is finally back in style, and we have the perfect outfit for these. You want to capitalize on that ballerina look that is on the hots nowadays. Choose a matching top and legging with some leg warmers and ballet flats, or go with cropped leggings, a backless or cropped shirt, and then ballet flats. Not for everyone but still super cute.

Flip Flops

No, honestly just no. No matter how many flip-flops are coming back, whether it's healed or flat, we just can't get behind them. So sorry guys, but it's a no from us. If you love it though, 100% go for it. Fashion is completely subjective so to each their own!

High Heels

The uncomfortable yet gorgeous must-have. Any fashion editor you'll meet with says the same thing, you have to have a pair of good to best quality high heels in your wardrobe. There's no way around it. Whether it's a day on the town and an office meeting or just a cute party, high heels go with pretty much everything. Simply adding a pair of cute high heels will elevate any look into a nighttime look.

Sneakers

The ultimate legging style tips are always complimented with some sneakers. Whether you're going with some new balances 550s, Nike dunks, Adidas sambas, or some boujee options like off-whites or Gucci, sneakers are always the best with leggings. Long socks or shorts (both should be stocked up in your closet), almost everything looks good with the right pair of sneakers.

Making Sure Your Leggings Are Long Lasting

So, do you know how to wear leggings now? If so, it's time to perform some basic upkeep and care.

Here are some techniques for cleaning your slim-fit sweats at home to preserve their longevity and continuing use.

• Wash in cool water with a mild detergent. Color bleeding will typically occur if you choose hot.

• You might want to look into using sport-specific cleaners for high-quality leggings instead.

• Low tumble in the dryer Leggings can also be left to air dry.

Final Thoughts

Leggings have a bad rep in terms of fashion when compared to jeans, dresses, and skirts. They are easy to wear and don't take much effort to style. Having said that, there are techniques to make the situation in your skin-tight leggings Instagrammable.

All that's required to accomplish it is a decent amount of originality, ingenuity, and confidence. This "how to wear leggings guide" has hopefully given you enough ideas to help you design some iconic fits.

So, do you have plenty of clothing inspiration? We're convinced that by the end of the post, you'll have discovered some ways to maintain your leggings fashionable and personalize the look!