My closet confession is that I wear leggings very often and I have absolutely zero guilt about it. They are comfortable, flattering and when you know how to style them well, they can look just as good as any other outfit in your rotation.
One of the reasons wearing leggings outside the gym gets a bad reputation is because many still don’t know how to combine them with other pieces in the right way. Leggings are one of the most versatile pieces you can own and the difference between looking sloppy and looking stylish usually comes down to a few small choices.
So, whether you are new to the athleisure club or you just want to switch up your leggings outfits, we’ve got you. This guide breaks down exactly how to style leggings for everyday wear so you can get dressed in five minutes and come out looking streetwear approved.
How to Style Leggings Casually
1. Upgrade with a sweatshirt
This is one of the simplest looks you can pull off on chilly a morning. Even though this outfit is minimalist, the key to keeping it classy is in the details. Start with black high waist leggings then pair it with an off white oversized sweatshirt that stops just below the hip.
The proportion is what makes this work and when you tuck the top on one side, it instantly elevates the look while improving overall balance. For the rest of the fit, some white sneakers, gold bracelets and aviator sunglasses add the cherry on top.
2. Mix in a bodysuit and a button-down shirt
Take capri leggings from yoga to effortlessly chic in one simple step. Start with some fresh ¾ or capri style leggings, wear a fitted white bodysuit, then put an oversized white button-down shirt over it. Remember to keep the shirt open to maintain the casual vibe.
I prefer the white on black combo because it keeps everything clean and grounds the whole outfit. But trust me, any colour will do just fine. This works for a coffee date, a shopping trip or a brunch catch up with the girls. Finish with a small shoulder bag and for a modern touch.
3. Throw on a denim jacket
This one fun look I keep coming back to when I need something youthful. The grey leggings, white crew neck tee and denim jacket combo reminds me of adventurous hangouts in college. And the best part is anyone can put this look together. If you are tired of denim, just trade it in for a faux leather jacket. With a pair of clean white sneakers, this outfit is complete and ready to hit the streets. Honestly, casual doesn’t get more stylish than this.
4. Introduce a super sized blazer
Three words to describe this look are: attention grabbing fashionista. There is something extremely fabulous about an outfit that looks like it belongs in a Vogue catalogue when all you need is a pair of black leggings, a graphic tee, of course, a super sized dark grey blazer.
Since this is a look that is far from boring, we have to keep the accessories interesting. White ankle socks with olive trainers and a shoulder bag tie the look together. The blazer is obviously the main attention here as it takes what would be a very casual gym outfit and pushes it into street style territory.
5. Make it business casual
Yes, we are wearing leggings to work. This look answers the question of whether leggings can be smart casual and the answer is a definitive yes. Leggings and a long sleeve blouse topped with a double breasted blazer is a signature combo that can be replicated in different colours. Here, the colour scheme is grey, black and burgundy, making it look formal and perfect for laidback office days. With pointed flats and a structured tote bag, you’ll be fashionably ready.
6. Keep it cool with a stripe top
You know those pieces just go together without a fuss, this is one of them. Get a nice striped collar shirt and some leggings to get an outfit that has a refined European quality to it. The stripes add visual interest and it works for a day of errands where you want to feel put together without putting in much effort at all. Go for a slightly oversized top for the everyday feel and for shoes, go with some sensible flats.
7. Add a turtleneck
Here we are using black faux leather leggings as a standout base. When paired with a turtleneck sweater, it immediately feels sophisticated. The leather inspired leggings have a dressier quality than regular leggings, but are just as comfortable. Since we are working with a monochromatic outfit, there is room to go a little overboard with the accessories from a stack of bangles to a leopard print cross body bag.
8. Elevate with a corset
This is another button-down shirt outfit that deserves all its flowers. The addition of a corset gives the look a posh feel that can work in any business casual setting. Throw in a structured black handbag and pointed toe heels to set the tone for a day of casual meetings and work lunches. With cat eye sunglasses and a simple watch you’ll walk into any room with an air of importance that turns heads.
Final Thoughts
Leggings deserve far more credit than they usually get. From a casual sweatshirt and trainers to a structured blazer and kitten heels, the same pair of leggings can take you to completely different places depending on what you build around them. So, pick one look from this list and try it the next time you reach for your leggings, you may be surprised how good it’ll look.
