21 Leggings Outfit Ideas That Aren’t Just for the Gym

The Gist

• Leggings aren’t just staples of atleisure dressing anymore.

• This cozy style can be worked into a multitude of different outfits, serving as an anchor or pop of color.

• See ahead for 21 different ways you can style them.

Ah, leggings: the cornerstone of athleisure. The stretchy pants have long been a go-to garment for all exercise activities—from running to weight training to yoga—and lounging needs. Often seen as “too casual,” leggings have typically been relegated to daytime activities where style isn’t prioritized (gasp!), like traveling, relaxing at home, or running errands. However, we’re here to prove you can and should reach for your leggings on all occasions.

Your favorite spandex bottoms deserve just as much recognition at the pilates studio as they do at the office or night-out spot. Leggings become boardroom-certified when layered under a bold, structured suit dress; they provide the perfect backdrop for your most attention-grabbing coat; and they shine on their own when donned in a statement-making color or whimsical pattern. And, arguably the best part of all, they are reliably comfortable, so you can make your style slays while remaining cozy and free to move around.

Here, we’ve rounded up 21 leggings outfits that take them beyond the track.

With a Sweater Dress

A sweater dress and leggings is the perfect pairing for when you need something warmer than tights and want to look more modest. The ensemble is reliably cozy and effortlessly chic, especially if you opt for a monochromatic formula with matching accessories. Stylish shades, statement earrings, and a sleek updo are the perfect finishing touches for a daytime look.

Under a Skirt

Once again stepping in for tights, leggings provide an edgy, toasty layer to a leather pleated skirt. In this outfit, the schoolgirl aesthetic is all grown up with layers of chain belts, a track jacket layered over a Peter Pan collar, and metallic peep-toe heels. Thin frames and a baguette purse has Gen Z written all over it.

With a Dramatic Coat

Sometimes, the jacket is the outfit. Let it shine by pairing it with tried-and-true black leggings that seamlessly blend into sleek leather knee-high boots. A large shaggy coat takes center stage, while a cherry-red purse offers a striking pop of color.

With a Blazer

Take your leggings from pilates to the C-Suite by way of a structured blazer. Strong shoulders, a double-breasted design, and opulent buttons turn the sophistication all the way up on the stretchy bottoms. A metallic turtleneck and big purse adds some galactic edge, while dark shades and tabi boots ooze cool.

With a Turtleneck

Leggings are a turtleneck sweater’s best friend. The coupling is great for lounging around at home or running errands in the city, as it provides easy comfort and movement. The pairing can be dressed down with sneakers or up with leather boots; a puffer jacket, crew socks, and Uggs provide a happy-medium.

Pop of Color

Leggings don’t just have to be a staple, they can be statement-making. Don’t believe me? Look no further than these bubblegum-pink leggings that modernize the Cosmo-and-Wanda look with an olive green quarter zip jacket. Silver pointed-toe pumps and a black leather belt are unexpected and playful accents.

With Leather Accents

I’m hopelessly devoted to black leggings with a motorcycle jacket. Channel Sandy from Grease in your best biker outerwear and leather boots for a real rocker look. Plus, a monochromatic black ensemble always hits.

Capris

This polarizing Y2K style is back and better than ever. Capri leggings are a great transitional garment that add so much intrigue just from being a few inches shy of your ankle. Go full on Lizzie McGuire in platform flip flops, they’re what dreams are made of.

Cutouts Galore

It’s not a phase, mom, it’s a lifestyle. Tap into your emo side with cut-out leggings that are anything but boring. Fashion icon Paris Hilton styled hers with a graphic T-shirt (of herself, of course), polished booties, a leather jacket, oversize shades, and a trucker hat for a look dripping with early 2000s trends.

With Dramatic Shoes

Allow your leggings and matching jacket to be a canvas for fabulous, Carrie Bradshaw-worthy shoes. Strappy, flower-decorated heels are the pièce de résistance to an otherwise sleek and unassuming outfit.

With a Jersey

Jerseys are high fashion. Take your favorite player’s number beyond the turf and pair it with patterned leggings for a goal-worthy look. This striped pair offers fun contrast to the Argentina flag, while its sheerness offers some sexiness, perfect for a night out look. Get a little galactic with reflective glasses, a metallic purse, and matching peep-toe heels.

An Oversized T-Shirt

Yes, you can still wear a T-shirt and leggings outside of high school gym class. The pairing becomes a casual-chic look thanks to the right accessories. A Bermuda length adds some pizazz, while strappy sandals, a leather clutch, and a silver watch up the ante.

A Baggy Sweatshirt

Frequent flyers will know leggings and a baggy sweatshirt makes for a snuggly airport ‘fit; however, this ensemble isn’t just for the tarmac. There’s something so undeniably cool about a well styled hoodie, which can be achieved with leggings, frilly or crew socks, your favorite sneakers, and your go-to ludicrously capacious bag. A headband leans into the ashleisure vibes, while oversize sunglasses keep you incognito.

With a Corset

Leggings, marked by their figure-hugging silhouette, are the perfect complement to a waist-cinching corset. The combo gives way to a masterful mix of high-low fashion, which is further emphasized by a sophisticated trench coat and square-toe slingback heels.

With a Trench

Speaking of trenches, the simple yet elegant outerwear really shines when placed against the backdrop of black leggings. Don’t let the rain stop you from a fashion slay, suit up in these wardrobe must-haves.

With a Zip-Up Hoodie

Just like its kangaroo-pouch counterpart, the zip-up hoodie mustn’t be overlooked for a daytime ensemble. Its open design allows for a peek-a-boo moment for your most prized graphic tank. The garment finds its effortless equals in a pair of black leggings and dad sneakers.

Elevated Athleisure

Meeting the girls right after yoga and don’t have time to change? No worries. Get your sweat and brunch in with one cute outfit. Workout clothes become instantly elevated with a monochrome color palette and a statement coat. This teddy jacket adds a touch of glam, while chunky sneakers keep you moving about.

Bodycon Everything

Leggings hug every curve, and you can easily continue the theme with a slinky top and corset. The result gives major model-off-duty vibes, while a dramatic collar, black veil, and platform heels has Lady Gaga written all over it—and who better to get style cues from than Mother Monster?

With a Suit Dress

Whether you’re sitting front row at Fashion Week or have a big work presentation coming up, a bold suit dress and leggings is sure to wow. The pairing fits right within the venn diagram between pantless and professinal.

Patterns on Patterns

Throw all the rules you thought you knew about basic leggings out the window and have some fun. A playful patterned pair makes your body look like a painting, while firetruck-red kitten heels continue the whimsy.

With a Flouncy Blouse

Treat your leggings like your favorite pair of jeans, because just like denim, they can be paired with pretty much anything. Here, they meet their match in an airy white blouse with puff sleeves for a dinnertime ensemble.

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