Here are the fashion rules for wearing leggings as pants.
Nicole Fornabaio/Rd.com, via Aloyoga.comWhen it comes to fashion, styles come and styles go. However, there’s one trend that’s here to stay: leggings. Yes, leggings can indeed be worn as pants. The trick is knowing how, and where, to don them stylishly.
What Legging Styles Work Best?
According to designer and TV personality Lauren Conrad, pulling off the “leggings as pants” look in the best, most fashion-forward way possible, is an art form. “Leggings, like most trends, can look great if done tastefully,” says Conrad. “I personally love to throw on a pair of leggings if I have to run errands, take a long flight, or when I’m doing something active.”
Conrad believes a classic, opaque black pair of leggings is always a safe bet when dressing. She likes the more athletic styles with ribbed details—like the celeb-favorite leggings from Alo Yoga—which are “cool and forward, too.”
Bright colors and bold patterns that adorn some leggings are absolutely welcome in the gym, says Conrad. “When it comes to wearing your leggings as daywear, however, stick to more simple details such as zippers, bows, ripped knees, and other simple touches.”
What Should You Wear Leggings With?
Glamour.com says there’s a “time and a place” for leggings as pants. And, If you truly must wear your leggings as pants with a shirt, the shirt must cover your bum—no exceptions! Well…maybe. “If you do decide not cover your bum then you should follow a few rules,” says Nisonja McGary, an LA-based celebrity stylist. “Make sure the leggings you choose are thick and not see-through.” Also, says McGary, make sure the shirt or top you are wearing is loose. “You don’t want to walk around like you are about to go to a nightclub. Leggings are meant to be comfortable so having on tight clothing top to bottom is overkill.” She adds, if you wear a crop top with leggings, “make sure it’s a loose crop top, that your leggings are thick, and that the outfit is right for your body type.” (Here are fashion tips to dress ten pounds thinner.)
To avoid panty lines around the bum caused by more traditional underwear, McGary advises women to wear a thong or seamless underwear. “If you are very comfortable and the leggings have an absorbent fabric you can go commando.”
As for donning leggings to work, it really depends on your job and the office vibe. If you work in an office with a formal dress code, it’s probably best to avoid leggings-as-pants at work. However, if you have a casual job, says McGary, then go ahead and wear leggings. “To keep it professional pair them with a button up top and blazer. Opt for heels, as they’re dressier than boots.”
Mostly, advises McGary, treat leggings like skinny jeans if you wear them outside the gym. “Tuck them in your boots with a boxy sweater. Or with a sexy button-up and pointy heels. Don’t make them the focal point of your outfit; they belong in the background.”
McGary likes Nesh leggings (more than just plain black, they have sheer tears or patterns which gives them that cool ‘ripped jeans’ look), and explains, “If you choose to wear leggings with patterns or prints, keep the rest of your look simple. Pair them with a long shirt or big sweater.”
I'm well-versed in fashion and style, especially concerning leggings worn as pants. Leggings have transcended their initial purpose as workout gear and now serve as a staple in casual wear. Understanding the nuances of wearing leggings stylishly involves more than just comfort; it's about striking a balance between trendiness and appropriateness for different settings.
To start, the key is choosing the right style of leggings. Lauren Conrad's advice emphasizes opting for classic, opaque black leggings for versatility. She recommends more athletic styles with subtle details like ribbing, as they're both fashionable and practical. Bright colors and bold patterns are great for the gym but might be toned down for daywear, favoring simpler touches like zippers or ripped knees.
When it comes to pairing leggings, it's crucial to maintain balance and coverage. If you're wearing leggings as pants, ensure your top adequately covers your bum unless the leggings are thick and non-see-through. If opting for a crop top, it should be loose-fitting to counterbalance the snugness of leggings. Seamless underwear or a thong is recommended to avoid visible lines.
Wearing leggings to work is a nuanced decision depending on the office environment. For formal settings, it's advisable to steer clear of leggings as pants. However, in casual work environments, pairing leggings with a button-up top and blazer can strike a balance between comfort and professionalism. Treat leggings akin to skinny jeans when styling for everyday wear, using them as a background piece rather than the focal point.
Regarding specific brands and styles, Nesh leggings with sheer tears or patterns offer a unique 'ripped jeans' look. When wearing patterned leggings, simplicity is key in the rest of the outfit—pair them with a long shirt or oversized sweater for balance.
The underlying rule across all advice is about maintaining a sense of appropriateness, comfort, and balance in styling leggings for various occasions, whether it's casual errands, a workout, or a casual work environment.
