How to Wear Leggings for Any Occasion
Leggings can be accurately described as the comfort food of the clothing world. They are many women's go-to wardrobe staple for all occasions, from a casual day of running errands to a well-dressed evening out. Leggings are comfortable, convenient and suitable for women of all shapes and sizes. They’re a great wardrobe alternative on those days when sweats are not an option, and the thought of wearing jeans or slacks is more than you can bear.
Not always accepted as a viable fashion element outside of the gym or yoga studio, leggings — also referred to as yoga pants — have had to struggle to gain respect and approval. With denim as the reigning fashion sovereign for decades, leggings have had to prove their worth as a contender in the fashion world. Luckily, their utility and stylishness were duly recognized, and leggings have finally started gaining recognition as a fashion mainstay. A report released by fashion authority, Women’s Wear Daily, stated that in 2016, online sales of leggings in the U.S. rose by 41%, significantly surpassing those of denim.Translation: Leggings are here to stay.
Fortunately, leggings are just as diverse as they are revered. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles and coordinate well with fluctuating fashion styles. When paired with the proper accessories, leggings can be dressed up or down to match most any occasion. From the gym to the office and even sophisticated brunches and dinners, leggings can be seen most everywhere these days, making their mark as a fashion force with which to be reckoned.
Whether you already love the stylish versatility and comfy feel of leggings or you're just starting to consider incorporating them into your wardrobe, you might be wondering about the best ways to wear these stretchy, diverse pairs of pants. How can you sport leggings acceptably, tastefully and stylishly while fitting your wardrobe picks with the appropriate occasion? From casual outfits with leggings to professional legging attire and even evening leggings suggestions for a classy night out, we'll help you keep it trendy and comfortable with every pair.
Trendy Ways to Wear Leggings
Looking for the best ways to wear your leggings to their fullest potential and be trendy while you're at it? When it comes to the latest fashion trends — be they sophisticated, hipster, boho or mainstream — leggings fit into almost any style and work with any article of clothing. Whether you're looking to dress them up or dress them down, wear them in the summer or the winter or pair them with ankle boots or flip flops, casual outfits with leggings — as well as more dressy looks — offer a plethora of fashion possibilities.
The diversity of leggings allows them to seamlessly (no pun intended) adapt to ever-changing fashion trends. Women are always seeking new and unique leggings outfits and ideas about how to accessorize accordingly. Gone are the days of the standard black Lycra variety, with leggings now available in a wide range of colors, patterns, styles and textures.
Different lengths, waistlines and even cuts are enabling women to find the legging style that is perfect for them. They are available in a variety of knits and fabrics from fleece-lined, ideal for keeping cozy and stylish on those chilly days, to genuine and faux leather, for when you want to up the style ante. You can find leggings adorned with intricate floral patterns or ribbed patterns and even made of rich fabrics such as velvet and damask. There are even jeggings, which are a combination of jeans and leggings, for those who desire the look of denim but want the comfort of leggings.
A testament to their diversity is leggings’ ability to pair well with all different types of popular footwear. From sandals to sneakers to boots and even high heels, your choice of footwear helps to set the tone of your outfit. Fashion sneakers add a casual and playful look to leggings, while calf-length boots or ankle booties add a sense of chic. High-heeled shoes or boots give your outfit a dressy look while strappy sandals or flats mix casual with classy.
Scarves rank right up there with leggings as a wardrobe favorite due to their diversity. Like leggings, they are available in a multitude of colors, fabrics and patterns. Chunky knit and plaid-patterned scarves go well with casual outfits, while velvet or floral scarves add a touch of formal elegance to most any leggings-based outfit. Infinity scarves and blanket or wrap scarves offer style and added coverage over leggings and tops.
Hats, jewelry, handbags and even socks are trending accessories that coordinate well with leggings. Warm and cozy knit beanies with fuzzy pompoms give your outfit a playful look, while solid colored fedoras offer a touch of casual class. Statement jewelry, such as colorful chunky bracelets and necklaces, dress up casual outfits, while simple jewelry adds to the professional look of a workplace ensemble. Handbags in all shapes, sizes and colors are also serving as favorite accompaniments that help to pull your whole outfit together. No longer an article to be covered up, socks have now joined the trendy accessory lineup. Colorful and patterned boot socks are available with an array of adorable details from buttons and ruffles to fringe. They are just right for keeping you warm while adding some whimsy to your casual outfits.
Finally, jackets and vests add the finishing touch to many current leggings looks. They are perfect for layering over tops and leggings to give your outfit some added dimension. Jackets and vests are available in many colors, materials and lengths and often have eye-catching embellishments such as zippers, belts and buttons that add visual interest. Motorcycle and cropped bomber or denim jackets along with trench coats and duster jackets are trending now as well. Blazers of any length are always in style and add a professional look to your outfit. Puffer vests add a layered look to the slim line of leggings, while faux fur vests add a touch of glam.
Casual Leggings Outfits
Leggings are soft, stretchy, comfortable and versatile. They come in all variety of patterns, cuts and materials to work with your individual style. There's nothing better for casual wear when you workout, go for a walk, relax at home, run errands or head to a class. From workout outfits and weekend loungewear to cuter casual outfits you can go out for lunch in, you can make casual outfits with leggings in so many ways.
The term "casual" has many different meanings, including "a manner of clothing suitable for everyday wear" and "something done without sufficient care." When choosing a casual outfit, you want to make sure that your look embodies the former definition rather than the latter.
You can still get away with being comfortable and stylish while not looking like you just rolled out of bed — even if you did — by following some essential tips. First, always be sure that your athletic footwear and all of your clothing is clean and free of dirt and stains. Your outfit should also fundamentally coordinate, so it looks intentional rather than carelessly thrown together. Finally, always be sure that your leggings are opaque enough to avoid having anything show that you don't wish to be seen, including undergarments and skin.
A trending casual leggings style is the "athleisure" look, which can be loosely defined as a cross between business casual and workout wear. Many women are opting for athleisure wear outfits, which incorporate athletic fabrics and styles. Coordinated leggings, vests, sweatshirts, jackets and other clothing are helping to make it even easier to assemble a comfortable outfit that not only feels great but looks great, too.
A casual weekend outfit can consist of a long graphic tee or hoodie sweatshirt, patterned leggings and cute sneakers. Pair them with fun accessories such as a chunky scarf, a motorcycle jacket and a knit beanie. In cooler weather, a puffer vest, chunky boots and colorful knit boot socks can complete an outfit that is ideal for traveling, running errands and even a lazy day of binge watching with friends.
The athleisure look is gaining steam as “the new casual” , according to Deirdre Clemente, a fashion industry professor at UNLV, and it may soon become accepted into the dress codes of many workplaces. The athleisure style continues to evolve with America’s increased focus on staying healthy, and looks to remain strong well into the next decade. Fortune Magazine recently reported that sales of activewear apparel in 2015 had increased by 12% to over $39 billion. Its durability and features such as wrinkle-free and odor-resistant fabrics make athleisure wear a popular wardrobe choice to wear from the gym to the office and even into the evening.
For a more sophisticated casual look, choose leggings with dressier details such as faux-leather lined pockets, zippers or shiny fabric. Long denim or plaid shirts paired with a coordinating infinity scarf further this look, as do long, flowing tunic blouses, capes and ponchos. Footwear choices include flats, boots and ankle booties. Don't forget to add a cute pair of boot socks.
How to Wear Leggings to Work
When you think of the stretchy, soft signature look and feel of leggings, you're probably imagining you can only pull off casual outfits with leggings, but that's not the only way to wear this versatile wardrobe piece. In fact, you can make leggings into an easy but acceptable professional or business casual outfit. Forget those slacks and stiff business pants — you can look just as spiffy in the office but feel a whole lot comfier throughout your workday.
Who doesn't feel they do their best work when they’re comfortable? When worn tastefully, leggings are indeed appropriate in the workplace. The pieces you choose to pair with your leggings make all the difference when considering them as a suitable staple in your workplace wardrobe. Thicker and more polished fabrics, along with tailored details such as seams and pockets help you to keep your look professional.
Darker colored leggings absent of bold and bright patterns are best for wearing to work. They look more professional and also don't scream, "I'm wearing leggings!" Also, leggings with pockets and pleats look a little more like average slacks and can help you pull off wearing them to work.
Perhaps the most important detail to remember when wearing leggings to work is to be sure you wear an appropriate length shirt. It is essential to choose a top that is long enough to keep you covered. Buttoned shirts and tunics, especially those that are longer in the back than in the front, are ideal for wearing to work. Gauzy fabrics such as silk and satin are fine to wear to work as long as they are not too sheer. Wearing a coordinating also scarf looks great while providing added coverage.
Long cardigans are available in all different knits and weights and are fitting for every season. They are an excellent way to make your outfit look dressy and professional. They are also perfect for keeping you warm on chilly days and when the office AC is cranked. They can be layered with a lighter shirt underneath. Similarly, oversized sweaters cinched with a stylish belt will keep you feeling comfortable and looking professional.
Pairing leggings with a blazer is another way to add a professional look to your leggings. Available in many different lengths, cuts and fabrics, the pockets and clean lines of blazers add a tailored look to most any workplace outfit. Fitted and even cropped blazers are appropriate to wear with leggings when combined with a longer shirt underneath.
Combining leggings with an appropriate length skirt or dress is another way you can wear leggings to work. Leggings are similar to tights and provide considerably more coverage. Combined with a chunky sweater, blazer, stylish scarf and great boots, this look can be adapted for all seasons.
Speaking of great shoes, as with any leggings-based work outfit, your choice of footwear should match your professional look. Boots, with or without heels, flats and even classy pumps pair well with work-inspired legging outfits. Other appropriate accessories include refined scarves and simple jewelry. While hats are a much-loved accessory that look great with leggings, unless you work in a millinery, it is probably best to save them for after hours and weekends.
How to Dress up Leggings for an Evening Out
When it comes to eveningwear, you're probably inclined to think of heels, dresses and upscale attire — you wouldn't think of wearing leggings on a date, to a special event or out for a night on the town, right? Wrong. When you use the right top and accessories, you can dress up leggings for almost occasion — not just casual times. You have several options for turning turn your everyday leggings into evening leggings you can feel fancy and dressed-up in.
Leggings make stunning eveningwear when combined with the proper accessories. The leggings you wear for a lazy weekend soiree should not be the same ones you wear when going out in the evening. Leggings containing a bit of sheen look dressier than those made of cotton or lycra. Textured leggings in luxurious fabrics such as velvet, leather, suede and ponte up the style factor, while dark and rich colors or animal prints also add drama and flair. The prevalence of sequined leggings in the fashion world only proves that a girl can never have too much sparkle.
The detail mentioned above is essential to consider when accessorizing your leggings for a well-dressed evening look. Jewelry, belts and scarves are just some of the many popular accessories that pair well with leggings and help to give them a dressy evening look. Wearing larger statement jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings, add a little more bling and is a fun way to dress up any outfit. Shiny or sparkly belts of different fabrics and widths can be worn as eye-catching accessories, along with luxurious metallic scarves with a touch of shimmer.
Dressing up leggings for an evening out differs slightly from dressing them up for work. Essential wardrobe elements may still be used, although in slightly different ways. Long, collared or button-up shirts made of chic fabrics such as shiny satin or shimmery rayon look great when paired with leather leggings. Blazers, which add a professional look to your work outfits, can also dress up your evening ensemble when made of textured damask or shiny tuxedo-inspired fabrics.
A skirt or dress that is just a little too short to be worn alone makes a great evening outfit when worn over leggings and is a perfect way to extend the life of those fashion staples that would otherwise hang idly in your closet. Again, it’s important to note that to keep a classy look, your leggings should be seamless and opaque, and the skirt or dress should be long enough to cover all the important angles.
Your choice of footwear can also substantially increase the elegance factor of your outfit. Evenings are an appropriate time to break out your classy high heels, leopard print flats or fun ankle booties. Stiletto heels and boots are also acceptable footwear for an evening event. Wearing cropped leggings that feature zippered or embellished hems not only make your outfit chicer, but they also highlight what you’re wearing on your feet.
About My Sister's Closet Boutique
Whether you're looking for evening leggings, professional comfort wear or simpler pieces to fit your casual outfits with leggings, My Sister's Closet has everything you need to explore leggings to their fullest. Finding stylish and affordable boutique clothing doesn't have to be a challenge. At My Sister's Closet Boutique, we offer quality clothing in styles that fit young women of all shapes and sizes.
We pride ourselves in carrying classy everyday clothing that just makes you feel good, from fashionable leggings, dresses and tops to hats and other must-have fashion accessories. Grab your family and friends and visit us in store or online. We offer free shipping every day. Make My Sister's Closet Boutique your go-to fashion destination for discovering happy clothes with the best price ever.
