Okay, so you’ve worn me down. I’ve heard from enough clients and friends that you just can’t seem to kick the leggings habit. But I do have some thoughts if you see leggings as a permanent part of your wardrobe.
First, I have a request. Instead of wearing thin leggings that are barely more than footless tights (or ones designed for working out), how about trying ‘elevated leggings’? Elevated leggings are styles that live in-between workout leggings and slim/skinny pants and have details that echo regular pants.
Elevated leggings are often made of heavier knit fabrics or even (faux) suede – but my favorite elevated legging in cooler weather is faux leather. It’s a super comfy pant that adds a major dose of style to countless things in your closet. And if you think leather leggings are too edgy for you – think again. Leather leggings can integrate into your wardrobe no matter your style comfort zone.
Check out 5 outfits I created with faux leather leggings, along with tips on how to wear them. And before I forget – if you’re not into the leather leggings idea but you’re open to leather (or faux leather) bottoms in general, most of these outfits work with leather joggers or slim leather pants, too!
FEELING SPORTY
What’s the easiest way to elevate your look beyond workout gear when that’s your at-home comfort zone? Elevate each piece in your outfit. Trade your hoodie for a cool drawstring jacket, elevate your leggings to faux leather and skip your actual exercise sneakers in favor of a sleeker option. It’s an overall look that’s just as easy to wear as what you worked out in, but feels a little more deliberate and a lot more stylish. (If you feel like you’ve fallen into a workout clothes style rut, read this for ideas to get out of it.)
STYLE TIP: Seaming down the front of the leg on your leggings is a subtle detail that makes them look more like skinny pants (and less like workout leggings) – and it has the added benefit of creating a slimmer silhouette.
Faux leather leggings by Blank NYC (in all outfits). Track jacket by All Saints. Striped t-shirt by Halogen. Sneakers by Vejas. Bracelet by Alexander MCQueen. Sunglasses by Warby Parker.
A LITTLE PREPPY
A preppy outfit with leather pants? You bet! Instead of thinking of your faux leather leggings as a super edgy item in your closet, think of them simply as black pants that happen to be made of leather. Layer a button-down shirt under a cashmere v-neck sweater, grab a pair of cute loafers and you’ve added major style points to a look that’s totally in your comfort zone.
STYLE TIP: In general, I prefer legging pants to have a little room at the ankle (as opposed to hugging tightly right to your ankle). This is another way that they look more like a pair of slim pants and it also helps to balance your figure. (Check this out for a few more tips to balance your proportions.)
Print button-down shirt by Equipment. V-neck sweater by The Cashmere Sale. Loafers by Me Too. Earrings by Kendra Scott. Glasses by Warby Parker.
ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?
Add a poet style blouse and a plaid blazer to your faux leather leggings and you’ve created a romantic/eclectic look that is sure to elicit some style envy. And with suede knee-high boots, this outfit takes you from now right into the beginning of winter.
STYLE TIP: Wearing shoes and boots with your faux leather leggings that aren’t made of black leather (like these cool suede boots) keep your outfit from heading into edgy biker chick territory.
Plaid blazer by Veronica Beard. Blouse by Endless Rose. Suede boots by Schutz. Jewelry by Kendra Scott.
GET COZY
When it’s cold outside, what feels better than cuddling inside in a cozy sweater and warm leggings? An easy way to make this look ideal for an at-home date night is with your faux leather leggings – they add a touch of easy, casual glam. And when date night heads outdoors, just add snake print booties and a faux fur vest for a dash of print and texture.
STYLE TIP: You may have never thought of hemming your leggings – but when you’re wearing them in place of pants, it’s definitely worth it. And inch or so above your ankle bone is ideal for most body types, and it allows you to wear your leggings with different kinds of shoes without them puddling at the bottom. (If you’re unsure about wearing pants/jeans with booties, click here for my best tips.)
Turtleneck sweater by The Cashmere Sale. Faux fur vest by Via Spiga. Booties by Marc Fisher. Sunglasses by Warby Parker. Bracelet by Gorjana.
PILE ON THE GLAM
You know those times that you’d like to dress up, but you’re not in the mood for a cocktail dress? This is the time to pull out your faux leather leggings and a dressy blazer. Pile on the glam with a satin top, head-turning jewelry and standout booties and you’re ready for any holiday bash. (And then check out 5 more outfits for holiday gatherings that aren’t based in dresses, either.)
STYLE TIP: As a general rule, if your leggings are skin tight, then I suggest that you cover most of your butt. But if your pants are a more body-hugging than second skin, it’s okay to wear slightly shorter jackets and tops.
Metallic blazer by Alice & Olivia. Satin camisole by Frame. Satin booties by Jeffery Campbell. Earrings by Mignonne Gavigan. Ring by Gucci.
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Cover image photos (left to right): Pure Wow, Amazon, Girl with Curves, B&B Blog