Black leggings, once relegated to the gym bag and pajama drawer, have undergone a style renaissance.
Now spotted on everyone from Kate Moss to Victoria Beckham, the humble leggings have become a surprisingly versatile wardrobe staple.
But how does one elevate this comfort classic from loungewear to chic daywear?
We asked stylists and loungewear experts for their secrets to style leggings that look flattering at any age.
What to look for in the fit and fabric for flattering leggings
If your outfit is built on basics, you’ve got to make sure the basics are up to scratch.
When picking out the perfect pair of leggings, you have to make sure the fabric is the right blend of natural and manmade fibres.
“The most comfortable leggings are often formed from a combination of nylon and elastane (also known as spandex), resulting in a buttery fabric that feels soft to the touch,” says Lounge’s head of product, Emily Blount.
“As a rule, your leggings should offer compression without restriction – gently sculpting your waist, glutes and legs without feeling too tight.”
This is what creates a seamless silhouette.
“Great leggings are like a great relationship – supportive, flattering and never make you feel self-conscious,” says fashion expert and celebrity stylist Oriona Robb. She suggests looking for a high-rise waistband that hugs without pinching your waist.
“Look for a breathable, four-way stretch fabric that moves with you – not against you,” she says.
“If they pass the squat test and still look opaque – they’re keepers.”
Alternatives to the basic black legging
Of course, black is classic, but why stop there?
In the year of ‘mocha mousse’ there are a variety of neutrals to have fun with.
“Think earthy tones like olive, mocha or deep plum for a subtle switch-up,” says Robb.
“Or go bold with faux leather or ribbed textures. Tailored seams or a stirrup style can also instantly take your look from gym to glam – little effort required.”
For Blount, elevating your leggings doesn’t have to be about their colour.
“Flared leggings offer a similar fit and feel to your classic leggings with small stylistic changes, bringing a sleek, elongated appearance to your silhouette,” she says.”
“As we move into warmer weather months, a seasonal alternative to the legging is the biker or cycling short,” suggests Blount. “Effortlessly style them with a longline blazer and low-profile trainers for a curated look.”
How to elevate an everyday outfit
So how do you pull off the elevated everyday legging like Winkleman and Moss?
“Matching sets are the secret weapon,” Robb says. “A tonal top and leggings combo looks instantly polished.”
Blount agrees, noting, “a matching set is a sure fire way to create a put-together aesthetic that feels curated, without compromising on comfort.”
As for accessories, these are crucial for transforming the look, from jackets to jewellery.
“When you’re working with simple, clean athleisure silhouettes, accessories – like structured bags and jewellery – are where you can have a little fun,” says Blount, “allowing you to add personality to your look whilst still maintaining an understated aesthetic.”
“A structured tote adds instant polish,” says Robb.
“A silk scarf – worn as a headband or around your neck – brings effortless charm, and layered gold jewellery – think simple hoops, stacked rings, or a chunky chain – will pull it all together.”
“If you’re wanting to be a little more experimental with your accessories, try wearing different metals together to add delicate pops of colour to your outfit and find a style that works for you,” says Blount.
Perfect your layering pieces
With those tricks in mind, there are a few staple pieces that you should have on tap for elevating your leggings ensemble.
“Building structure and texture into your layers will help elevate your aesthetic easily,” says Blount.
“A structured blazer instantly refines a pair of leggings, creating a chic juxtaposition between tailored outerwear and relaxed athleisure.
“Soft, flowing cardigans can add quiet sophistication to a look, while still maintaining comfort and a crisp, oversized button-down shirt – worn loose or half-tucked – creates a classically chic aesthetic.”
Robb says it’s important to balance out comfortable leggings with higher-brow pieces: “It’s all about balance: sleek bottoms and relaxed top,” she says.
If you’re opting for a jumper, ensure it’s knitted rather than cotton or jersey to avoid looking too casual.
Don’t ignore your shoes
You may think the bulk of the outfit is done – but the make or break of any ensemble comes down to the shoes.
“Whilst sneaker culture is still very much on the rise, your leggings will look great with everything from a clean-white dad shoe to the more refined silhouette of the sneakerina,” says Blount.
The trick to pulling off leggings and sneakers without looking as though you’re off to the gym is to ensure they’re clean and pristine.
“If sneakers aren’t right for the look you’re trying to create, try wearing your leggings with an oversized blazer and knee-high boots to create a chic, city-ready outfit.”
If you want to channel Noughties Kate Moss over the more gothic Claudia Winkleman, “pointed loafers bring the polish, ballet flats offer a Parisian twist, while sleek mules or even a small heel can take your leggings from casual to cocktails without skipping a beat,” Robb says.
GAP launches new premium line inspired by red carpet pieces
Why the ‘sneakerina’ is trending and how to style them
Ladies Day 2025: This year’s best dressed at Aintree Racecourse
Trump to stop the tax break for retailers like Shein. It could change the way we shop
5 nail trends to try this spring
Celebrity stylist reveals how to wear the season’s biggest shoe trends
