Leggings have become a wardrobe staple for women of all ages and body types. While they are typically associated with casual wear, there are plenty of ways to dress them up and make them suitable for various occasions.
With the right styling tricks, leggings can transform from a simple loungewear piece into a chic, fashionable outfit.
Whether you’re heading to dinner, a night out, or a special event, here’s how to dress up your leggings for any occasion.
Choose the Right Fabric and Fit
The first step in dressing up leggings is selecting the right pair. Opt for leggings made from more sophisticated materials like faux leather, velvet, or high-quality cotton blends. These fabrics have a more polished look than traditional athletic leggings, which tend to look more casual. Leather or faux leather leggings, for example, instantly add a sense of edginess and luxury to an outfit, making them perfect for a night out. Choose a high-waisted style that offers both comfort and support, giving your outfit a smooth, seamless look.
Pair With an Oversized Blazer
One of the easiest ways to elevate your leggings is by pairing them with an oversized blazer. A well-fitted, structured blazer adds a sense of professionalism and sophistication to your leggings. Look for a blazer that hits at the hips or mid-thigh for a flattering silhouette. For a chic, trendy look, opt for a plaid or patterned blazer to add some visual interest. Throw on a crisp white shirt underneath for an effortlessly put-together look, or layer a fitted turtleneck for extra warmth and style.
Layer With a Long Tunic or Sweater
For a cozy yet polished outfit, layer your leggings with a long tunic or sweater. Tunics that hit mid-thigh or longer can provide a sleek, elongated look that balances out the fitted nature of leggings. Look for tunics with interesting textures, such as cable knit or chunky sweaters, to add depth to your outfit. A sweater with a dramatic collar or wide sleeves will also make a statement. Pair this with ankle boots or knee-high boots to complete the chic, cozy look.
Add a Statement Top
When dressing up leggings, it’s essential to balance the sleekness of the leggings with a statement top. Opt for tops that have unique features such as ruffles, pleats, or metallic finishes. A satin blouse, for example, pairs beautifully with black leggings, offering a luxe and feminine touch. A blouse with billowing sleeves or an off-the-shoulder design can give your look a more elegant, fashion-forward edge. For an even more elevated look, tuck the top into your leggings or tie it at the waist to define your shape.
Wear With Heels or Chic Boots
Footwear can make or break an outfit, so it’s essential to choose shoes that elevate your leggings. High heels, whether they’re pointed-toe pumps or strappy stilettos, will give your outfit an instant boost of sophistication. If you’re not into heels, try pairing your leggings with knee-high or over-the-knee boots. These boots not only add style but also create a more polished appearance, especially when worn with a flowy top or tunic. For a more edgy look, try ankle boots with a chunky heel. They provide a balance of comfort and fashion, adding a modern touch to your leggings outfit.
Add a Waist Belt for Definition
Sometimes, leggings can look a little too snug or shapeless when paired with oversized tops or long layers. Adding a waist belt can help define your figure and provide a more put-together appearance. Choose a wide leather belt for a structured look, or opt for a slimmer belt for a more delicate, subtle effect. A waist belt will also break up the outfit and help create a balanced, flattering shape.
Go for Bold Accessories
Accessorizing is key when it comes to dressing up leggings. Consider pairing your leggings with statement jewelry like large earrings, layered necklaces, or a bold cuff bracelet. A wide-brimmed hat or stylish fedora can instantly take your look to the next level, giving it a touch of sophistication. If you’re wearing a simple outfit, such as black leggings and a solid-colored top, adding a scarf, chunky necklace, or oversized sunglasses can turn your look from basic to fabulous.
Opt for a Cropped Jacket or Coat
A cropped jacket or coat is another excellent option for dressing up leggings. Short jackets like moto jackets or cropped blazers add structure to your outfit without overwhelming the look. These jackets also create a more balanced silhouette, giving your outfit a defined shape. If you’re dressing up for a cooler season, a tailored pea coat or a cropped faux fur jacket can make your leggings look both fashionable and functional.
Layer With a Cardigan or Duster Coat
Long cardigans or duster coats are perfect for creating a sophisticated layered look. A flowy cardigan, whether it’s a long knit style or an open-front option, adds movement to your outfit, making it appear more polished. Pairing leggings with a long duster coat creates an effortlessly stylish silhouette. You can either choose a neutral color like beige, black, or grey for a timeless look, or go for a bold, statement-making color to add some pop to your outfit.
Play With Proportions
When dressing up leggings, playing with proportions can make a significant difference in how the outfit looks. Because leggings are tight-fitting, it’s best to balance them with looser, longer layers on top. A voluminous coat, a flowy blouse, or an oversized sweater will create a chic contrast to the fitted leggings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured look, opt for a fitted top or a sleek bodysuit tucked into your leggings. Experiment with these proportions to find what works best for your personal style and body type.
Experiment With Prints and Textures
Lastly, don’t shy away from prints and textures when dressing up leggings. While solid colors are always a safe choice, printed leggings, like leopard print, snakeskin, or even geometric designs, can be styled for a night out. Pair printed leggings with a solid-colored top or an elegant blouse to balance the bold patterns. Similarly, textured fabrics like velvet or ribbed leggings can be dressed up by pairing them with sophisticated layers, like a tailored blazer or long cardigan.
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How to Dress Up Leggings For Work
Wearing leggings to work can be tricky, but with the right approach, it’s possible to look polished and professional while still being comfortable. The key to dressing up leggings for work lies in choosing the right materials, pairing them with sophisticated pieces, and maintaining a clean, tailored look.
Choose Office-Appropriate Leggings
Start by selecting leggings made from thicker, more structured fabrics like ponte, faux leather, or wool blends. These materials won’t be see-through and have a more refined, professional look than typical activewear leggings. Darker colors like black, navy, or charcoal are always safe and professional choices for the office.
Pair With a Blazer or Structured Jacket
One of the easiest ways to elevate leggings for work is by pairing them with a structured jacket or blazer. A well-fitted blazer instantly adds sophistication and makes the leggings look more formal. Go for a long blazer or one that hits just above the hips, and make sure it’s tailored to your body shape for a more polished effect. A classic white button-down shirt under the blazer also adds to the professional vibe.
Opt for a Dressy Top or Tunic
Pair your leggings with a blouse or tunic that has an interesting texture or design. Silk blouses or tunics with a slight sheen, or tops that have subtle details like pleats or ruffles, can make a huge difference in how formal your outfit looks. Stick with neutral or muted colors, as these are more office-appropriate. A high-neck or button-down shirt can add an air of professionalism without feeling too stiff or uncomfortable.
Complete With Heels or Flats
Footwear is essential when dressing up leggings for work. Heels, whether they’re classic pumps, block heels, or pointed-toe stilettos, help create a more formal and polished appearance. If heels aren’t your thing, opt for pointed-toe flats or loafers in leather or suede to maintain a sharp, professional look. Avoid sneakers or casual shoes, as they’ll detract from the sophistication of your outfit.
Keep Accessories Subtle
When it comes to accessorizing for work, less is more. Stick to simple, elegant jewelry like stud earrings, a slim watch, or a dainty bracelet. A structured handbag or briefcase will complement the overall professional vibe. Avoid over-the-top accessories that might distract from the sleekness of your outfit.
How to Dress Up Leggings For a Party
Leggings are surprisingly versatile for party outfits, especially when paired with the right tops, footwear, and accessories. Whether you’re headed to a cocktail party, a festive gathering, or a night out, there are plenty of ways to make leggings a statement piece.
Opt for Statement Leggings
When dressing up leggings for a party, the leggings themselves should stand out. Go for styles with unique textures or finishes, like metallic, sequined, or leather leggings. These fabrics add a bit of glam and instantly elevate the look. If you prefer a more subtle approach, opt for black or dark-colored leggings with a high waist and a polished finish to keep the focus on the accessories and top.
Pair with a Glamorous Top
For a party-ready look, pair your leggings with a top that’s dramatic and eye-catching. A sequined or embellished blouse can bring a touch of sparkle to your outfit, making it perfect for a celebratory event. Off-the-shoulder tops or those with dramatic sleeves (think bell sleeves or puffed sleeves) are also great choices. Satin, velvet, or silk tops will add a luxe feel to your ensemble. Turtlenecks or fitted bodysuits are stylish yet elegant options that can also be dressed up with accessories.
Choose Bold Footwear
Party shoes can take your leggings from casual to chic. High heels, especially pointed-toe pumps or strappy sandals, will instantly elevate your outfit. If you’re looking for something a bit edgier, opt for ankle boots with a chunky heel or even knee-high boots. For a more fashion-forward look, you could try a pair of metallic or embellished heels that complement the shiny or metallic texture of your leggings.
Layer With a Stylish Outerwear Piece
When dressing up leggings for a party, consider layering with a chic outerwear piece. A leather jacket, a tailored trench coat, or a faux fur stole can add an extra element of style and warmth, especially if the event is outdoors. These layers not only add sophistication to your look but also give your outfit more dimension.
Accessorize Boldly
To complete your party look, make sure your accessories are on point. Opt for bold statement jewelry, such as oversized earrings, layered necklaces, or a chunky cuff bracelet. A stylish clutch or mini handbag will tie everything together and add a touch of glamour to your look. Don’t forget a bold lip color or dramatic eye makeup to truly turn heads at the party.
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