Season after season, we hear about how skinny jeans are on their deathbed, and yet they never quite seem to go out of style. The same could be said of athleisure, which celebs, street style stars and girl bosses everywhere don’t seem to be giving up on just yet. And in fact, the trend has given rise to a somewhat unexpected sartorial revolution as of late — one in which leggings are leading the way to #OOTD glory. This week’s Style Resolutions, with the help of Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr and Rihanna, is helping you pull off the low-key look for day or night without drawing side glances from your co-workers or crew. Scroll on for three rad looks that slay at the office, on GNO and on the weekend.
The Buy: Teamed with chic lace-up booties, It girl-approved handbags and sophisticated blouses — not to mention elevated fabrics such as suede and leather — the laid-back basic has taken on a decidedly fashion-forward and elegant tone.
How to Wear Leggings for Work
Leave it to Olivia Palermo to make leggings look like a million bucks. The influencer rocked a sleek leather set in Paris alongside a polished button-down, military-inspired coat and lace-up booties for a look that read runway-ready rather than sloppy. (Photo via Jacopo Raule/GC Images)
Wearing leggings on the job can be a risky move if you don’t get it right. The key to success is to skip over cotton styles, opting instead for (faux) suede or leather that firmly ground your getup in sophisticated territory. Take a slightly traditional approach with classy button-down tunics, structured coats and sculptural booties or pumps to carry you straight into HR-approved territory.
Zara Faux Suede Leggings ($40) + H&M Striped Blouse ($35), Mango Cotton Trim Jacket ($130), Aldo Jonasson Boots ($140), Zara Contrasting Details Bucket Bag ($30), Sonix Melrose Sunglasses ($98), Mango Metal Earrings ($16)
How to Wear Leggings for a Night Out
Miranda Kerr must have had some killer plans post-flight, because this airport ensemble is seriously saucy. So much so that we’ll be adding this killer combo to our lineup STAT. (Photo via starzfly/Bauer-Griffen/GC Images)
Be it a candlelit dinner with bae or cocktails at a hot new address downtown, you can count on a pair of high-waisted leather leggings to see you through in style. Pair them with a sexy plunge blouse, stiletto ankle boots and a choker necklace for an after-dark #OOTD that brings the wow-factor like whoa. Before heading out the door, toss on an oversized wool coat that could easily be belted for major runway-ready appeal and a studded crossbody bag with tough-girl vibes built right in.
Zara Leather Effect Leggings ($30) + Réalisation Par The Bianca ($140), Mango Lapels Wool Coat ($150), Are You Am I Kishu Wrap Choker ($59), Nine West “Yesday” Metallic Heel Bootie ($140), Zara Studded Crossbody Bag ($40), Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Gingersnap ($26)
How to Wear Leggings for the Weekend
Let’s be real — RiRi could make a burlap sack look like couture. It’s all about attitude (and great accessories), girl. Here, the singer makes leggings feel fresh with elevated kicks and a bold blue puffer jacket. (Photo via James Devaney/GC Images)
You’ve got places to go and people to see, but that’s not going to prevent you from stepping out in your fave Saturday outfit formula — leggings and an oversized tee. To keep your ensemble on the right side of sloppy, opt for artsy prints and leggings with eye-catching details that make your getup feel purposeful, rather than rushed. Patent kicks put a subtle twist on classic sneakers, with bold bow laces lending your look a playful, feminine edge. Round out the getup with a statement collar necklace, structured bag and a quilted puffer jacket FTW.
Free People Movement B Natural City Slicker Legging ($98) + Diesel Rose Print T-Shirt ($60), Topshop Oversized Puffer ($140), Puma Basket Heart Patent Leather Sneaker ($85), BaubleBar Audrina Choker Bib Set ($68), Mango Chain Patched Bag ($70)
Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.