6 Ways to Wear Yoga Leggings and Not Look Lame

You can’t fault a girl for wanting to be comfortable, but donning yoga pants in public when you’re not on your way to or from the studio has become something of a fashion faux pas. Because let’s be real: They’re just a better-fitting version of sweatpants. That being said, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it — the cozy girl and athleisure lovers in us just can’t say no. There are a few simple style rules to follow to make sure your yoga pants look anything but namaste ready. Here’s the trick: Think of them more as a supporting role in a killer outfit, subbing them in for more traditional bottoms instead of building an entire ensemble around them. Piece of cake, right? Get ready, joggers, because these super-stretch bottoms are about to steal your athleisure crown. Here are six super stylish ways to wear yoga leggings.

Flared workout pants would typically be a dead giveaway you’re headed to the gym, but thanks to the whole ’70s-style obsession, you can totally make the flared thing work in your favor. Skip styles that look a little too couch-ready for a more polished look (like this pair with cute contrast piping), then pair them up with a longline tunic decked out in mid-century stripes. Say no to sneakers and opt instead for a set of platform clogs with a flirty feel; the height gives them a more dressed up edge, but the chunky base will keep feet feeling happy. And they drive home that disco-era vibe that’ll distract from your pants’ super laid-back vibes.

Without Walls Flare Piped Tight ($88), Staud Diego Dress ($215), Free People Walk This Way Clog ($158) + Kenzo Gommato Kalifornia Wallet on Chain ($325)

Give your yoga leggings a taste of high-fashion grunge by teaming them up with a mix of laid-back and amped-up separates. A long-line tunic offers just a glimpse of the informal bottoms, with side slits creating eye-catching movement with every step. A leather jacket injects cool factor into the getup, while offering a much-needed note of tough-girl polish. To pull it all together, step into a pair of ultra-modern ankle boots that keep your look feeling ahead of the curve.

Outdoor Voices Two-Tone Warm Up Legging ($95), Mango Check Shirt ($60), Warehouse Ultimate Leather Jacket ($323) + United Nude Jacky Hi Boot ($340)

You’ve mastered the art of joggers at work, so what’s next on the style agenda? Yoga leggings. Opt for a color blocked pair that packs a major visual punch and dress ’em up with a relaxed yet architectural tunic. A longline vest screams on-the-job-ready and offers a welcome alternative to the expected blazer. In the shoe department, say yes to high-shine loafers, oxfords and bluchers (chunky-heeled and platforms are a plus). Finish the look with minimalist accessories that will make a big impact, like this resin and brass ear cuff.

Without Walls Swerve Tight ($79), COS Oversized A-Line Tunic ($115), & Other Stories Long Wool Vest ($115) + Caterina Zangrando Pink Marbled Resin & Brass Cuff Earring ($360)

The weekends are less high stakes in terms of taking your yoga pants out on the town. Sports chic meshes perfectly with the ready-for-anything bottoms, but for a more off-the-mat look, everyday pieces with the faintest hint of athleisure are a must. Toss on a simple turtleneck tunic that’s both cozy and packs of-the-moment appeal and top it off with a fuzzy bomber-jacket-inspired sweater. Elevated trainers — silver is *the* color for 2016 — bind the outfit together and make off-duty adventuring that much more effortless.

The Upside Printed Stretch Jersey Leggings ($95), Loft Relaxed Turtleneck Tunic ($60), Poe & You Savanah Reversible Sweater ($298) + Puma Roma Metallic Sneakers ($65)

Yoga pants with a trouser façade mean staying cozy and in line with office dress code just got a whole lot easier. Top off the seemingly tailored trousers with a classy button-down shirt that’ll throw everyone off the scent of your incredibly comfy secret. Skip the blazer and layer on a furry burgundy sweater instead and make sure your shoes scream chic by polishing off the look with pointed-toe ankle boots with look-at-me embellishments.

Lulu Lemon Jet Crop Luxtreme Pant ($98), Everlane The Silk Round Collar Shirt ($78), Knitted & Knotted Faux Fur Cardigan ($128) + Jeffrey Campbell Arliss Boots ($220)

Play the layering game with yoga pants that read more like tights by wearing them under a denim midi skirt. A cold-shoulder sweatshirt plays off the bottoms’ ballet-esque vibes, while wedge booties are perfect for helping the pants pass off as tights.

Target Women’s Mesh Stirrup Pant ($35), H&M Short Sweatshirt Top ($18), Forever21 Contemporary Buttoned Denim Skirt ($23) + Kelsi Dagger Marie Boots ($130)

Do you have a favorite trick for giving made-for-the-gym pieces a life off the mat? Share your ideas with us on Twitter @britandco!