Why Every Wardrobe Needs Black Leggings – And How To Style Them
Often overlooked in the essentials department, black leggings are ready to fill the gap in your capsule wardrobe. From high-low tailoring to evening-ready looks, these are the styling tricks to know now
Some of this season’s key trends – from bold color to animal print – are undoubtedly fun to embrace, but as a rule of thumb, every well-curated wardrobe should contain seriously good staples to balance out the statement pieces. In fact, if you’re currently struggling to put together outfits in your existing capsule closet, it’s probably down to a shortage of great basics. Think of it this way: even the world’s finest chefs would struggle to whip up a magnificent dish without having a few fundamental ingredients on hand. One key item your wardrobe might be missing is a pair of black leggings. The perfect base and a blank canvas for any look, leggings may be considered the epitome of ‘basic’, but they deserve to be treated like any other style investment. For maximum style mileage, they need to fit well and feel good, and should be crafted from soft fabrics that comfortably stretch without ever looking sheer. Keep reading to discover the latest pairs, along with three ways to wear black leggings in 2025.
Go high-low with tailoring
On board with the idea of swapping out your black pants for leggings, but still want to feel chic and polished? Look to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who nailed the high-low look in black stirrup leggings and an oversized camel coat. Consider The Row’s ‘Woolworth’ leggings, which are made from black stretch-ponte fabric for a close yet comfortable fit, paired with Wardrobe.NYC’s cotton-poplin shirt and Saint Laurent’s black ‘Jeanne’ pumps. Slip Dries Van Noten’s navy oversized coat on top to replicate Huntington-Whiteley’s chic and cocooning look.
For off duty
Leggings are not just for the gym floor. In fact, in something of a role reversal, chef Laila Gohar recently revealed that she wears Simone Rocha shorts, socks and Crocs to the gym. Meanwhile, tastemaker Sophia Roe styled out leggings with a leather jacket and strappy sandals for Copenhagen Fashion Week. Alaïa’s leggings are made to be shown off; they come with belt loops at the waistband and therefore can be styled with a crop top, belt and stilettos on a night out. Balance the second-skin silhouette with an oversized jacket, such as Nour Hammour’s cult ‘Drey’ style.
Layer like a pro
The art of layering like a fashion influencer is much easier to grasp once you understand that it’s simply a balancing act. For example, figure-hugging black leggings work proportionally well with boxy outerwear and chunky boots. We love Toteme’s ‘Cork’ leggings, which are cut from supple stretch-jersey with a high-rise fit. Keep things tonal with dark-hued accessories, such as Bottega Veneta’s ‘Campana’ shoulder bag and Saint Laurent Eyewear’s aviator-style sunglasses, before zipping up Givenchy’s cropped leather-trimmed jacket to finish the look.
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