Why Every Wardrobe Needs Black Leggings – And How To Style Them

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 by pairing black leggings with an oversized camel coat. Achieve a similar effect by styling Gucci’s monogrammed stretch-jacquard pair with Loewe’s wool-and-silk blend twill shirt and Jil Sander’s crinkled patent leather pumps. Slip Sportmax’s ‘Spxfate’ blazer on top to make the look office-appropriate.

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 The Park’s ‘Josie’ leggings for effortless post-Pilates style. Just add Gucci’s large ‘Giglio’ tote bag and Saint Laurent Eyewear’s rectangle-frame sunglasses, then zip up Nour Hammour’s elevated barn jacket to take your look from the reformer studio to your favorite brunch spot.

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 leggings with a leather jacket and strappy sandals for Copenhagen Fashion Week. The Row’s ‘Woolworth’ style has an elasticated mid-rise waist and a length that lands just above the ankles, making them perfect for pairing with stilettos. Balance the second-skin silhouette with an oversized jacket, such as Khaite’s ‘Shelman’ style.