Some people say that leggings should only be worn at home or the gym, but this is a common misconception. The myth of leggings looking unflattering or lazy has been debunked countless times by fashion experts. Many of them state that these practical clothing pieces can look just as stylish when you’re traveling, going on a night out with friends, and even heading to the office. After all, leggings are not only comfier alternatives to bulky and constrictive trousers, but also versatile wardrobe staples. Not to mention, they look flattering on almost every body type. Indeed, there’s a lot to gain from knowing how to wear your leggings as pants.
The Benefits of Wearing Leggings as Pants
Leggings are classic clothing pieces that never go out of style. They come in all kinds of materials, cuts, designs, and colours. This means that you can always find the perfect pair to match your outfits. For example, black leggings are a staple piece that goes well with most tops.
Leggings can also be worn all year round. Their soft and breathable fabrics make them perfect for warm summer days. During colder months, a pair of thicker leggings worn over tights can keep you nice and toasty. Add some thick socks into the mix and you’ll be good to go. While you can wear jeans when the temperature drops, they’re just not as comfortable. Jeans tend to be heavier and stiffer, which limits your range of movement. Since leggings are made from highly elastic materials, you’ll have no trouble moving around in them. They’re also perfect for traveling because of their lightweight material. They take up far less space compared to other kinds of pants, so you can easily roll them up to store them in your luggage.
Granted, leggings are not like most trousers. Their form-fitting characteristics mean that you’ll need to style them a little differently. While wearing leggings as pants is an art form, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s complicated. To help you get started, below is a simple guide to turning your leggings into the chicest clothing pieces:
Choose Leggings with Opaque and Matte Fabrics
First and foremost, be sure to select leggings made of thicker fabrics. This ensures that they’re not transparent. Remember, see-through leggings are likely to show your underwear, which is the last thing you want. By choosing opaque fabrics, you can make sure that your leggings actually look like pants, rather than tights or pantyhose.
Additionally, be sure to choose leggings made of matte materials, as they look more sophisticated compared to those made of shiny fabrics. Twill and denim leggings, in particular, are ideal options. They’re made of opaque textiles that are designed to look like real twill and denim, but are far more stretchable and comfy.
Go For Full-Length Leggings
While there’s nothing wrong with capri leggings, their cropped appearance keeps them from looking like pants. Hence, it’s best to opt for full-length leggings that reach all the way to your ankles, which have a more formal appearance. They’re also a lot more versatile since it takes some extra effort to pull off shorter leggings.
Get the Right Fit
There’s nothing worse than a pair of ill-fitting leggings. When they’re too tight around the waist, they tend to form unflattering muffin tops, which is a big no-no if you plan to wear them as pants. Plus, overly-tight leggings tend to cause fabric warping, resulting in fabric that moves against your curves, rather than with them. Keeping this in mind, be sure that your bottoms are snug but not constricting. If you plan on wearing athleisure, sports leggings make for great pants. They fit the body snugly while flattering the silhouette, providing maximum comfort and a sleek style.
Opt For Longer Tops That Cover Your Bottom
Even if your leggings are made of thick or opaque material, it still helps to cover your bottom with a long top. This ensures that you’re not revealing more than you’d like to, allowing you to comfortably move around. Covering the waistband of your leggings also helps them look more like pants. For instance, you can wear your leggings with a long white shirt, leather jacket, and booties for a cool and confident look.
Show Contrast with Boxy or Loose-Fitting Tops
Contrast is an essential element in any well-coordinated outfit. It provides balance and keeps your ensemble interesting. With that in mind, try to pair your leggings with tops that are boxy in shape or have a relaxed fit. This will add more volume to your overall look while keeping you comfortable.
For example, an oversized knit sweater in a neutral colour can make your leggings look extra chic. You can even pair them with ankle booties and a cute beret for extra style points. If you plan on wearing a crop top for an athletic outfit, be sure to get one in a looser style. For example, a boxy and white crop top, black leggings, and white trainers are a classic combination. You can also pair these with a scrunchie and hoop earrings to achieve that signature 90s style.
Add Layers to Your Outfit
Never underestimate the power of layering your clothes. It’s important that your leggings look good, but in order to effectively make them look like pants, you’ll need to ensure that they’re not the focal point of your outfit. Adding layers to your ensemble gives it more depth and provides a nice visual distraction. Of course, it’s necessary to layer strategically in order to achieve a put-together look.
Throwing on a jacket, coat, or blazer is one of the simplest ways to create eye-catching outfits. For example, you can pull off a casual look with a denim jacket, a simple t-shirt, and leggings. If your workplace doesn’t have a strict dress code, you can definitely wear leggings on the job. Pair yours with a smart button-down, well-tailored blazer, and booties for a professional look. In colder weather, you can opt to swap your button-down for a cozy sweater.
Alternatively, a trench coat can add an extra layer of elegance to your ensemble. It’s long, which makes it perfect for covering your bottom. Trench coats are also versatile outerwear, as they come in different materials. You can wear wool coats in the colder months, and switch them with cotton ones in the warmer months. For a hip, winter athleisure look, you can also wear a trench coat over a hoodie and leggings.
Cover Legging Cuffs with Some Stylish Footwear
Much like covering the waistband of your leggings, it also helps to conceal their cuffs. This makes them look more like pants and creates a seamless fit. Of course, this isn’t a mandatory step when styling your leggings, but it does go a long way. Not to mention, a pair of stylish kicks can really elevate your outfit. Some shoes that pair well with leggings include ankle booties, knee-high boots, and high-top sneakers.
Gone are the days of wearing uncomfortable garments for the sake of fashion. Leggings are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Wearing them as pants can be a simple and fun experience that results in some amazing outfits. All you need is the right kinds of leggings, some versatile closet pieces to pair them with, and a dash of self-confidence.
