Some people say that leggings are only for wearing at home or at the gym, but that’s a misconception. The myth of unflattering leggings has been debunked countless times by fashion experts, many of whom claim that these practical pieces can look just as stylish while traveling, at a night out with friends, or even at the office. After all, leggings are not only more comfortable alternatives to bulky, constricting pants, but also versatile wardrobe staples . Not to mention, they’re flattering on almost any body type. Indeed, there’s a lot to be gained from knowing how to wear your leggings like pants.
The Benefits of Wearing Leggings as Pants
Leggings are a classic piece of clothing that never goes out of style. They come in all sorts of materials, cuts, patterns, and colors. This means you can always find the perfect pair to match your outfits. For example, black leggings are a staple piece that pairs well with most tops.
Leggings can also be worn year-round. Their soft, breathable fabrics make them perfect for warm summer days. During the colder months, a thicker pair of leggings worn over tights can keep you nice and warm. Add some thick socks and you'll be all set. While you can wear jeans when the temperature drops, they're not as comfortable. Jeans tend to be heavier and stiffer, which limits your freedom of movement. Since leggings are made of very stretchy materials, you'll have no trouble moving around in them. They're also great for traveling because they're lightweight. They take up much less space than other types of pants, so you can easily roll them up and pack them in your luggage.
It’s true that leggings aren’t like most pants. Since they’re form-fitting, you’ll have to wear them a little differently. While wearing leggings as pants is an art form, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s complicated. To help you get started, here’s a simple guide to transforming your leggings into the chicest clothing pieces:
Choose leggings in opaque and matte fabrics
First, make sure to choose leggings that are made of thicker fabrics . This will ensure that they are not see-through. Remember that sheer leggings are likely to show your underwear, which is the last thing you want. Choosing opaque fabrics will ensure that your leggings look like pants, rather than tights or stockings.
Also, be sure to choose leggings made of matte materials, as they look more sophisticated than those made of shiny fabrics. Twill and denim leggings, in particular, are ideal options. They are made of opaque textiles designed to look like real twill and denim, but are much stretchier and more comfortable.
Opt for long leggings
While there is nothing wrong with wearing capri leggings, their short appearance prevents them from looking like pants. Therefore, it is better to opt for long leggings that go down to the ankles and have a more formal look. They are also much more versatile, since it takes extra effort to wear shorter leggings.
Find the right size leggings
There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting leggings. When they’re too tight at the waist, they tend to form unflattering bulges, which is a big turn-off if you plan on wearing them as pants. Plus, leggings that are too tight tend to distort the fabric, causing the fabric to move against your curves, rather than with them. With that in mind, make sure your bottoms are snug but not restrictive. If you’re planning on wearing athletic wear, athletic leggings are a great pair of pants. They fit snugly while flattering your figure, providing maximum comfort and a sleek style.
Opt for longer tops that cover your butt
Even if your leggings are made of thick or opaque material, it still helps to cover your butt with a long top. This way, you won't reveal more than you want, which will allow you to move around comfortably. Covering the waistline of your leggings makes them look more like pants. For example, you can wear your leggings with a long white shirt, a leather jacket, and ankle boots for a cool and confident look.
Contrast with loose or relaxed tops.
Contrast is a key part of any well-coordinated outfit . It helps balance out and add interest to your ensemble. With this in mind, try pairing your leggings with boxy or relaxed tops. This will add more volume to your overall look while keeping you comfortable.
For example, an oversized knit sweater in a neutral color can make your leggings look super chic. You can even pair them with ankle boots and a cute beret for added style. If you’re planning on wearing a crop top for an activewear outfit, make sure to choose one in a looser style. For example, a white crop top, black leggings, and white sneakers are a classic combination. You can also pair them with a scrunchie and earrings to get that signature ’90s look.
Add layers to your outfit
Never underestimate the power of layering your clothes. It’s important to make your leggings look good, but to make them look like pants, you need to make sure they’re not the focal point of your outfit. Adding layers to your ensemble gives it more depth and is a nice visual distraction. Of course, layering strategically is necessary to achieve a well-put-together look.
Adding a jacket, coat, or blazer is one of the easiest ways to create eye-catching outfits. For example, you can go for 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 to work. Pair them with a smart button-down shirt, a well-cut blazer, and ankle boots for a professional look. In colder weather, you can swap out your button-down shirt for a cozy sweater.
A trench coat can also add an extra layer of elegance to your ensemble. It is long, which makes it perfect for covering your butt. Trench coats are also versatile outerwear pieces because they come in different materials. You can wear wool coats during the colder months, and switch them up to cotton coats during the warmer months. For an athletic and edgy look, you can also wear a trench coat over a hoodie and leggings.
Cover the waistband of leggings with stylish shoes
Just like covering the waist of your leggings, it helps to hide their waistbands. This makes them look more like pants and creates a seamless fit. Note that you can also opt for seamless athletic leggings to better coordinate your outfit. Of course, this is not a mandatory step in styling your leggings, but it is an important one. Not to mention, a pair of stylish shoes can really elevate your outfit. Some shoes that pair well with leggings include ankle boots, knee-high boots, and high-top sneakers.
Gone are the days of wearing uncomfortable clothes in the name 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 experiment that results in some amazing outfits. All you need is the right type of leggings, a few versatile pieces to pair with them, and a healthy dose of confidence.
