For years people have waged war over the question: Leggings — pants or not pants? And we think we think it’s safe to say that leggings won.
We can’t get enough of leggings — such comfort, such versatility! Dressing up your leggings gives you a great excuse to slum it in your loungewear while making it look like you actually put a ton of effort into your outfit.
Here’s a few super simple style ideas for wearing your leggings outside of the house.
The Casual Friday
For a casual Friday look at the office, you can spruce up a pair of leggings by adding a bulky white sweater and a duster jacket to elongate your body. Add in a bold red lip, a big purse and gold jewelry to make the outfit look polished.
(Disclaimer: This really depends on your workplace culture and their attitude toward dress code. We don’t recommend wearing leggings to work if it’s going to give your boss a heart attack.)
The Look:
Leggings: Lululemon
Sweater: Primark (U.S. and Europe only)
Duster: Zara
Bag: Michael Kors
Necklaces: Rocking Vibe, Victoria’s Secret
Lip Color: Mix of Bite Beauty in Negroni and Colourpop lip pencil in Poison
The Retro Cutie
Hello Hepburn! We love this look because it’s just so breezy and effortless. For this retro inspired outfit, a sheer white blouse, add a red lip and some gold jewelry and go for a half-updo hairstyle. It’s polished without being too stuffy or overdone.
The Look:
Leggings: Aritzia
Blouse & undershirt: Sirens
Necklace: It was a gift so I don’t know, sorry!
Lip Color: Mix of Bite Beauty in Negroni and Colourpop lip pencil in Poison
The Trendsetter
Leggings under a dress is so early 2000s — and that’s what we love about it. We could totally see some cool art school kids sporting this look around campus. Fitting in with the cool kids — isn’t that the goal? Add a low, slicked-back ponytail, some gold jewelry, and eclectic accessories (like this faux-snakeskin city bag) for a sleek look.
The Look:
Leggings: Lululemon
Slip Dress: H&M
White t-shirt: Babaton (Aritzia)
Bag: Aldo
Necklace: It was a gift so I don’t know, sorry!
Lip Color: MAC Cremesheen in Spice it Up!
The Off-Duty Model
Pair a bustier top with an oversized blazer, tons of jewelry and a messy bun for that “Hopped off the plane at LAX” look. It’s bold, but who doesn’t love to channel their inner Gigi Hadid every now and again? Don’t forget your top model scowl.
The Look:
Leggings: Aritzia
Blazer: Babaton (Aritzia)
Bustier: Forever 21
Necklaces: Second-hand finds
Bracelets: Huxworth
Scrunchie: Nordstrom Rack
Lip Color: Bite Beauty in Musk (discontinued) and Glace
The Girl on Campus
Would you believe me if I told you that I used to wear high heels and tight dresses to university? I remember feeling very collegiate and grown up in my stilettos, even as I lost feeling in my baby toes. Oh, if only someone had told me that I’d be making my living as a writer wearing leggings to the “office” (my bedroom) everyday.
For this “look at me I’m smart and comfortable” look, create a shapely silhouette with a black turtleneck, an oversized jean jacket and the biggest scarf you can find. Don’t forget to lug around Hemingway, Atwood, and Foucault as accessories.
The Look:
Leggings: Aritzia
Scarf: Wilfred (Aritzia)
Turtleneck (not shown): Zara
Jean jacket: Black Market Vintage
Glasses: Ray-ban
Watch (not shown): Daniel Wellington