Leggings as Pants Are 100% Happening Again—Here's How to Pull Them Off

Arguably one of the longest-standing debates in the world of fashion surrounds whether or not it's okay to wear leggings as pants. It's not hard to understand the allure of wearing leggings 24/7 in place of rigid denim and stiff trousers, but I think it's safe to say that for a while the idea seemed "off-limits." While I'm in no position to tell you what you can and can't wear, I can't imagine I'd be promoting the leggings-as-pants look—until now.

I can't help but notice how fashion girls are starting to style their leggings solo (and not just for the gym). Thanks to new trends like slit-front leggings, I've spotted a number of incredibly chic outfits with leggings as pants and it's not only convinced me that they're 100% happening again but have even inspired me to hop on board. I've found that wearing them as a layering piece with boxy blazers, sleek utility jackets, and long trench coats is a failsafe approach, but that with a bit more styling effort they can totally be dressed up with a fancier top and heels (yes, it's possible!).

Ultimately, leggings have plenty of uses—and we're about to share nine very chic ways to wear them that go way beyond a workout.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Emulate this "'80s Princess Diana" vibe with an oversize blazer and sporty accessories.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

If you ask me, it's totally okay to let a tailored jacket do all the work for you.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Take notes from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and style of-the-moment slit leggings with a utility jacket and sporty sandals.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Tired of black leggings? Create a bold look when you pair thick, trouser-like leggings with heels and a bright cardigan.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Capri leggings take on an elevated feel with chain heels and a structured top.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Logo sweatshirts are a vibe. Create a sporty-cool look when you wear one with a scrunchie, hoop earrings, and good ol' leggings.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

Bookmark this outfit that requires little effort but definitely looks cool.

Get the look:

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(Image credit: @kerifay)

You might have tried tucking your skinny jeans into knee-high boots, but according to this outfit, it works just as well with thick, no-show leggings.

Get the look:

Next up, the jogger outfits we're giving an A+.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.