Leggings as Pants? This One Piece Makes It Doable

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Leggings are the one item we can guarantee that you’ll find in any woman’s closet. Which is why we’re dedicated to finding the coolest styles, newest trends, and innovative ways to wear all your favorite pairs. From yoga class to travel and everything in between, leggings are our go-to piece to cozy up in (and still look cool doing it). And while we wish there were endless ways to wear them, the fact is that their body-hugging shape looks best when paired with some length for a necessary balance.

The one piece that makes wearing leggings alone totally doable? A long sweater or cardigan. The trick is to look for knits that are longer than the average, hitting about mid-thigh. Luckily, there are plenty of worthy options out there and we've sifted through them so that you can face the harsh winter that still lies ahead armed with this cozy outfit comboPair your sweater and leggings with a pair of sneakers or boots for the perfect laid-back look. Honestly, you may never want to wear your jeans again.

Go on to see how to wear long sweaters with leggings, and then shop the knits we love.

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Swap your black jeans for a pair of leggings with this sweater and sneakers look. Retro sneakers are the perfect finishing touch for a comfy yet cool outfit. 

Shop long sweaters for leggings:

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Try a pair of pedal pusher leggings with a long duster jacket or sweater for an updated version of the classic legging look. The perfect balance of chic and comfortable, this cold-weather look is definitely one to copy.

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(Image credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

Take a style tip from Gigi Hadid and try a long top under your long sweater with leggings and heeled boots for a comfortable outfit that doesn't look like you just came from the gym. Your new weekend errand running outfit, found.

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(Image credit: @chrystelleeriksberger)

For a sporty cool approach, layer a hoodie underneath a longline jacket with leggings and sneakers (and don't forget tall socks for a retro feel).

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Leggings and ankle boots are a tricky combo to pull off, but styled with a chunky knit and trench coat, it somehow works.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Up next, three fall sweater trends you should know before shopping.

Senior 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.