7 Ways Every Cool Girl Is Wearing Leggings in 2023

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Leggings have come a long way over the years. Yes, they're usually associated with working up a sweat or lounging around, but they can actually be versatile pieces in your everyday wardrobe. Here, I've rounded up seven legging outfit ideas to give you a dose of sartorial inspiration from editors, street-style stars, and influencers. Even celebs like Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Laura Harrier incorporate the staple into their style rotation. 

When you pair them with boots and a bomber jacket or high heels and a sleek coat, you can transform your look while still staying comfortable. That's the name of the game, right? Plus, there are so many types out there to help dress you up like flares, cropped silhouettes, bootcut shapes, front-split ones, ribbed textures, leather-like ones, and lots more. All these options make it easier than ever to confuse leggings for just a regular pair of pants—and that's the goal. Keep scrolling for some of the best outfit ideas with leggings, and then shop some similar finds for each if you want to give your pair an upgrade. 

Bomber Jacket + Leggings + Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

A bomber jacket with that soft, worn-in look and feel gives them that extra "cool" factor. It also helps when the leggings have a matte sheen to them. Throw on a pair of statement sunglasses, and you have an effortless ensemble going for you. 

Rosette Top + Leggings + Heels

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

This Magda Butrym set is a perfect formula for a show-stopping outfit. You can replicate it with a pair of bold red bottoms and a floral, romantic top to turn your leggings from that "heading to the gym" vibe to a "grabbing drinks with the girls" one.

Shearling Coat + Leggings + Lug-Sole Boots

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(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

The best part about leggings? You don't have to tuck them into a pair of tall boots. You can easily pull any pair of shoes over them! Put on an oversize shearling coat to complete your cozy yet chic look, and just so you know, fleece-lined leggings will keep you even warmer if you have to brave freezing weather. 

Tank Top + Leggings + Slingbacks 

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Grease had so many iconic outfits, and this one channels Sandy's in the final scene. When you add a belt over a spaghetti tank top and black leggings, it gives you the illusion of a catsuit. Add a pair of black slingbacks to dress it up even more and voilà! 

Blazer + Leggings + Chunky Sneakers

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(Image credit: @kingharriett52)

Opt for some color with a monochromatic outfit featuring sage green leggings and a coordinating blazer. Keep the sporty vibes going with some chunky white sneakers. 

Cream Coat + Leggings + Brown Boots

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Mix all your neutrals (and textures!) in the form of a plush cream coat, taupe ribbed leggings, and brown leather boots. 

Brown Coat + Leggings + Rain Boots

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Here's proof that a gloomy day doesn't have to ruin an outfit. An oversize double-breasted coat, bright bag, knit beanie, and statement rain boots turn a pair of gray leggings into anything but boring. 

Next: This Controversial Silhouette Is Preparing for a Surprisingly Chic Return

Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.

After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.