Working at home right now, my priority is comfort, but if I’m being honest, I’ve felt like I’ve been in a bit of a slump by wearing the same athleisure looks day after day. Fashion is something that makes me happy and gives me a mental boost, so I’ve been challenging myself to dress up a little bit each morning, which has returned some moments of fun to my days at home. This week, I used black leggings as the building block to my outfits.
Black leggings are a wardrobe staple I wear on the regular, but in the past, I have reserved them for workouts. Recently, though, as they have become a core staple in my wardrobe I’ve come around to the idea of wearing leggings as pants. Yes, as pants.
Moving away from my workout-only looks, I added in some of my regular wardrobe essentials like button-down tops and oversize blazers to make the outfits feel more polished (I found it was easy to dress them up). Trust me—I would wear each of these looks outside the house in the future. Consider my outlook on leggings forever changed. Scroll on to see my black-legging outfits here.
The leggings:
For each of my outfits, I wore these Zella leggings. They have over 6500 reviews on Nordstrom—a shockingly high number that’s a testament to how popular they are. The solid black leggings have a high-rise silhouette and perfect fit that makes them great for a workout, yes, but also to wear as pants as I did here.
Look 1: An open-front button-down top, mules, and gold jewelry
One of my favorite ways to style a button-down top is by wearing it unbuttoned from the waist. I think it lends any outfit an element of cool, so it’s no surprise that it works just as well with a pair of leggings. To complete the outfit, I threw on a pair of kitten heels and my everyday gold jewelry.
Shop the look:
Grayson has the best button-down tops.
The pointed versions I’m wearing are sold out, but I love the idea of swapping in these faux-croc ones.
Gold hoops are an everyday jewelry essential.
I always wear chunky gold rings.
Look 2: A tweed blazer, mules, and a chain necklace
Leggings with a tweed blazer? This feels very ’90s in the best way possible, and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of pairing these together before. This might be one of my new favorite go-to outfits.
Shop the look:
This is the exact tweed jacket I’m wearing above, but note that it’s only available in a few more sizes.
The perfect shoe to adds in if you want to get the look of pointed heels.
Chain necklaces are the perfect layering piece.
One of my favorite comfortable bras.
Look 3: A bodysuit, oversize blazer, and scrunch heels
In my opinion, an oversize blazer is the easiest way to pull together practically any look. Here, I’m simply wearing a black bodysuit with leggings, but the addition of the blazer makes it feel a bit more polished. I also added some gold chain-link jewelry and a pair of scrunch heels to envision an outfit I can later wear to the office.
Shop the look:
I have plenty of wool blazers, but lately, I’ve been loving breathable linen versions.
I live in bodysuits.
These are the exact heels I’m wearing. I can’t get enough of this scrunchy shoe style I’m seeing everywhere.
More chain jewelry.
My favorite thongs to wear under practically anything—and they're on sale.
Look 4: A cardigan set, heels, and chain jewelry
Cozy knits are something I’m practically living in at home right now, and I especially love cool sweater sets like this one. While I would normally wear this with a pair of jeans, I swapped in my leggings here, which made me completely rethink ways of styling it. To finish the look, I added in a chain necklace and a pair of heels just for fun.
Shop the look:
Cardigans are the trend that won’t quit.
I especially love wearing cardigans with coordinating tank tops underneath.
Yep, more chains.
And a bracelet to match.
Finished off this look with a slingback.
A fan of the clear case.
Next, discover more ways to wear leggings as pants.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
This Timeless Color Combo Is Defining the Season's Chicest OutfitsAnti-trend but so forward.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025Prepare your wardrobe.
-
5 Fresh Ways to Wear Basic Black Leggings This WinterSome extremely relatable outfit inspo.
-
6 Chic and Effortless Outfits Everyone Is Wearing in Paris Right NowFile these away for a rainy day.
