This Is Exactly How to Make Leggings Look Chic for a Night Out

Don't get me wrong—Who What Wear editors love leggings, but the last time we reached for them (and a going-out top) ahead of a night out was during that historical fashion era known as the early aughts: bubble hems, layered tanks, and statement necklaces. So many statement necklaces. So, while some of us are still debating whether or not to welcome low-rise jeans back into our closets, yours truly was surprised—and rather delighted—to see that there's another throwback staple reimaging as a stylish favorite: leggings

Sophie Turner Jonas turned heads when she wore a fitted Magda Butrym ensemble in fire-engine red to the unveiling of the Jonas Brothers' star on the Walk of Fame. The sophisticated, cropped wool jacket was embellished with rosettes and simultaneously contrasted and complemented the matching but much more casual-looking skinny pants (let's just call them leggings). It also paired perfectly with her red suede Manolo Blahnik pumps. Although Turner Jonas wore this outfit for a daytime event, we're earmarking it as a reference for a future night out. 

Just to be clear, this outfit works because it's loud. We wouldn't be as inspired if it were just black leggings paired with a black blazer and pumps, right? Don't forget that leggings come in every shade imaginable, so if red isn't your color, consider re-creating the look in a punchy pink, bright blue, or lime green. 

Ahead, shop Turner Jonas's head-to-toe red look, plus three similar outfits at varying price points. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Sophie Turner: Magda Butrym and pants

Shop Sophie Turner Jonas's Red Outfit

Browse Red Tops, Leggings, and Heels

Next: Sorry, But My Trend Crystal Ball Says This Type of Blazer Is Going Out of Style

Drew Elovitz
Director of Content Strategy

Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.