Julia Garner Just Wore This Anti-Athleisure Shoe Trend With Leggings in NYC
You know how some outfits stop you in your tracks? That's exactly what happened when we spotted Julia Garner on the NYC leg of the press tour for her new movie, Weapons. The actress, known for her incredible on-screen presence and equally iconic curly bob, stepped out in a look that was a masterclass in high-low dressing. She paired a simple, sleek pair of black leggings with the kind of strappy black pumps you'd expect to see worn with a power suit. It's a combination that, on paper, shouldn't work. But on Garner? It's doing the most, thanks to her longtime stylist, Elizabeth Saltzman.
Paired with an Ao Yes ribbon tie top from the F/W 2025 collection, Garner elevated a humble pair of leggings—a Who What Wear editor wardrobe staple—into a statement piece. The key is in the details: the leggings are perfectly tailored, and the sharp, architectural design of her Tory Burch Multi-Buckle Pumps ($550) adds an unexpected layer of sophistication.
So, what's the takeaway here? It's officially time to reconsider what leggings can do. Instead of just pairing them with typical athleisure items like sneakers and a sweatshirt, take a cue from Garner and see them as a blank canvas. By adding chic heels, a structured blazer, or a statement accessory, you can transform your most comfortable piece of clothing into a look that's ready for anything—from a fancy dinner to, apparently, a blockbuster movie press tour.
Keep scrolling to shop for black leggings you can wear outside of the gym, plus several pairs of interesting cutout strappy heels to re-create Garner's look for your next big event.
On Julia Garner: Tory Burch Multi-Buckle Pumps ($550)
Shop Leggings and Strappy Pumps
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.
-
Red Bow Dresses, Velvet Pants, and Tuxedo Shirts—Emma Roberts Shares What She's Wearing This Holiday SeasonAll at affordable price point.
-
Instead of Leggings and Sneakers, Fashion Girls Are Wearing Puffer Jackets With These Non-Skinny Pants and BootsIt feels fresh and very 2025.
-
I'm Betting On It: 5 Designer Items Celebs Will Wear This Holiday SeasonPredictions so good, one of them already came true.
-
Here's How All the Cool Girls Will Be Wearing Their Leggings This WinterThese outfits feel more fashion and less fitness.
-
Heads Up: Gigi Hadid Is Trying to Make This "Dated" Winter Boot Trend a Thing AgainYou're going to be upset that you got rid of your old pair.
-
I'll Know You "Get It" If I See You Wearing This Bag Color With Black or Brown (or Both)See how Kaia Gerber styles all three together with ease.
-
Jennifer Aniston Just Wore the Sneaker Color That Makes This Dated Denim Trend Look 2025A '90s-inspired outfit formula.
-
*Not* Blazers—the Anti-Trend Jacket Chic Women Over 50 Are Wearing With Skirts in Paris, L.A., and NYCSuch an easy, elegant outfit formula.

