There's a certain inevitability to black-legging outfits. Whether you're committed to the comfort of athleisure, secretly into stirrups, or just on your way to Pilates, we all end up out and about in our leggings sooner or later. The fashion set is no exception, and it's not just an American thing—from Paris to London, Lisbon to Amsterdam, I delight in seeing stylish people show up in my feed wearing genuinely off-duty outfits.
If you're looking for a little outfit inspo for how to style basic black leggings, you've come to the right place. And while some of the below looks are perfect for grabbing a coffee and hitting Trader Joe's after yoga, I promise at least two of these will have you surprised at just how polished a pair of leggings can be. It's all about the styling, so stay tuned for the details—then keep scrolling until the very end for 12 bonus pairs of leggings that editors love to shop.
To be clear, this would be great with black tailored trousers or even jeans, but Linda Tol's stirrup leggings make it feel much cooler. I'm here for how polished yet secretly comfortable it is—honestly, might have to re-create this for my next flight.
On-trend accessories—like square-toe flats and an oversize mock-croc bag—are easy upgrades if you want to feel a little more intentional than just sneakers and your go-to canvas tote. Perfect for an outfit that says, "Shall we grab lunch after yoga?"
A giant cable-knit is perfect with leggings, yet it's weirdly an outfit combo I've never tried. The trick is to make sure it's longer and chunkier than your average sweater, and add polished black accessories that make it all feel a bit luxe.
A shearling jacket and comfortable leggings make a great outfit for the winter, whether you're running to the store or the airport. And if you like your leggings to be as cozy as your outerwear, this top-rated, number one best-selling fleece-lined style from Amazon is about to be your new favorite thing.
This outfit is all of us IRL running errands at some point this season. I like the variation of the faded black leggings (I found a similar "washed black" colorway at Vuori, shopped out below), plus the addition of high socks paired with retro sneakers in an on-trend hue.
Shop more basic black leggings:
I can talk to you for any length of time about how much I love FP Movement leggings.
I aspire to be a person who owns leggings from The Row.
These look super soft.
The split is it.
Me at Whole Foods.
"Butter Luxe" sounds promising.
If you didn't know Reformation does great leggings, now you know.
This high-waisted Spanx style has a cult following.
Now I'm thinking about leggings with loafers.
Do you ski?
Because some weeks, we wear our leggings every day. And that's okay.
Gap's leggings are always so good.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
My Sister Asked Me What She Should Buy From Amazon—30 Fashionable Items I SuggestedBasically, everything on my Black Friday wishlist.
-
If You're Going to Keep Wearing Floral Dresses in the Winter, This Jacket and These Boots Are Absolutely CrucialIt's the only practical (and chic) way.
-
This Once-Dated Legging Trend Is Getting Resurrected by Designers and the Fashion SetIt's baaack.
-
Okay, Noted—the Most Elegant Dresser I Follow Just Traded In Her Dark-Wash Denim for This Controversial Color TrendIt looks so expensive.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
-
If You're Going to Wear This Controversial Legging Color Trend, This Is the Sneaker Color to Wear With ItIf you only wear black leggings, these may stun you.
-
4 Years Later, This Chic Fall 2025–Coded Outfit From Zoë Kravitz Is Still on My Mind: Here's How to Re-Create ItShe's always ahead of the fashion curve.
-
I Just Found the 4 Chicest Outerwear Trends, From Trench Coats to Faux Fur, for Under $350Cold-weather layers.
