*Not* Black—6 Legging Color Trends Everyone Everywhere Will Be Wearing in 2026
There's nothing at all wrong with black leggings. They're the classic choice for a reason—they really do work with everything. But what makes them great can also be a hindrance. Everyone has them, making other legging color options desirable for anyone who likes something different and not quite so expected. Those are the types of people this story is aimed at—the ones who are looking for leggings that are just as flattering, versatile, and easy to style as black ones but aren't quite so been-there-done-that.
Naturally, to find those next It color trends, I went looking through photos of the most influential names in Hollywood during the off-the-clock hours, when they're grabbing coffee in SoHo, popping out of their glitzy Hudson Yards hotel, or just arriving at a private Pilates lesson in West Hollywood. Sure, people like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jasmine Tookes wear black leggings—everyone does—but when they're looking to switch things up, *these* are the colors they opt for.
Scroll to discover the legging color trends set to take over in 2026, according to It girls in L.A., NYC, and more.
Midnight
If you're used to wearing black leggings but want to switch things up, navy should be your first choice. It's just as neutral as black, and it hides sweat equally well. Tip: Go the unexpected route and pair navy leggings with a black sports bra for a cool clashing moment.
Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown leggings are another easy alternative to black. Plus, the rich shade has an expensive air to it that makes you look like you just left a super-exclusive Pilates or barre class, hit up the infrared sauna in the locker room, and grabbed a smoothie to go, even if you really just go to whatever affordable gym is in your area. I won't tell if you won't.
Oatmeal
For something a little different, try Olivia Munn's favorite legging color, oatmeal. This shade is very luxe, especially for winter, and particularly if you pair it with monochromatic pieces, like a cream-colored shearling coat, matching socks, and some loafers.
Racing Green
Unlike navy or brown, which are more expected in the leggings world, racing green is a newer neutral that's entering the space. It feels very luxe and cool, and it goes great with other shades, like navy or brown, but also cream, black, and burgundy.
Royal Blue
For an even bolder color choice, try royal blue. I never really gave this legging color a chance, but after seeing Kendall Jenner pair an Adanola workout set in this shade with a khaki-colored car coat, black flats, and a striped blue T-shirt, I knew I had to buy a pair.
Slate Gray
Dark, slate gray is a classic choice when it comes to leggings. Instead of a matching set, I say opt for a white sports bra to give your look some contrast and then maybe top it all off with an oversize cashmere sweater in navy and a pair of almond-toe ballet flats.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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