Among my winter jumpers and leather jackets, I had planned to pack away my leggings for the season. I rarely reach for them when it's warm, but that was until I realised just how many summer trends there are to wear with leggings. Of course, sandals and leggings are already a named fashion power duo, and leggings serve as the perfect base for crop tops, off-the-shoulder blouses and bandeaus, so it makes sense that they'd hold their own in summer with no issues.
In 2026, the number of fitting trends seems noticeably higher. I already have a long list I'm looking to wear and pack on holidays, and it was a pleasant surprise to see just how many of them make an effortless pairing with the humble legging.
Through my frequent scroll seshes, some summer trends have become more apparent as superb options for wearing with leggings. Polka-dot tops and linen blazers keep showing up in different variations from many of the influencers I turn to for style inspiration, as do shoes like slim-profile trainers and heeled flip-flops (which snuck over from those chic spring leggings outfits). There are also accessories that feel so right for a summer leggings look. Lace scarves and '90s headbands look good with a variety of outfits, but are proving to be a great choice for leggings, too.
As for the leggings themselves? Longer styles are still in, as are those with stirrups. However, nothing has a stronghold this year quite like the French-girl favourite capri leggings. From just-above-the-knee to calf-grazing options, these three-quarter-length trousers have us all under a spell. Even as a self-proclaimed dissident of the capri revival (they were basically all I wore from ages 10 to 13, if not joggers), I'm fully coming around to just how stylish they are.
So, hold onto this trouser style this time around, as you have plenty of summer trends to wear with leggings to choose from.
6 Summer Trends to Wear with Leggings in 2026
1. Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Heeled flip-flops are certainly shaping up to be one of summer's biggest it-girl shoes thanks to an influx of '90s accessory trends. They enmesh the minimalism of '90s flip-flops with the irrefutable elegance of strappy heeled sandals. Though they have a slightly more casual edge because of the thong shape, the slight height makes them a workable shoe for nicer occasions, too! Not to mention, they help elevate any pair of leggings into something that feels less athleisure and more style-forward.
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An absolute staple for any summer capsule wardrobe.
I personally err on the side of minimalism, but I'll always say yes to a summer shoe that brings a little vibrancy to my look.
The cutest pair I've ever seen. These look chic but are just as comfortable as flat flip-flops.
This oatmeal shade is ideal for summer styling.
2. Lace Scarves
Style Notes: Lace scarves have cropped up everywhere this spring and summer. They're the perfect lightweight, warm-weather accessory. You can style them as a hair covering or tie them around your waist as a scarf belt over top of leggings. Both looks give a slightly romantic spin on your outfit, which is what summer dressing is all about. Bulgarian content creator Borislava Sekova pairs hers with mesh flats and a plaid top for an unexpected pairing that works so well.
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The open knit is such a nice design. This wouldn't feel out of place in a Scandi summer wardrobe.
Lace trim is another big trend this summer, and this scarf makes it easy to try.
Black lace will forever remain timeless.
Hand-crocheted pieces are crafted with so much intention and look beautiful worn on your hair.
3. Slimline Trainers
Style Notes: Chunky sole trainers are on holiday for another summer. In 2026, the focus remains primarily on running shoes, derby shoes and trainers with a sleeker profile. Minimalist sneakers pair well with the form-fitting silhouette of leggings and our gravitation toward lighter options during this season. You can create a lovely sense of cohesion if you opt for shoes and leggings in the same colour.
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A minimal option, sleeker than your average court shoe.
The suede trim makes these feel a little more interesting than a plain black trainer.
Toteme always excels at producing timeless trainers with a slimline profile.
A sneakerina version, which is a great blend of a ballet flat, sandal and trainer. In other words, the ideal summer shoe.
4. Polka-Dot Tops
Style Notes: If florals are spring's pattern of choice, polka-dots are shaping up to be the equivalent for summer 2026. The array of black-and-white dots is a quick way to make any outfit have dimension and feel more vibrant without leaning on colour. It's also notably a chic way of making your go-to pair of black leggings feel more special. A polka-dot top, jacket or bandeau is perfect, but you can take it one step further, like New York-based influencer Marina did, by adding a belt in the same pattern.
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The matching neck scarf is très chic.
The brown colour is lovely too and slightly softer than black for summer.
The halterneck and polka-dot print give this top a retro aesthetic.
For evenings, when you're dining al fresco. Wear this with capri leggings and heeled flip-flops.
5. '90s Headbands
Style Notes: Shoe soles may be trimmer this summer, but headbands? The thick, stretchy accessories of the '90s are back with full force (and I'm admittedly very excited). Though small in comparison to a jacket or handbag, these headbands are wonderfully capable of making a statement, whether you opt for a more minimalist tortoise-shell style à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy or something brighter and colourful. Matching it to your leggings? Even more fun.
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This one has silicone grips to stop the dreaded slipping that often happens.
This is so '90s/early 2000s coded. I'm pretty sure I had this same one growing up.
I think CBK would approve of this one.
This hybrid blue-grey shade is so underrated.
6. Linen Blazer
Style Notes: The answer to feeling elegant and put-together when it's hot is a linen blazer. Whilst our wool blends have long been in storage, the structure and breeziness of a linen, cotton or hemp version is an ideal alternative. Choosing a style that's slightly more creative will help make your leggings feel trendier, too. Just take a page from Oslo-based content creator Ingrid Fagerli Edvinsen; the subtle pin stripes and side tie are superb details.
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From the jacquard-esque fabric to the on-trend clasps, this jacket style will bring so much depth to a pair of humble capris.
Wear this with capri leggings or longer stirrup styles.
Another stylish option sans pinstripes.
A gorgeous option if you're looking for something that's fit for nice occasions.