Sorry, But Basic Leggings Don't Stand a Chance Against These 5 New Trends
Leggings are a forever staple we wouldn't dream of tossing, but there are tons of new styles on the rise that stand to rival those plain skinny leggings we all know and love. Nothing against them—they are closet staples, after all—but suddenly, those basic pairs are starting to feel tired in comparison to all the new legging trends springing up to take their place. No matter if you wear them exclusively for workouts or exclusively for lounging (or a mix of both), this still applies to you.
Sometimes even the smallest of details can make all the difference, be it a shrunken hemline, a flared-out leg, an updated waistline, or a non-black neutral color. And each of the below five legging trends has one small tweak that makes it a bit more exciting to wear—or, at least, makes me more enthusiastic about wearing leggings than I typically am. The fashion set has been all over them, too, which tells me that we're only going to see more of them. To see each new legging style in action and to shop the best 21 pairs on the market, just keep scrolling.
Crossover Waistbands
A crisscross waistband is one detail that takes simple leggings up a notch. It brings more style to your overall look and is really the perfect update to standard black pairs.
Shop the trend:
Jazz Pants
Yep, non-skinny leggings are starting to bubble, and the flare and bootcut hems we're deeming "jazz pants" are already counting fans such as Bella Hadid.
Shop the trend:
Pedal Pushers
You're only a hemline away from embracing one of the coolest legging looks I've seen in a long while. Fashion's early adopters are leaning into these capri-length leggings, or pedal pushers, as I'm fond of calling them, in lieu of ankle-length versions.
Shop the trend:
Earth Tones
Plain black leggings are useful and all, but there's a new neutral in town. Muted earth tones such as moss, mocha, and stone are gaining a foothold, and they're actually so chic.
Shop the trend:
Ribbing
Another key detail to look out for when shopping is ribbing. The subtle texture adds another interesting element to leggings and is so comfy you just might turn your back on any other material.
Shop the trend:
Up next: I Tried 9 Pairs of Leggings—Here's My Honest Opinion
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
5 Fresh Ways to Wear Basic Black Leggings This Winter
Some extremely relatable outfit inspo.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Didn't Think Leggings With Heels Were My Thing Until I Saw How Katie Holmes Just Wore Them
Mind changed.
By Allyson Payer
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025
A combo I will live in.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Chrissy Teigen Just Made This Outdated Legging-and-Boot Outfit Feel 2025 Ready
I'm influenced.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Hailey Bieber Just Wore the Heel Trend That Makes Leggings Look So Classy
See for yourself.
By Allyson Payer
-
Sophie Turner's Two-Piece Airport Look Proves That She's a Travel Pro
She gets it.
By Eliza Huber
-
Kendall Jenner Just Wore the 2024 Legging Trend That's Also Runway-Approved
Hers are $88.
By Eliza Huber
-
Gigi Hadid's Outfit Made Leggings Look More Elegant Than We Thought They Could
She knows what she's doing.
By Allyson Payer