What I'm Wearing Instead of Leggings This Summer
Before everyone gets all up in arms, let me just say that I actually do like leggings. When I exercise, travel, or lounge at home, you can often find me wearing a pair—specifically, a high-waisted style from Alo. Beyond that, however, I’ve yet to come around to wearing them in most other scenarios. Whether I’m running out to get coffee, going to brunch, or headed out for a night on the town, unlike many of our favorite It girls, there are a handful of items I’d prefer to wear over the figure-hugging, stretchy pants because I simply feel more comfortable in them, both physically and mentally. See just what these items are below, read about why I prefer to wear them instead of leggings, and, of course, shop my picks for each one.
High-Waisted Jeans
If, like me, your go-to leggings are high-waisted, then you probably love what's coming up too. Much like leggings, when you're not hitting the gym, high-waisted jeans are comfortable and flattering, they look just as good with sneakers, sandals, or any shoes, really, and they feel a step less casual.
Shop high-waisted jeans:
Simple Skirts
Since I bought a Vince basic slip skirt, my life hasn't been the same. You can wear the staple with anything from dressy tops and heels to T-shirts and flats.
Shop simple skirts:
Cropped Pants
If you have a bad case of legging withdrawals, a pair of cropped pants is what you need. Softer and arguably more comfortable than jeans (to some), these can make you feel like your old self, with a touch more polish.
Shop cropped pants:
Midi Dresses
If you love the easy, throw-on-and-go appeal of leggings, I highly recommend bringing some midi dresses into your summer rotation. Just add shoes and you're ready, literally.
Shop midi dresses:
Joggers
When I really want to dress comfortably but don't want to bare it all, as one often feels like they're doing in leggings, I opt for a pair of tapered sweatpants, otherwise known as joggers. My go-to deep black, cashmere pair even looks cool with heels for a night out!
Shop joggers:
This post was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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