3 Ways to Style Leggings Into Actual Going Out Looks

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My mum always used to say “leggings are not pants”, but I tend to disagree. Recently, I’ve found a new appreciation for the comfort and warmth of a good pair of leggings — to wear out, too.

Because, if styled correctly, they can, in fact, work outside of the home. The trick is all in the layering. Leggings on their own are a super basic piece, but when paired with other funky pieces, they can really work in helping you pull together a look.

There’s really nothing better than looking top-notch, while also feeling warm, cosy and comfortable underneath. So, with that in mind, here are our three favourite (and completely different) ways to style leggings.

Snow Queen

  1. Get your favourite high-waisted black leggings and put them on with a turtleneck in a neutral tone of your choice — I’d go with white or nude. For a more sleek look, a turtleneck bodysuit underneath your leggings would look cute, but a slim-fit turtleneck (like this Veronika Maine merino one — $189) would look great too.
  2. Layer with a long, oversized jacket or cardigan — the longer and chunkier, the better (like this Amelius Grandpa Cardi — $159). Try to match the cardi with your turtleneck, to keep it neutral.
  3. The final step: some calf or knee length heeled-boots. The boots are the statement piece of this outfit, so opt for some animal print or a fun texture like suede or patent. The boots will elongate your legs, and will make your look super put-together.

Bonus tip: you could also completely colour-code this look by going all black; black turtleneck, black leggings, black cardigan and black boots. This could also work with a nude, or even print, like an all-leopard print look.

Edgy Street Queen

  1. Put on your favourite pair of black leggings and pair it with a black crop. This could be a turtleneck crop, a long-sleeve crop, a black sheer crop, a branded crop… any style of crop you’re feeling for that day, just make sure that it’s black.
  2. Chuck on your favourite black leather jacket. The best style of leather jacket for this look would be something oversized, whether it’s a long leather jacket with press studs or a tie at the waist (like this French Connection leather look jacket — $199.95), or a shorter biker-style leather jacket that’s super chunky and oversized.
  3. Now, for shoes. We’re sticking to the all black theme for this look, but you can get a bit creative with shoe options. This look would look great with either platform boots or loafers, or patent leather heeled boots. The key to nailing your shoe with this look, is to make sure that although everything is black, it still has a standout quality (like a platform, or patent shine).
  4. Accessorise! Pair this look with a clutch bag — either something big and colourful, or chic and black (like this She Lion Catalyst Clutch — $199) — and some gold hoop earrings because why not!?

Bonus tip: this is the perfect outfit to wear a bold lippy with. Opt for a dark purple shade or something super bright, light an orangey-red or coral.

Brunch After Yoga Queen

  1. Keep your exercise leggings on; whatever you’ve worn to yoga or the gym in the morning. If possible, opt for a plain block colour, rather than a pattern.
  2. Pack a plain white tee shirt or long sleeve shirt, something loose-fitting, and chuck that on top.
  3. Pair this with a cropped jacket. Depending on the weather, this could be just a plain cropped jacket in a similar colour to your leggings, a cropped leather jacket, or even a cropped fur jacket (like this Unreal Fur Tirage Cropped Jacket — $379) or vest.
  4. Match your shoes with either your shirt or your jacket. White sneakers — to match your shirt — is always an easy option, perhaps something with a platform or a cute detail. If you’re wearing a black cropped leather jacket, opt for either black runners, platform loafers or boots.
  5. This look is perfectly matched with an over the shoulder tote, or a mini backpack.
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