HOW TO STYLE LEGGINGS: THE FASHION RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

Let’s be honest - we’ve all seen leggings worn right and wrong. Styled right, they look fabulous! Styled wrong, and they can look pretty unflattering - think bunching, unbalanced proportions and overly revealing.

Follow these simple tips for a cool, chic, feel-good look that’ll always have your back.

Do:

• Invest in quality. Say ‘no thanks’ to cheap leggings, and pick high-waisted leggings made from thicker, high-quality fabrics instead.

• Balance proportions. Think about pairing them with longer tops, tunics and dresses.

• Experiment with texture. Leather-look leggings are super chic for the evening, and ribbed styles can create a comfier feel for everyday outfits.

Don’t

• Wear see-through leggings, ones that are overly worn, or pairs that match your skin tone.

• Wear leggings that are too small. Make sure they hit just above the ankle, or they can stunt your silhouette.

• Style them with overly short tops - unless it’s done with real intention.

• Just treat them as loungewear. Give them the attention they deserve, and they can be elevated for chic evening outfits too.

When it comes to styling, the best tops to wear with leggings are certainly longer styles. The shape and length will help to balance your silhouette.

If you’re lounging around the house or WFH, a longline jumper, oversized sweatshirt or cosy hoodie will give a comfy look you can easily wear all day. If you have to nip out for brunch or the school run, add a leather jacket or puffer jacket for a look that’s a bit more put-together.

Believe it or not, you can even style leggings for the office or an evening out. Just pick a long shirt to wear over leggings, or style them with a blazer for a smarter alternative. For something more feminine, a tunic top is a great option that also provides plenty of coverage. Add a trench coat for a refined finish that’s desk-to-drinks approved.

A dress and leggings can be a match made in heaven - especially in the colder months. Choose them over tights for extra coverage and warmth to keep you snug in style.

To achieve a more casual look, just layer them with a shirt dress or t-shirt dress for effortless chic. You can easily elevate them with a wrap dress for a more elegant outfit, or go for something more snug with a cosy jumper dress.

When you’re choosing a dress to wear with leggings, keep shape and silhouette in mind. For plus-size styling, remember to show off your stunning curves by cinching in the waist with a belt or defining it with a cropped jacket.

If you don’t have a pair of leather-look leggings in your evening outfit rotation, you need one! They’re versatile, chic, and seriously elevated, so you can wear them just about anywhere.

For a night out, they look fabulous with a blazer and heels. Whether you’re going for dinner or cocktails, this fit delivers plenty of sass with the perfect amount of edge. Just remember to add balance with layers so you can show off your silhouette. Try tucking in the front of your top, adding a belt, or picking a shorter top layer to help define your waist.

Don’t just save this wardrobe staple for night, though! Your faux leather leggings are perfect for the everyday, too. Pair them with an oversized graphic tee or knit to balance proportions, then add trainers to keep up the casual vibe. If you’re ever unsure what to wear, this chic look is always an easy win!

We’ve created the outfit, now it’s time for the shoes! The great thing about leggings is that they’re so versatile, they’ll go with almost anything in your shoe collection! But because leggings are a tighter style, you’ll want to try and balance the silhouette with the right pair.

First things first, you can’t go wrong with a chunky trainer. Whether you’re on the school run, out running errands, or going to brunch, they’ll add a little extra height to do wonders for your silhouette. For something less laid-back,  loafers or ballet flats will create a look that’s work-to-weekend ready.

When it comes to boots for leggings outfits, ankle boots offer a streamlined, polished look that you can dress up or down, while over-the-knee and knee-high boots are perfect for keeping warm in winter.