Leggings...the unlikely wardrobe hero?
As someone who lives in LA, I see my fair share of LuluLemon daily. While I have no issue with wearing workout wear for, well… working out, or running errands etc, nothing makes me more sad than seeing someone in a fancy restaurant looking like they just came from a yoga class. When I first moved to LA it was one of my pet peeves, like c’mon people, make a little effort! Keep in mind i’m someone who for the most part, enjoys the art of dressing up.
That being said, I do think leggings can be a part of a chic outfit. A pair of plain black leggings are incredibly versatile and have proved to be one of my unlikely wardrobe heroes during my year long no buy, for several reasons:
First up, they are hella comfy! I have to say these leggings have served me well during my no buy. I like my leggings high waisted, opaque (squat test approved) and I don’t want to pay a lot for them, as it’s not somewhere I want to prioritize my spend.
Second, on the days when I want so desperately to reach for sweatpants but want to feel a little more put together, it’s a legging I’ve found myself reaching for. In truth, I’ve worn leggings since I was a kid, opting for leggings so I could climb trees without the boys seeing up my skirt. Leggings represent a freedom of movement, as well as comfort and practicality. There’s no bells and whistles, nothing to get caught on the door handle as you’re running out the house. As someone who loves structured oversized menswear, I love the way a legging adds some interest to the bottom half of an outfit. When worn with a black boot (my personal favorite) it nods to a Peter Pan vibe that I find equally boyish and yet, feels feminine at the same time.
There’s also something incredibly cozy when they’re paired with a giant knit, think big sleeves, chunky turtlenecks. It’s giving cabin in the woods vibes but throw on a beautiful tailored coat and you have a very chic cold city break look. Whenever I go away, more times than not I make sure to pack a pair of leggings with me because i’ve come to appreciate how versatile they are, plus they take up such little space. If I want to go for a hike I can, but I can also dial things up with a mens blazer if I want to dress them up.
There’s something very carefree about a legging with an open oversized shirt, especially with a chunkier heeled boot. It feels like a nod to 90’s Drew Barrymore, and reads a little grunge. Adding a woven basket was my way to soften the above look. One of my go to outfits is a column of black broken up with one color via a jacket or open shirt. It’s just so quick and easy and I always feel chic. I could easily swap out the boots for a flip flop or a loafer for coffee with friends and a nice way to introduce some skin back into the look. Or you can try a colorful/white sandal like I did (second image from the top) over a sock to keep the column of black while adding interest via some contrast.
All this to say, leggings have and continue to serve me well. I’d love to know, how do you feel about leggings? Also, i’m curious, if you have invested in premium leggings did you notice the difference vs buying a cheap pair? Did they last longer?
Thanks for reading
Harry x
This post contains some affiliate links. You can learn more about The No Buy Styling Course here, and you can shop my wardrobe here (contains affiliate links).
I was looking at a content creator recently who swore by slightly flared leggings and I admit that it was WORKING. Initially I was colored by the 2000s of it but, honestly, styling leggings can be a lot like styling any black pants. Of course, I want to cover my booty, but still!
These pics look great! I’ve come to the conclusion over the past year that for me, nothing is off the table style wise. And I’m super low budget but I’ve been hyper aware of fashion since age 3 probably so that’s 56 years seeing things come and go. And leggings should remain on the menu so to speak lol!