I can’t remember the last time I got through a full week without wearing a pair of leggings.
They’re just so easy that I’ve gradually shifted them from my weekend wardrobe (worn with mini Uggs and a long knit) and introduced them into my everyday looks. I even debuted them at work last week. I know, wild times. I paired them with a long blazer, smart oversized shirt and my Adidas Samba trainers – no one batted an eyelid.
Styling is key but the right pair of leggings is crucial, as your trusty jersey pair with slight bobbling won’t work here…
What to look for when you’re buying leggings
Think of the last time you wore a pair of tights and I’ll bet a quick dash to the loo to hoist them up and bring the crotch back to where it’s supposed to be took place. Given the form-fitting shape and fine material, that can easily happen with leggings, too. So, tip one: when you’re shopping for a new pair, go for a high-waist.
Another non-negotiable is that they have to be completely opaque. If jersey is your thing, then go forth and team with a longline sweatshirt for weekends, but otherwise I’m talking properly thick leggings that are closer to trousers in feel and coverage.
This spring’s leggings are stylish. Split front hems are still going strong, as are side slits and super-long lengths that fully cover a high-heeled shoe. I personally will always steer you towards black. Anything else veers into athleisure territory and this is all about an altogether dressier look.
It’s the elevated version of the legging as you know it, and it means they work for a handful of occasions, rather than just dashing out for your Shellac appointment.
The best leggings to buy on the high street now
How to style leggings for spring
Look to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for inspiration. She regularly sports leggings (from long jersey styles that she wears bunched at the ankles, to front-split leggings that are easily dressed up), so has tons of outfit inspiration. She also always looks immaculate and expensive (granted her clothes *actually* are) but there are lots of style lessons to be learned here.
For work
If you work in a smart casual office, split hem or simple viscose or ponte styles can be added to your workwear rotation. The styling tip to note? They should be the most casual element of your look. Think with a smart ribbed knit and loafers, or a striped cotton shirt and ballet flats – see the leggings 2.0 as a replacement for wide-leg trousers, rather than for tracksuit bottoms, and that’ll give you the best idea for what to pair with them.
For weekend
Leggings fans might not even need help in the weekend outfits department since this is where leggings really thrive. Much like you’d throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses, hoop earrings or a leather shoulder bag to add a glam element to your off-duty looks, you can also rely on smart black leggings as another way to do this.
My favourite pairing is with sleek trainers (New Balance 327s or Vejas) and an oversized sweatshirt, with my trusty Uniqlo banana bag in tow.
Going out
Given the slim-fit style and sleek vibe, the right leggings can easily see you through to evening. In terms of silhouettes, go for completely form-fitting or a contrast: think a fine ribbed knit or a floaty oversized silky top.
Heels are a must (block-heeled mules are a RHW staple) and they look great with split hem styles, nicely elongating the legs. A minimal base outfit calls for sparkly accessories galore.
City break
A hand luggage-only weekend trip calls for lightweight versatile layers so that you don’t get hit with an ‘overweight’ sticker in the boarding queue, so leggings are a wise addition to your city break looks.
You know how to sport them by night and off-duty now, but for a slick tourist look that you can walk all day in but still appear as though you’ve made a big effort, they remain unbeaten. The best bit? Rolled up, they take up the teeniest amount of space in your case.
;
