Leather leggings are an essential piece of clothing that can be effortlessly styled to suit any occasion. They are versatile wardrobe items that can take you from day to night with ease. Whether you prefer a bold and edgy look or something more sophisticated and refined, leather leggings offer a wide range of styling possibilities. They are a perfect blend of comfort and style and can be paired with a variety of tops, shoes, and accessories to create a unique and fashionable look. I will explore outfit ideas and styling tips on what to wear with leather leggings.
Dressing Up Leather Leggings
Leather leggings easily pair with items in your closet to create chic, polished looks. The right accessories and footwear make them appropriate for casual and dressy occasions.
Blazers and Heels
One of my favorite ways to dress up leather leggings is by pairing them with a bright blazer and heels. Opt for a tailored, structured blazer in a color that complements your leggings. Black, gray, navy, or maroon are classic options. Choose a pair of black or nude pumps or booties with a heel for shoes. The blazer and heels balance the edginess of the leather, creating the perfect mix of refined and rebellious.
Add delicate jewelry like layered necklaces or sparkling earrings to complete the look. A bold red lip and updo also amp up the glam factor. This polished outfit works for both the office and evenings out. I love how it’s dressy yet still edgy and fun.
Flowy Tops and Booties
Try wearing your leather leggings with a flowy, romantic top for a feminine take. Look for tops in soft fabrics like chiffon or crepe, with details like ruffles, flutter sleeves, or lace. Pair it with heeled booties to contrast the sleek leggings and billowy blouse.
To accessorize, opt for dainty layered necklaces and a crossbody bag. This softens the look and keeps it sophisticated. For makeup, go for a natural, glowy look with pink lips and flushed cheeks. With this outfit combination, your leather leggings seamlessly transition from daytime casual to a night out.
Turtlenecks and Ankle Boots
My favorite combinations are leather leggings, a turtleneck, and ankle boots. Choose a fitted turtleneck in merino wool, cashmere, or micromodal. Tuck it in neatly to balance the sleek leggings. Add heeled ankle boots, like Chelsea or Jodhpur styles.
Finish with a patterned coatigan or blazer on top. For jewelry, try delicate gold necklaces and hoop earrings. A top knot and cat eyeglasses complete this chic look. It’s perfect for transitioning leather leggings from running errands to meeting friends for drinks. The layers make it versatile for cooler weather, too.
Dressing Down Leather Leggings
While leather leggings can be dressed up, I love styling them casually and relaxedly. You can create comfortable outfits perfect for off-duty days with laidback separates like t-shirts, knits, and sneakers.
T-shirts and Sneakers
An easy way to downplay your leather leggings is to wear them with a basic t-shirt and sneakers. A fitted white or black tee looks classic paired with black leggings. Try a graphic tee with prints or slogans for a bit more interest.
Finish the casual look with sneakers like Converse, Vans, or Nike Air Force 1s. A denim or bomber jacket completes the look. Keep your hair down in a natural style and accessories minimal. This fuss-free outfit works great for weekends, travel days, or errands.
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Oversized Knits and Booties
Pair your leather leggings with an oversized sweater or knit for cooler weather. Choose a style that skims and partially covers your hips and bottom for optimal balance and proportions. Tuck the front in slightly to define your shape.
On your feet, slip on a pair of ankle booties or moto boots. Top with a wool coat or parka and beanie for extra warmth. Shoulder bags or small crossbody purses work well here accessory-wise. It’s a go-to look when you want laidback comfort paired with the edge of leather leggings.
Flannels and Hikers
Want that grunge 90s style? A classic combo is leather leggings with an oversized flannel shirt, combat boots, or hikers. Choose a comfy flannel in plaids or neutrals. Tie it at the waist or lay it over a plain tee.
On the bottom, finish with chunky boots in black or natural leather. Slip a baseball cap over loose waves and grab a large tote bag. Keep the rest of your look minimal. This outfit gives off major rocker vibes that are perfect for weekends or concert nights.
Styling Tips and Tricks
When styling your leather leggings, follow these tips to look polished from head to toe:
Balancing Proportions
The essential styling tip is to balance out the sleek, skinny fit of leather leggings with looser or longer tops. Avoid pairing them with anything too tight and short, which can look imbalanced. Flowy blouses, tunics, oversized sweaters, and long coats complement leggings best.
Tucking and Half-Tucking
For a smoother silhouette, tuck or half-tuck your tops in neatly. This helps avoid bulky bunching at the hips and waist. Tailored blazers and fitted turtlenecks look great tucked in completely. A simple half-tuck in the front does the trick for looser tops.
Choosing Colors and Textures
Stick to classic neutrals like black, gray, navy, and tan when pairing pieces with leather leggings. Try a fuzzy sweater, nubby flannel, or slinky silky top for texture contrast. Different textures help the look feel more high-end.
Finishing Touches
Elevate your leather leggings outfits with polished extras like structured bags, layered jewelry, oversized sunglasses, or fedoras. Luxe finishes like these make even the most casual look feel pulled together.
Footwear
Shoes can make or break any outfit. With leggings, balance the tight fit on the bottom with sturdy shoes, like block heels, booties, ankle boots, or sneakers. Avoid spindly stilettos or flats, which look off-proportion. Chunky footwear gives the best support and visual balance.
Seasonal Outfit Ideas
Leather leggings work year-round when styled for the season. Here are some of my favorite outfit formulas for each:
Spring
- Flowy floral blouse + ankle booties
- Jean jacket + off-the-shoulder top + white sneakers
- Lightweight sweater + slides/mules
Summer
- Cropped tank + kimono/coverup + flats
- Band tee (knotted) + baseball hat + hikers
- Embroidered/crochet blouse + strappy sandals
Fall
- Oversized pullover + beanie + booties
- Plaid flannel + combat boots
- Cable knit tunic + knee-high boots
Winter
- Sweater dress + tall boots
- Fuzzy wrap/poncho + shearling boots
- Thermal + puffer vest + beanie + snow boots
Mix and match these template outfits as desired. Then, finish with accessories like belts, layered necklaces, or circle bags.
FAQs
Are leather leggings warm for winter?
Yes, leather leggings are quite insulating and warm. Opt for thicker, opaque styles rather than thin or faux leather. Wear them with layers like sweaters, fleece-lined tights, and tall boots. They’ll keep you cozy and stylish.
Can you dress up faux leather leggings?
Absolutely! Style faux leather leggings in the same dressed-up or down ways as genuine leather. Faux leather also comes in more colors and prints, making fun mixing and matching pi more funeces. Add embellished blazers, heels, and jewelry to amp up the look.
What length top works best?
Aim for longer tops that extend past your hips. Tunic lengths, midi dresses, knee-length sweaters, and coats give the most balanced proportions with leggings. Avoid anything too short or cropped.
What shoes look best with leather leggings?
Shoes with a bit of height and structure complement leggings most. Go for booties, pumps, ankle boots, wedge sandals, chunky sneakers, etc. Pointed flats or regular sneakers can look too casual.
Can you wear leather leggings to work?
It depends on your workplace dress code. Pair with blazers, button-downs, and loafers for a more professional vibe. Or keep a dress or long tunic at your desk to throw on. You’re good to go as long as your top half looks office-appropriate!
In Conclusion
Leather leggings are must-have staples that quickly go from day to night. Dress them down with laidback separates like graphic tees and sneakers for weekend wear. Or amp up the glam with blazers, heels, and jewelry for evenings out. Use styling tips like tucking in tops, choosing neutral colors, and finishing with elegant accessories. With the right pieces, leather leggings can take you anywhere. Experiment and have fun finding new ways to wear this versatile wardrobe essential!