Fashion

Life Hack: Here’s How To Get Away With Wearing Leggings To Work

written by EMILEE JANITZ

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Source: Aïda Badji
Source: Aïda Badji

When you think about dressing for work, there’s a good chance leggings aren’t the first item that comes to mind (unless you work from home—that, as we know, is a whole different story). But if you’re the kind of gal who proudly totes her favorite laptop bag and Starbucks coffee into the office on the regular, you’re probably much more accustomed to reaching for trousers, dresses, or jeans when getting ready in the morning. Leggings, which may be a weekend staple, probably aren’t making it into the regular workweek rotation. But that’s not to say they can’t. 

Sure, it’s no secret that leggings are synonymous with comfort, athleisure, and lounging—after all, that’s why we love them so. But with a little styling savvy, they can also be a perfect workweek go-to, acting as a flattering and neutral base for many-a business casual office outfits. You just need a little know-how (and maybe some inspiration, too).

 

How To Wear Leggings To Work

To be clear, there are definitely a number of factors to consider when creating professional outfits with leggings. Here are a few outfit ideas to help get you started:

 

Choose thick leggings

I’m not sure this one needs much explanation. If you’re going to treat leggings as pants for the office, then you need a pair that mimics the thickness of pants. Having a go-to, opaque pair will give you a boost of confidence and make wearing leggings to the office infinitely easier. When shopping online, be diligent in reading reviews. Women are usually pretty quick to report if a pair passes the opacity test or not. Also, ponte pants are almost always a safe, thick option for wearing outside of the home.

 

Consider material

When choosing a pair of leggings, also consider the aesthetic and material. In other words, don’t wear athletic leggings to work. While most of us tend to immediately think of typical black cotton leggings when weighing our options, faux leather, suede, and velvet varieties are all more than suitable options for wearing to your 9-to-5. Plus, these materials tend to also be more opaque. Win, win.

 

Opt for full-length

There’s no shortcutting length when it comes to making leggings look professional. Tending to look better suited for the gym, cropped varieties just won’t cut it for the office. Full-length leggings are more professional and can also be extremely flattering, optically lengthening your figure. Plus, they’re much more suited for pairing with a variety of footwear—from flats to boots.

 

Wear long top layers

Again, it probably goes without saying, but the best way to style leggings professionally is with a long top or layer that extends beyond the hips. Not only does this protect against any, erm, transparency issues, but longer layers can also be very flattering, providing a stylish contrast when paired with the form fitting silhouette of the leggings. Tunic sweaters, long cardigans, and oversized button-downs are all tried-and-true options.

 

Pair with closed-toe shoes

Let’s just say your leggings will definitely scream “unprofessional” if you pair them with flip-flops. Opting for closed-toe shoes ensures your outfit stays looking put-together and intentional. Favorite, timeless options for the office include loafers and ballet flats. Riding boots and pointed-toe ankle boots are additional options that are especially practical in the fall and winter.

 

Consider your entire look

It might sound silly, but another way to elevate your outfit for the professional environment is to think beyond the leggings. Since the pants are more casual by nature, you can make up for professionalism in other wardrobe choices. Choose professional tops and shoes, add jewelry, and even consider taking the time to put a little more effort into your hair and makeup. These subtle details signal that your leggings were not a choice of convenience, but of purpose.

 

8 of the Best Legging Outfits for Work

While the tips above can make this whole wearing-leggings-to-work process seem thought-heavy and strategic (it is), it can also be a lot of fun. After all, combining style and comfort never gets old. Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started.

 

With a white blouse, blazer, and sneakers

Faux-leather pants and leggings have been having a moment for the last several years and don’t show any signs of losing popularity in the near future. These leggings have a way of camouflaging themselves (most people won’t even realize they’re leggings) while also instantly elevating any outfit with their unabashed boldness.

Pair with a basic white blouse (short sleeve if you’re always on the hunt for warm weather work outfits) and a timeless pair of white sneakers (if your office dress code allows for such footwear, of course). Depending on the weather, a blazer can be an efficient, stylish way to complete and look and fend off cooler temps or office air conditioning.

Quince
Silk Tank
11 colors available
Shop now
Eloquii
Drape Front Tank
4 colors available
Shop now
Banana Republic
Italian Wool Blazer
4 colors available
Shop now
Sam Edelman
Low Top Sneaker
3 colors available
Shop now

 

With a turtleneck and mules

If you’re looking for an easy fall outfit, black leggings paired with a turtleneck sweater is just the ticket. Throw a long white blouse underneath to add length and visual interest to your ensemble. Opt for a pair of business casual mules to complete the look.

Eileen Fisher
Silk Shell Top
2 colors available
Shop now
MANGO
Turtleneck Sweater
3 colors available
Shop now
Old Navy
Pointelle-Knit Sweater
Shop now
Sam Edelman
Slide-On Mule
13 colors available
Shop now

 

With ankle boots and a wool coat

I personally love reaching for leggings in the autumn and winter months. It’s all too easy to style them with an oversized sweater and your favorite pair of ankle boots. Throw on a wool-blend coat to fend off even the chilliest of commutes. 

MANGO
High-Collar Sweater
Shop now
Abercrombie & Fitch
Wool-Blend Coat
2 colors available
Shop now
AllSaints
Half Moon Crossbody Bag
4 colors available
Shop now
Thursday Boot Co.
Croc Print Booties
6 colors available
Shop now

 

With a tie-neck blouse and vest

To smarten up your leggings look, reach for a tie-neck blouse layered beneath a waistcoat. Tall, leg-hugging boots streamline the look in a chic way. I daresay the ladies of Downton Abbey would approve.

Quince
Tie-Neck Blouse
3 colors available
Shop now
ZARA
Waistcoat
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Anthropologie
Woven Satchel
9 colors available
Shop now
Vivaia
Knee-High Sock Boots
6 colors available
Shop now

 

With a turtleneck and trench coat

For casual Friday, consider styling your favorite pair of leggings with a basic turtleneck or mock-neck top—just be sure you’re reaching for highly opaque leggings or ponte pants if you’re going with a top that falls at your waistline. If you’re not a huge fan of turtlenecks (I know some find them constricting), a white button-down will also fit the bill. Classic white sneakers are a fun casual workwear staple and make it infinitely easier to run errands, get your steps in, or grab a much needed caffeine pick-me-up on your lunch break. A go-to trench coat is a closet necessity, particularly during the fall and spring.

Everlane
Pima Turtleneck
10 colors available
Shop now
Abercrombie & Fitch
Oversized Nylon Trench
Shop now
Gola
Low-Top Sneaker
2 colors available
Shop now
COACH
Crossbody Bag
4 colors available
Shop now

 

With a preppy sweater and chunky sneakers

If you have a penchant for prep, then chances are you have an academia-inspired sweater or two already lining your closet. Be sure to reach for an oversized style or add a tunic top beneath to add length if pairing with leggings that are on the thinner side. Chunky athletic sneakers add eye-catching style contrast.

Aritzia
Collared Cardigan
6 colors available
Shop now
Ralph Lauren
Cable-Knit Sweater
3 colors available
Shop now
Abercrombie & Fitch
Wool Blazer
2 colors available
Shop now
Steve Madden
Platform Sneakers
14 colors available
Shop now

 

With a cable-knit sweater and riding boots

Is there anything better than a cozy cable-knit sweater? Perhaps one that’s paired with a classic pair of riding boots. Complete the ‘fit with an oversized tote (a practical option for carrying your laptop and other workday essentials) for an effortless cool-girl look.

Sézane
Buttoned Jumper
Shop now
Quay Australia
Square Aviator Sunnies
7 colors available
Shop now
Madewell
Transport Tote
3 colors available
Shop now
Sam Edelman
Penny Riding Boots
3 colors available
Shop now

 

With UGG boots and a baseball hat

If your office is cool with casual dress, then a pair of cozy, on-trend UGG boots are a win all-around. While not everyone works for an employer who would deem a baseball cap as appropriate work attire, those who do can use the hat to lean into a cool-girl aesthetic (and cover up non-wash hair days).

A New Day
Ribbed Crew Socks
3 colorways available
Shop now
Everlane
Baseball Cap
2 colors available
Shop now
UGG
Classic Ultra Mini Boots
4 colors available
Shop now
UGG
Classic Mini Boots
5 colors available
Shop now

 

Our Favorite Office-Friendly Leggings

Spanx
Faux-Leather Leggings
Shop now
Spanx
Jean Ankle Leggings

3 colors available

Shop now
Lululemon
Slim Fit Pocket Pants

3 colors available

Shop now
Spanx
Faux Suede Leggings

7 colors available

Shop now
Eloquii
Flare Leg Pants
Shop now
Eloquii
Stretch Leggings
Shop now
Cuyana
Ponte Legging Pants
Shop now
MANGO
Ankle-Strap Leggings
Shop now
Quince
Stretch Ponte Pants

7 colors available

Shop now
Spanx
Wide-Leg Pants

2 colors available

Shop now