When it comes to fashion, most people fall into one of two camps: those who love leggings, and those who are not yet converted. For some, leggings are still the reserve of the ’80s and ’90s aerobics boom, but after two years in lockdown required us to replace our jeans with something a little more comfortable, the leggings resurgence was imminent (albeit with a more stylish twist).
Instead of solely wearing leggings with oversized sweatshirts and slippers, influencers and editors cottoned onto the fact that when worn the right way, the legging could do what the skinny jean couldn’t: creating a slimline silhouette without the tight restriction of denim. A surefire win. And now we’re fully in our leggings era and black and tonal leggings fill our wardrobes, we’re accustomed to our comfy-chic uniforms, but don’t want things to get too “samey”—and that’s where trend spotting steps in.
Style Notes: It might not be brand new, but the stirrup legging is the throwback trend that has stood the test of time for a very good reason. Perhaps it’s the power dressing connotations, maybe it’s the dose of polish they add to an outfit (they just make sense with heels), but either way, these delightfully retro trousers are the first thing influencers grab when looking for an outfit that balances comfort, practicality and style.
Sturdy stirrups that won’t snap or fray.
Lightweight, second skin fabric that you can wear for yoga or pilates too.
BRB, just saving this outfit to our inspo board.
These have been popular and selling fast.
Trust Wardrobe NYC to nail the basics.
You know ski trousers will be reliably cold-weather resistant.
Style Notes: What happens when you mix one of 2022’s biggest colour trends (beige) with one of 2023’s biggest colour trends (grey)? The answer is far less boring than you might have anticipated, and chic, cool-toned “greige” is a lesson in how pared-back shades always manage to look expensive. Whether you wear it with gym gear or tailoring, this grounded neutral will pair with anything, and feels like a fresh update on the classic black legging.
Lululemon is highly rated by our editors.
There are an unbeatable price.
Is greige isn’t your thing, these come in mid-brown too.
The wide waistband and high-rise means no sags and slips.
If you haven’t already tried M&S’ active range Goodmove, it’s one of the best on the high street.
Made from biobased nylon sourced from castor beans and a plant-based elastane for added stretch.
Style Notes: Okay, so this isn’t technically a pair of leggings per se, but add a jumper or a jacket over a stretch catsuit or all-in-one body and no one would ever know the difference. We’ve spotted a surprising number of these appearing on socials and in the new-in sections of the best loungewear and sports brands, signalling a lot of interest in head-to-toe lycra. There’s something to be said about slipping into one easy, flexible outfit though, and when the temperatures drop this could be the base layer to so many cosy outfits.
It might be designed for yoga, but this shade of chocolate brown is straight from the runway.
Stretch knit fabric and seamless construction for a flawless silhouette.
This one is even belted!
A split hem for a kick flare shape.
If you can make it in stretch cotton, you can bet Skims have made it.
Style Notes: There are plenty of shoes that work with leggings, but the knee-high boot + leggings combination stands a head and shoulders above the rest. This simple but effective combination has the benefit of not only being practical (you’re covered for rain, shine and even snow) but it looks exceptionally good too. Dress it up with a heeled boot or keep it casual in a flat, either way, this is an outfit guaranteed to get compliments.
Zara leggings have never let us down.
We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that these riding boots were designer.
Zips let you control the shape of the hem.
Moto boots are currently trending.
This glossy Commando leggings fit like second skin.
We can’t think of a chicer winter pairing than leather and suede.
Style Notes: It would be impossible to talk about leggings without mentioning the activewear brand in everyone’s wardrobes this season—Adanola. It’s been a great year for the brand, who have been spotted on the likes Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kaia Gerber, and Instagram followers in their thousands have loyally converted to Adanola’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic and performance quality leggings. Expect smoothing, sculpting fits and an on-trend colour palette.
This heather grey is so pretty.
You can wear these to gym, and to brunch afterwards.
Great for waist cinching.
The exact pair we spotted on Emily Wells (pictured above).
Simply red hot.
Up Next, This Winter Trend Is Cosy and Luxurious In Equal Measure