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How to Wear Leggings in 2023

Comfy never looked so good.

Leggings are a wardrobe staple. Many think they’re only required for workouts or yoga classes, but after seeing how fashion girls are wearing them now, you might just think otherwise.

The comfy trews are pretty much synonymous with ’80s style, but the way we wear them has changed over the last few decades.

Back then you’d wear them with oversized sweatshirts and/or leg warmers, then they came back in the noughties. I cringe when I think back to those American Apparel shiny disco pants I used to wear, or the dresses I may or may not have worn over the top.

dua lipa wearing leggings
@dualipa

It’s those kind of outfits that give leggings a bad reputation, but I’m coming round to the new way of wearing them now.

Split hems, faux leather pairs, and my personal favourite, printed pairs worn as co-ords are just some of the trends we’re seeing coming through for 2023.

And while we don’t believe they should just be worn to the gym, we can’t deny that’s the most popular way to wear ’em.

I’ve found 5 great ways to wear the staple in 2023 and the best leggings to go with the trends, from your regular gymwear to chic and polished outfit ideas. Comfort is key – but style doesn’t need to take a backseat.

These women’s leggings come in a variety of colors and a range of sizes, so anyone can add them to cart. Your workout clothes never looked so good!

As always, we encourage you to wear whatever the hell you want. Style rules are there to be broken and you should wear what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident – but hopefully these help a little!

Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one of our articles onto a retail website and make a purchase.

Printed

Printed legwear isn’t just for workouts. Emili Sindlev shows us how it’s done in D&G.

abstract print semi-sheer leggings Pucci

Abstract print semi-sheer leggings, £295, Pucci – buy now

KNWLS
Halcyon flared mid-rise stretch-woven leggings

Halcyon flared mid-rise stretch-woven leggings, £325, KNWLS – buy now

ALL ACCESS
Center Stage high-rise stretch-woven leggings

Center Stage high-rise stretch-woven leggings, £120, All Access – buy now

Co-ordinated

Team yours with a matching top like Sara Thomas. When it comes to this trend, more is more.

crescent moon print jersey top

Crescent moon print jersey top, £291, Marine Serre – buy now

Marine Serre
moon-print stirrup leggings

Moon-print stirrup leggings, £303, Marine Serre – buy now

ASOS 4505 base layer legging in mono swirl

Base layer top in mono swirl, £18, ASOS 4505 – buy now

Base layer legging in mono swirl, £16.50, ASOS 4505 – buy now

With chunky boots

Queen of minimalist fashion, Felicity Bird teams her simple black leggings with some chunky welly boots and an oversized knit.

Basic leggings Mango

Basic leggings, £22.99, Mango – buy now

FLat Knee High Boots Stradivarius

Flat Knee High Boots, £59.99, Stradivarius – buy now

Split hem

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’re seeing split hems everywhere.

Slim-fit Super Stretch Slit Pants NA-KD

Slim-fit Super Stretch Slit Pants, £34.95, NA-KD – buy now

ZIP-HEM LEGGINGS COS

Zip-Hem Leggings, £59, COS – buy now

At the gym

Any gym-goer can’t be without their favourite pair, whether for pilates, yoga, running or just errands. Here are my favourites, with breathable fabric and in vibrant colors.

Aerial Power UltraSculpt High-Waisted Leggings Sweaty Betty

Aerial Power UltraSculpt High Waisted Leggings, £88, Sweaty Betty – buy now

Next up: Lululemon vs Sweaty Betty: Which Is Worth the Splurge?

Wrapover-waist sports tights

Wrapover-waist sports tights, £22.99, H&M – buy now

Epic Fast Pocket Running Leggings Nike

Epic Fast Pocket Running Leggings, £49, Nike – buy now