Are Leggings Still in Style in 2024? How To Wear Them and Outfit Ideas
Comfy never looked so good.
Wondering whether leggings are still on trend in 2024? Trends come and go, but some pieces are never far from the forefront of fashion. At Wear Next, we encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident – and there’s nothing comfier than leggings. They’re a wardrobe staple, and while you might think they’re only required for workouts or pilates classes, that’s certainly not the case.
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. 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.
Stirrup and flared styles are just some of the trends we’re seeing coming through for 2024, while there are plenty of ways to wear your standard black styles too. I’ve found 5 great ways to wear the staple in 2024 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 colours and a range of sizes, so anyone can add them to cart. Your workout clothes never looked so good!
Here, I’m sharing the biggest leggings trends we’re set to see over the next 12 months. 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! Next, read more about which shoes to wear with leggings.
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Are leggings still in style in 2024?
Leggings are definitely still in style in 2024. Much like jeans and tees, black leggings are considered a basic. It’s all about what you wear them with, as the top, shoes and accessories you opt for can bring the look into the modern day and have the ability to make or break the look. New styles of leggings are emerging this year, giving the classic black style a subtle but interesting update. As well as the basic pair we know and love, you can expect to see much more of stirrup and flared leggings this year.
How to wear leggings in 2024: outfit ideas
Stirrup styles
In 2024, we’re embracing all things girly like ballet flats, hair bows and stirrup leggings. They’re balletcore at its finest, so whether you learnt to pirouette as a kid or just love the look of them, it’s time to embrace stirrup styles. Team yours with ballet flats for the full look, or opt for loafers for a more preppy take on the trend. We love how Simona Snarkis wears hers with an oversized striped shirt too.
SoftMove™ Sports stirrup tights, £32.99, H&M – buy now
Ribbed merino wool leggings with stirrups, £49.99, Lindex – buy now
Athleta Transcend Mid Rise Stirrup Leggings, £80, Next – buy now
READ MORE: Best Stirrup Leggings 2024 – 8 Hottest Pairs to Try Now
With some flare
Our trousers are getting looser and now our leggings are too, with flared styles coming through for 2024. Even gym leggings have a flare now, so if skin-tight styles aren’t your bag, give them a go. I personally find these way more flattering as I’ve always preferred looser-fitting clothing. They offer all the comfort of regular leggings, with the style of trousers. Keep yours casual with a pair of trainers and a baggy jumper.
READ MORE: How to Wear Flare Leggings
Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu, £108, Lululemon – buy now
COLLUSION slinky legging flare in black, £14.99, ASOS – buy now
Compressive Flare Legging – Black, £65, The Girlfriend Collective at Sports Edit – buy now
With chunky knits
Leggings aren’t just for working out. They can be seriously chic, especially when teamed with looser-fitting tops, sweaters and coats (more on that later). This winter, throw them on with chunky knit and knee-high boots for a sophisticated and effortlessly stylish look. Not only is it comfy (and there’s nothing more chic than that), it’s actually rather practical.
Anatole Sweater, £195, Balzac Paris – buy now
Knitted Mock Neck Jumper, £95, & Other Stories – buy now
Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper, £200, Cos – buy now
Puffer up
Who can forget Kendall Jenner wearing leggings with an oversized puffer jacket on her recent trip to Aspen? That look lives rent free in my head. The reason the look works so well is that it plays with proportions. Make like Kendall and wear yours with an XL puffer for an effortlessly cool look. Take inspiration from Felicity Bird and consider the power of accessories. A basketball cap and trainers brings the whole look together.
Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket, £228, Lululemon – buy now
Oversized hooded puffer jacket, £74.99, Monki – buy now
Karla Short Boxy Puffer Jacket, now £179.99, Aligne – buy now
Add knee-high boots
Team your leggings with knee-high boots this year. There are a number of boot styles trending like combat and slouchy styles that will look perfect with your leggings. Trainers work when you’re heading to the gym or want to dress more casually, but if you want a more grown up leggings look, these work a treat. Throw on a chunky knit and puffer, and you’ll feel just like Kendall Jenner. Alternatively make like Ellie Delphine with a cosy teddy coat in a matching hue and a pair of shades.
Slouched Leather Knee Boots, £270, Cos – buy now
Chunky-Sole Leather Knee-High Boots, £200, Dune London – buy now
Mana Knee Boots in Beige, now £94.99, Steven Madden at Schuh – buy now
Legging shorts
It might feel a little bit chilly to be wearing shorts right now, but legging shorts will continue to be huge throughout 2024. This style is great for the gym or just every day, worn with a cute crop top and oversized shirt. If you’re working out, they allow you the flexibility to move around easily and freely.
Align™ High-Rise Short 6″, £48, Lululemon – buy now
Sports cycling shorts, £12.99, H&M – buy now
Cycling shorts, £6.99, H&M – buy now
Leggings FAQs
Still got questions about how to wear leggings? Below, I’m answering all your burning questions.
Should a woman over 50 wear leggings?
Of course! Whatever your age, leggings can be a great look depending on how you style them. There’s no need to overcomplicate it; wear yours with an oversized jumper or sweatshirt, knee-high boots and a wool coat and you’ll look chic and comfortable.
How do you make leggings look fashionable?
If you want to make your leggings look fashionable rather than frumpy or sporty, make the rest of your outfit as tailored and smart as possible. Wear yours with a pair of knee-high boots and a smart coat, and make sure your accessories are slick too. Alternatively you can still make leggings fashionable and casual, if you want a more comfortable look. Wear a puffer jacket and flat boots or sneakers.
What are the best shoes to wear with leggings?
Trainers are perhaps the easiest shoes to wear with leggings as they compliment the casual look of the garment. That said, boots are equally as great and offer a more dressy appearance which can really elevate leggings.
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