Why Every Wardrobe Needs Black Leggings – And How To Style Them
Often overlooked in the essentials department, black leggings are ready to fill the gap in your capsule closet. From high-low tailoring to laid-back athleisure, these are the styling tricks to know now
Some of this season’s boldest trends – from glittering metallics to graphic heritage checks – are undoubtedly fun to embrace, but, as a rule of thumb, every well-curated closet should contain seriously good staples to balance out the statement pieces. In fact, if you are currently struggling to put together outfits in your existing capsule, it’s probably down to a shortage of great basics. Think of it this way: even the world’s finest chefs would struggle to whip up a magnificent dish without having a few fundamental ingredients to hand.
One key item your wardrobe might be missing is a pair of black leggings. The perfect base and a blank canvas for any look, leggings might be considered the epitome of ‘basic’, but they deserve to be treated like any other luxe style investment. For maximum mileage, they need to fit well and feel good and should be crafted from soft fabrics that comfortably stretch without ever looking sheer. Keep reading to discover the latest pairs, along with three ways to wear black leggings for 2025.
Go high-low with tailoring
On board with the idea of swapping out your black pants for leggings but still want to feel chic and polished? Look to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who nailed the high-low look in black stirrup leggings and an oversized camel coat. Elsewhere, The Frankie Shop’s ribbed stretch-jersey leggings are flattering thanks to their high-rise waistband and elongating seams, while Amina Muaddi’s ‘Anok’ black patent-leather pumps are the ideal pointy pumps to underpin stirrups or complement zipped hems. Finally, slip Kallmeyer’s ‘Gemini’ blazer on top, which is structured at the shoulders, creating a boxy shape. Alternatively, try a camel maxi coat to replicate Huntington-Whiteley’s power cocoon or a long-line black blazer instead.
Elevate athleisure with color
While there is a healthy dose of nostalgia associated with the athleisure vibe, you need to follow a few styling rules to look more like an off-duty supermodel than an extra from an ’80s workout video. Firstly, avoid anything shiny or cropped – we love the matte leggings from Lululemon’s best-selling ‘Wunder Train’ collection. Flexible and breathable enough for yoga, this sporty pair has a handy card pocket for brunch dates after class, too. Next, choose wisely when it comes to a colorful track jacket or sweatshirt. Stay away from neons – think pine green instead of lime – and go for something modern, such as Sporty & Rich’s ‘Ivy League’ sweatshirt. All that’s left to do now is to pull on some white sports socks and chunky sneakers.
Debunk tricky layering
The art of layering like a fashion influencer is much easier to grasp once you understand that it’s simply a balancing act. For example, figure-hugging black leggings work proportionally well with boxy outerwear and chunky boots. We love The Row’s ‘Essentials Woolworth’ leggings, which are cut from thick ponte fabric and blended with elastane for shape retention. Keep things streamlined with black accessories, too, like Maison Margiela’s ‘Tabi’ biker boots in glossy black leather and Saint Laurent’s slouchy ‘Le 5 À 7 Bea’ tote, before zipping up Varley’s snuggly fleece jacket.
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