What to wear with Leggings
In order to truly answer the question “what to wear with leggings?,” I feel like I’ve GOT to actually give some evidence other than explanations and tips etc. In other words, I wanted to show y’all some outfit examples illustrating a few ways I’ve worn leggings in the past.
After looking through all my old outfits with leggings in order to put together this post, I noticed a few common denominators. Almost all of my outfits follow a similar formula: Longer Tunic or Shirt + Layering and/or Accessories + Knee-High Boots. As you scroll through the outfits, note how each look incorporates this easy formula in some way or another. I’m going to bring you through 3 different TYPES of outfits that work with leggings.
1. WEAR LEGGINGS WITH A PLAID TUNIC BUTTON UP
If it’s long enough to cover your rear, I’d argue that you’re safe wearing your fave plaid shirt with leggings. If you’re going for a super cozy, laid-back look for traveling or running errands around town throw on your favorite sneakers for a casual, cute look. But if you’re looking to elevate the look, throw on accessories and riding boots or maybe even a baseball cap to complete the look. Regardless of how you style it, I’d say that an oversized flannel or plaid paired with leggings is going to give you an all-around casual, laid-back (but cute!) look.
2. WEAR LEGGINGS WITH AN OVERSIZED CHAMBRAY SHIRT
Or if you’ve got an oversized (tunic-length) chambray, you can put together a similar look. In this look above, I threw on a neutral cardigan over my denim shirt and leggings, adding an additional layer to give the outfit more dimension and make it a bit more interesting. But again, you’ll see that I’m wearing my Frye boots to distract from the fact that I’m not wearing pants (ha!) and get away with wearing leggings!
3. WEAR LEGGINGS WITH AN UNBUTTONED PLAID SHIRT
Instead of wearing the plaid shirt buttoned-up like in the previous two outfits, opt to wear it unbuttoned with a long white tee or tunic underneath for an EVEN more laid back look. In this case, I added my Patagonia better sweater vest to add more of a layered look to my casual leggings and riding boots ensemble.
4. WEAR LEGGINGS WITH OVERSIZED CARDIGANS & SWEATERS
Similar to wearing leggings with an oversized plaid or chambray shirt, you can wear a longer cardigan or oversized sweater. Pairing an oversized knit with your leggings is a great opportunity to use juxtaposition to your advantage, contrasting the tightness of the leggings with a loose-fitting, oversized (maybe even chunky!) cardigan or cozy sweater!
I remember I wore this look (above) to run a few errands last Fall and then to my small group bible study. The tall, leather boots coupled with the cardigan (layers!) elevate the look, bringing it from sloppy to pulled together and cute.
5. WEAR LEGGINGS WITH AN OVERSIZED CARDIGAN
I’m actually NOT wearing leggings in this outfit, BUT I wanted to include it to show that if the underneath sweater layer was a little longer, then this look would be a cute leggings outfit! Except instead of the booties, I’d probably wear my Frye boots or some other knee-high boot option!
