How to Wear Leggings as Pants: 6 Style Panel-Approved Tips

Forget diamonds, leggings are a girl’s IRL best friend. They’re our gym essentials and our errands day must-haves and but despite their supreme comfort level, wearing them out in public (i.e. as pants) has been considered a faux pas ever since Blair Waldorf’s infamous disciplinary hearing on Gossip Girl in 2010. But it seems that times are a’ changing—a rising number of celebrities and street style stars have wearing leggings at parties, dinner dates and even to fashion week. Is wearing leggings as pants finally okay, you ask? Yes, but there are a few rules to adhere to before you walk out the door. To help us with this great fashion dilemma, we rallied up our Style Panel. From what footwear to wear with your leggings to what style and material to choose from, our panel of bloggers share key tips and tricks on how to rock leggings as pants.

Question 156: How do you wear your leggings? Read the answers now! »

Carleton Eckhardt, 30
Toronto | Carleton Eckhardt

When choosing leggings, I prefer styles that are not your typical, standard black legging. For this particular outfit I chose stretchy faux leather leggings as they add an element of edge, but still incorporate comfort for everyday wear.

Carleton’s wearing: Leggings, Joe Fresh. Shoes, Vans. T-shirt, Urban Outfitters. Jacket, M for Mendocino. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban.

Stephanie Koch, 30
Kelowna | Inherited Jeans

Since having my son four years ago, I told myself that while I firmly believe that having children doesn’t mean you have to abandon your body or style. I never want to be the parent that isn’t participating in things with him because I am trying to be stylish, so leggings as pants are a style/lifestyle win for me!

I recently bought these running tights from Aritzia and I love the sheer panels. Not only is it great for venting, but also for adding visual interest. They may not be for everyone, but they are truly comfortable. Since they are a bit different than the standard black legging, you can wear them in different ways. So far they have taken me on the swings, 15km up a mountain and to brunch with my friends.

Stephanie’s wearing: Hat, Lululemon, Scarf, Joe Fresh. Jacket, Joe Fresh. Shirt, Talula by Aritzia. Tights, TNA by Aritzia. Shoes, Winners.

Shauna Dean, 27
Windsor | Quentin & Co

Pulling off leggings as pants is no sweat if you’re playing up the athleisure trend. With a growing baby bump, nothing is comfier than my leggings, so I’ve been pairing them with fresh white sneakers, basic tops and a denim jacket around my waist. It makes for the perfect weekend wear!

Shauna’s wearing: Sneakers, Nike. Sweater, Joe Fresh. Leggings, Blanqi. Jacket, H&M.

Jameela Ghann, 25
Calgary | Jam and Tea

Rules are meant to be broken. No one should tell you what to wear, and that includes the silly rule that leggings can’t be worn as pants.

My tip for wearing leggings as pants is to just go for it! I like to pair black high-waist leggings with crop tops and boots. I prefer black because it makes my legs look really long. I accessorize with lots of jewellery and top it off with a long, flowing cardigan. The cardigan option is there for me to cover up my behind if the situation calls for it. As long as you are comfortable with your body you can wear leggings as pants.

Jameela’s wearing: Leggings, Hudson’s Bay. Boots, Alfred Sung. Cardigan, Joyce’s Closet. Jewellery, Alora Boutique.

Laura Mitbrodt, 31
Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier

I like to wear my leggings with a long kimono or sweater. This way the look is balanced out and you don’t feel so bare.

Laura’s wearing: Kimono and top, California Moonrise. Leggings, Hue.

Kayla Short, 29
Halifax | Short Presents

I take five dance classes a week, and all of them happen to fall on the weekend, so I pretty much live in leggings on an errand-filled Sunday. People make a big deal about how tights aren’t pants, and rightfully so since we’ve all caught a glimpse of a bit more than we bargained for on occasion. A good guide is to opt for a shirt, sweater or jacket that covers your bottom, and you’re usually safe (or at least everyone else is).

Kayla’s wearing: Tights, Lululemon. Jacket, H&M. Scarf, Fraanklin. Hat, Joe Fresh. Shoes, Converse via Soft Moc. Bag, Sneha Varma. Pom pom, Envy Clothing.

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