When you are wearing leggings, you want to put your best foot forward! Your choice of shoes can make or break the look of your leggings. Leave stilettos, platforms, and chunky wedges out of the picture, as they will take you into tacky territory. Forget flip-flops ( too casual) or any shoe with an ankle strap (just not a good look). So what’s left?

Leggings are typically skinny and tight, and they look best paired with flat or low-heeled shoes and boots. Here’s a look at the best shoes to wear with leggings, so you look modern and cool.

1. Tall Boots

Tall Boots are my all-time favorite look paired with leggings, and they look super chic in fall and winter. The reason this looks like it works is that when you think about it, leggings are like riding pants. They’re stretchy and form-fitting, so by going the equestrian route and wearing riding boots with leggings, you get a very sophisticated, old-money look.

One of the best things to pair riding boots and leggings with is a large, long, chunky sweater or an oversized knit, such as a poncho. It looks very cozy and chic. Add a big bag and some jewelry, and you are ready to take on the town. You can find more sweater options to pair with leggings here.

2. Booties

Ankle booties are everyone’s favorite choice for pairing with leggings. Leather is classic, but suede is a little more casual and modern. Chunky heels or kitten heels both look fabulous.

3. Mules

A beautiful mule is another excellent kind of shoe to wear with leggings. The open back is both casual and chic, as it showcases your heel and accentuates the leggings. You can wear any color of a mule, but when you wear a shoe in a similar shade to your leggings, your legs are going to look longer.

4. Sneakers

Low-profile sneakers (not the big, clunky ones) are a modern choice with leggings.

5. Flats

You can never go wrong wearing an elegant flat with leggings. It’s that classic Audrey Hepburn look. You can wear flat ballet flats or a sleek loafer ( no chunky platform loafers- too heavy).

One note: sleek pointy-toe flats will elongate your legs more than round-toe flats. The pointy toe visually adds a touch of length, which tricks the eye into making you look taller and slimmer.