Leggings are one of those basics I wear year after year, but a leggings outfit can get pretty boring pretty fast. Black leggings, sweater, boots… repeat!
So rather than talking about all the usual leggings rules, I thought I’d share three easy ways I like to make a leggings outfit a little more interesting. None of these involves buying a whole new wardrobe. It’s really about texture, contrast, and one little twist that gives your outfit some personality.
1. Play With Texture
Most of us think of leggings as basic black knit, but changing the texture can completely change the look.
Faux leather leggings are sleek and a little edgy. Ponte leggings have a smooth, more structured look. Velvet feels dressier, and faux suede is soft, velvety, and especially pretty for fall.
These Spanx faux suede leggings are an older pair I’ve had for years. This particular style is no longer available, but I still love the look. The suede texture makes them feel richer and a little more special than everyday leggings without being as edgy as faux leather.
If you like this look, I have more ideas for what to wear with faux suede leggings.
You don’t necessarily need a lot of color or pattern when you’re wearing textured leggings. Sometimes the texture is enough to make a simple sweater-and-leggings outfit interesting.
You can do the same thing with shape. Since leggings are slim and fitted, I like a top with a little softness or movement. Not necessarily huge or oversized—just enough contrast so everything isn’t tight from head to toe.
2. Mix Things Up With Contrast
Another little trick is to pair your leggings with something that feels completely different.
Think faux leather leggings with a silky blouse, sleek shiny faux leather with a cozy cashmere sweater, or sporty leggings with a crisp shirt and jacket.
It’s that mix that makes an outfit interesting.
You can do the same thing with shape. Since leggings are slim and fitted, I like a top with a little softness or movement. Not necessarily huge or oversized—just enough contrast so everything isn’t tight from head to toe.
Color can create contrast too. Instead of automatically reaching for black, try chocolate leggings with cream, navy with camel, or black with a beautiful pop of red or another color you love.
3. Add One Unexpected Touch
This may be my favorite trick because it’s often the smallest detail that makes an outfit.
Maybe it’s leopard flats with a simple black leggings outfit. Or a bright bag with an otherwise neutral look. It could be a fabulous jacket, an interesting necklace, colorful sneakers, or even a beautiful scarf.
The idea isn’t to pile everything on. Pick one thing that gives the outfit some personality.
I find this especially helpful with leggings because they’re such a simple starting point. When the base of your outfit is quiet, that one interesting detail gets a chance to shine.
Deb’s Takeaway
Leggings don’t have to be complicated, but they don’t have to be boring either.
Texture, contrast, and one unexpected touch are three easy ways to take a basic leggings outfit and make it feel more stylish and more like you.
So the next time you pull on your favorite leggings and sweater and think, This needs something, try one of these little tweaks. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
I’m going to try leggings again this Autumn. I think I last wore them in my early 30s and had a terrible experience with a rude drunk man commenting on my camel toe! Put me off for ages. I’m veering towards a leather/Ponte pair. If you’re going to flaunt it, do it with class!
By all means, give it another go. Ponte or leather/faux leather is thicker like pants. I’d recommend a long top that comes 1/3-1/2 way down your thigh. This is the most flattering length. Cheers, Deborah
I think the trend of leggings are in fashion once again. You can team it up with long top or kurtas os many other western dresses.
Hi Lisa, Yes, leggings continue to be very popular, probably because they are so comfy and easy to wear. I especially like them with long sweaters. Cheers, Deborah
I like your all the tips. Leggings look best when paired with lots of layers on top or you can wear them with oversize sweaters and cardigans.
Love your site! The tips are super helpful for those of us who are over 40 and don’t know how to dress. I have recently lost 25 lbs. I absolutely hate the leggings and big tunic look. It looks like you just quit caring about how you look and are trying to cover up your muffin top/big bottom/wide hips. Yuk yuk yuk!
I always buy leggings one size bigger, keeps them nice and thick
Hi, I always buy leggings one size too big so they are not overstretched and look thicker
Love your advice! Always right on. I enjoy looking my best and try to look current but not foolish. You help me to do both. Thank you!
I’ve been debating leggings, but I’m a tad “curvy” per se, and not sure how well I’d rock them. I love that last outfit!
Hi Bren,
The key is to cover up your bottom. Unless you’re 21, a pin-thin short top with leggings is too much information! (LOL)
I just wanted to bring up the following: I’m 5’4″ and am very small. Even though I am short-waisted, I have a defined waist. The tunics you show are only 2″ above the knees and look ridiculous and frumpy. I wear tops advertised as tunic length or mini skirt length. I assure you that these lengths look great on my body type, and my bum is well covered. Also, these tunic/mini-dress lengths make my legs look much longer and give my body a long, lean look. I wear them with many styles of boots but never wear a heel over 2 to 2-1/2″. I’m afraid I have to disagree with wearing flats with my body type. Flats look like the slippers my grandmother used to wear with her housedress. LOL. And, they make me look even shorter in the leg. I find that tights and booties of the same color with a bit of heel elongate my legs. Please remember that we all have different body shapes, and not everyone looks good in the same thing. Perhaps you could feature a topic on wearing tights with varying body types. Thanks for all the excellent advice you ladies bring us in your FabAfter40 newsletters. You have become my “go-to” website for beauty and style advice! :)
I have a black lace short dress. Tank-style top that flows to a short flared skirt. Can I wear leggings under it? If so, what length, color, and style should I wear?
I think the outfit looks fabulous and slimming. Age appropriate. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
I’m 63 and haven’t worn leggings since the early 90’s but I’ve lost FIFTY LBS! I now wear a size 10, I’m 5’9″ and weigh 154. Can I still get away with them do y’all think?
Hi Colleen,
Congratulations about the weight loss. It’s hard to tell from height and weight. It’s more about body shape and personality, but you probably can as long as you wear a long enough top to cover your hips and behind. Feel free to send me a photo.
I’m 65 and I wear black leggings all the time. Key rule is to cover your behind and your crotch. A longer black tank is a good first layer over which you can wear a looser cardigan or a belted jacket, and of course tunics are terrific. Don’t limit yourself to flats; leggings also look great with mid heel wedges and kitten heel pumps — just don’t wear stockings or knee highs with them! The dressiest leggings have seams down the front, which help slim your legs. Zara makes really good, reasonably priced ones, and Lysee Leggings now has ponte knit ones with seams and a tummy control panel.
Yes, I love leggings with dresses or tunic length tops. I do not wear high heels any more so definitely I’d wear them with low heels.
I agree. Low heeled shoes look terrible on most women with short legs. Choosing High heeled shoes carefully is the key, as in the choice of leggings. I prefer them in the ankle length with a matching shoe, boot (Short or Tall) in the same color family to lengthen the leg.
Great tips for women over 40..well leggings suits every age girls and women..its just one should know how to carry oneself.One can look trendy at any age!
I don’t think that low-heeled shoes work with leggings. Leggings usually shorten legs for those who are not blessed with skinny legs or long legs. Usually, leggings cut the legs over the ankles which makes some “un-blessed” legs even shorter. So the best option to wear leggings is to know your body…and not stick to rules such as “low-heeled shoes”. If you browse fashion sites and magazines, leggings actually look great in high heeled shoes.