If you're like us, you probably have a stack of leggings in your closet waiting to be paired with the rest of your wardrobe in fresh ways. That's where legging-loving celebrities and models come in. Comfort has undoubtedly been a priority over the last couple of years, as seen in the outfits of It girls everywhere, which will surely provide plenty of inspiration for wearing leggings in the future.
But since celebrities have been wearing leggings out and about since the dawn of time (basically), we thought we'd check in on what they're not styling leggings with as much anymore. The classic item may never die, but celebs are finding newer ways to style them, and we're duly taking notes. For example, Kendall Jenner went with a sleek look consisting of a shrug and high-waisted leggings, and Jasmine Tookes created a polished ensemble with a matching beige legging-and-tank set and comfy Ugg boots. No matter where you like to wear yours, you're sure to find a few outfit ideas for how to wear leggings in this roundup. Check out the looks along with our legging-outfit tips ahead.
Not Wearing: Cropped Hoodies
Wearing: Shrugs
On Kendall Jenner: ALO Shrug, Airlift Intrigue Bra ($58), and High-Waist Airbrush Leggings ($88)
While wearing leggings and a sports bra for a workout may be a purely practical choice, the light layer you throw on top to go to and from the gym leaves some room for a styling choice. In the past, celebs often reached for cropped hoodies, but with athleisure getting sleeker in recent years, shrugs like Jenner's are becoming a go-to addition to leggings.
Not Wearing: Distressed Vintage Tees
Wearing: Simple Crewneck Tees
On Olivia Wilde: Adidas Ultraboost 22 Sneakers ($190)
If you go through celebrity street style images from five to 10 years ago, you'll spot a fair share of distressed and vintage tees that stars wore with everything from denim cutoff shorts to, yes, leggings. Such a simple combo like a T-shirt and classic leggings will never die, but we've noticed how the grungier tees of yore are being replaced with plain, nondistressed styles.
Not Wearing: Color-Block Leggings
Wearing: Flare Leggings
On Hailey Bieber: TnAction Mini Bra ($38) and Atmosphere Flare Leggings ($78); Prada Shearling Sandals ($1120); The Row Bag; Balenciaga sunglasses
Who remembers the era of color-block leggings? Plenty of brands were making them, and even more A-listers were after them. So while classic black leggings haven't gone anywhere, celebs who like a trendier look (ahem, Hailey Bieber and Emma Chamberlain) are now opting for flared leggings as the non-basic leggings du jour.
Not Wearing: Duster Coats
Wearing: Matching Sets
On Jasmine Tookes: Ugg Super Mini Boots ($160); JOJA Leggings
Legging outfits definitely depend on where you're wearing them. For traveling or running errands, it's all about keeping things as polished as you can make leggings seem. Layering on a duster coat used to be the go-to way to add some polish, but now, it's all about the matching set, whether it be a tank or bra that matches the leggings for one cohesive outfit.
Not Wearing: No-Show Socks
Wearing: Tall Crew Socks
On Bella Hadid: Yummie bodysuit; Salomon XT-4 Sneakers
Who knew socks, of all things, would become so trendy? Lo and behold, white crew socks are a fixture in the legging outfits of It girls like Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber. Forget your no-show styles and grab a pair of tall socks that intentionally slouch down around the ankle. They're sporty, a little retro, and 100% outfit making.
Not Wearing: Ankle Boots
Wearing: Cushy Slides
On Lori Harvey: Re/Done x Levi's jacket; Lululemon leggings; Bottega Veneta The Chain Pouch Bag; Hermès Chypre Sandals
While I was looking back through the archives to research for this story, I was surprised to see how many celebs used to love wearing ankle boots with their leggings over the past decade since the pairing feels a little off in the present day. When they're not wearing sneakers, celebs are slipping into a pair of comfy slide sandals with leggings and a casual top—it's an ideal combo for a Pilates class or coffee run.
Not Wearing: Bomber Jackets
Wearing: Fleece Jackets
On Kaia Gerber: FP Movement Hit the Slopes Fleece Jacket ($148); Nike sneakers
The bomber jackets that ruled the 2016/2017 era may be coming back in style, but funnily enough, celebs aren't styling them with their sporty legging outfits as they used to in those years. Instead, hiking-style fleece jackets are taking the lead, and they lend a more outdoorsy feel when married to basic leggings.
Not Wearing: Canvas Sneakers
Wearing: Retro and Sporty Sneakers
On Bieber: Prada Coat; ALO Alosoft Leggings ($108); New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 550 Sneakers
Since leggings and sneakers are the pairing that always makes sense, it's no surprise that the celebs would opt for the sneaker trends of the moment. Right now, that means retro and sporty styles by the likes of New Balance and Salomon.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.