Whenever I stop and think about leggings, flashbacks from my high school wardrobe full of Lululemon leggings paired with Nike socks and Birkenstock sandals flood my brain. But recently, after seeing the way that fashion's finest have elevated the once über-casual silhouette, I've begun to rethink my former distaste for the style. In fact, I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that leggings might actually be cool again, especially the pairs I've spotted in 2022.
From split-hem styles paired with skinny-heeled boots to stirrup alternatives strapped to loafers, today's legging trends aren't even comparable to the ones we all frequented back in the mid-2010s. And to prove it to you, I rounded up all of the most impressive styles on the market right now. After a few scrolls, I think you'll come to agree with me that leggings are worthy of a second chance.
1. Split-Hem Leggings
One of my biggest qualms with the way leggings were worn back in the '10s was that they never looked quite right with heels—only sneakers or boots. With the buzzy split-hem look, though, there's no awkward space between the bottom of your leggings and the beginning of your shoes.
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A bargain.
The comfort of leggings with the easy elegance of tailored trousers.
Zip them up or down as you please.
Everything COS makes is effortless and stylish.
2. Neutral Leggings
Black leggings are great and all, but you can only have so many pairs before they start to feel boring and redundant. That's where a neutral brown or tan pair comes in. They're equally versatile and comfy but won't look like every other pair of leggings in the world.
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Prepare to be the best dressed person in your Pilates class.
Girlfriend Collective's activewear is unmatched.
Hot cocoa colored leggings.
No one can deny that Skims makes a great product.
3. Stirrup Leggings
Once used for strictly practical purposes, stirrup leggings have recently become a favorite among the fashion crowd, with many securing the loops around luxury heels or with lug-soled loafers.
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How to make leggings look elegant 101.
If you already have a black pair, cream is an obvious next choice.
Pair these with heels, loafers, boots, and more.
Leset makes the coziest basics.
4. Belted Leggings
Another fashion-favorite legging trend? Belted styles, which were really perfected by Istanbul-based brand Cult Form. The key to this style is an extra-high-waist silhouette, secured at the top with a belt that elevates your leggings with one easy clasp.
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They're giving '50s vibes.
How good are these?
The high waist on these is *chefs kiss.*
The tortoiseshell belt takes these up about 10 notches.
5. Short Leggings
When the warm weather hits, nothing is quite as easy or stylish as a pair of bike shorts, be they paired with a matching workout top and sneakers or an oversize blazer and knee-high boots. (I'm biased toward the latter, but to each their own.)
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The V-waist look is beyond flattering.
I want to lounge in these 24/7. HBU?
IYKYK.
This collab will never not impress me.
6. Legging Bodysuit
IMO, the fewer pieces I have to put on to make a 10/10 outfit, the better. So it's no wonder that I've fallen fast and hard for the legging-bodysuit trend, which needs nothing but knee-high boots or heels and a shacket or a blazer to take it from workout piece to event-ready ensemble.
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It'd be a mistake to only wear this during a workout.
Love an all-in-one fashion moment.
Ballet chic.
Pangaia is known for its sustainable fabrics and materials.
7. Leather Leggings
Once my least-favorite style of leggings, leather leggings are now at the top of my to-buy list. There's just something so luxurious about the way that the style is being dressed up in 2022 that I can't get out of my head.
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Brown leather is not given the credit it deserves.
Commando leggings are second to none.
These look and feel so expensive.
Just add loafers.
Coming up: The 2022 Staples That Just Look Perfect With Leggings
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I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
