I'm All About Comfy Yet Polished Outfits Right Now—5 Chic Looks With Leggings That Fit the Bill

From chunky knits to a hoody with trainers, here are five chic ways to wear leggings right now that are comfy but still look polished.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve, @nlmarilyn, @vicmontanari)
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There's a certain inevitability to black-legging outfits. Whether you're committed to the comfort of athleisure, secretly into stirrups, or just on your way to Pilates, we all end up out and about in our leggings sooner or later. The fashion set is no exception, and it's not just an American thing—from Paris to London, Lisbon to Amsterdam, I delight in seeing stylish people show up in my feed wearing genuinely off-duty outfits.

If you're looking for a little outfit inspo for how to style basic black leggings, you've come to the right place. And while some of the below looks are perfect for grabbing a coffee or running errands, I promise at least two of these will have you surprised at just how polished a pair of leggings can be. It's all about the styling, so stay tuned for the details.

5 Chic Leggings Outfits to Copy:

1. Wool Coat + Basic Knit + Ballet Flats

Fashion influencer  @lindatol_ wears a chic outfit with basic black leggings.

(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Style Notes: To be clear, this would be great with black tailored trousers or even jeans, but Linda Tol's stirrup leggings make it feel much cooler. I'm here for how polished yet secretly comfortable it is—honestly, might have to re-create this for my next flight.

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2. Leather Bomber Jacket + Basic Long-Sleeve Top + Flats

Fashion influencer @anoukyve wears a chic outfit with basic black leggings.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: A leather bomber jacket is so on-trend this season—keep that the focal point of your look and opt for a plain long-sleeve top to go with it. Sleek minimalist accessories give a cool-girl finish.

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3. Oversized Knit + Pointed Heels + Slouchy Bag

Fashion influencer  @nlmarilyn wears a chic outfit with basic black leggings.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: A giant cable-knit is perfect with leggings, yet it's weirdly an outfit combo I've never tried. The trick is to make sure it's longer and chunkier than your average jumper, and add polished black accessories that make it all feel a bit luxe.

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4. Cropped Jacket + Boots + Suede Bag

Fashion influencer  @sabinasocol wears a chic outfit with basic black leggings.

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: A cropped shearling jacket and comfortable leggings make a great outfit for the winter. It's a go-to ensemble for an easy, every day outfit. Pairing it with knee-high flat boots make it feel more elevated and put together.

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5. Puffer Jacket + Sweatshirt + Trainers

Fashion influencer @vicmontanari wears a chic outfit with basic black leggings.

(Image credit: @vicmontanari)

Style Notes: This outfit is all of us IRL running errands at some point this season. I like the variation of the faded black or grey leggings to give a softer look, plus the addition of high socks paired with retro sneakers in an on-trend hue.

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Natalie Cantell
Natalie Cantell
Contributing Fashion Editor

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.

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