If street style has taught us anything in recent months, it's what to wear with leggings. The fashion set has, arguably, been seen in little else, proving that the stretchy separates are as wearable and practical as your best jeans.
But what are they wearing the wardrobe staple with? No longer are your options limited to loungewear and activewear – AKA an oversized sweatshirt and white trainers. Instead, we're calling on trench coats, ballet flats and oversized blazers to dress any pair of leggings up, making them appropriate for the office, running errands and even a date night out.
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If you want specifics, though, this all depends on the style of leggings you opt for. Keen on capri pants? Then opt for barely-there flip flops and a preppy cardigan. Fawning over flares? I'd suggest exaggerating your silhouette on top with an oversized biker jacket, a la Hailey Bieber.
If you're wondering how I know this, I can confirm that I've spent the last week scouring recent designer runways, Pinterest and street style catalogues for ideas, taking note of how those in-the-know gave their gym leggings a glow up. So, read on for our guide on what to wear with leggings that will keep you bang on trend for spring 2026.
Try tonal with 7/8s
One way to still look trend-led while wearing leggings? Opt for something other than black. Instead, go tonal, matching the hue of your gym leggings to the rest of your spring outfit, which, for me, would involve a shower-proof trench coat and a chunky fashion trainer – something comfortable enough to carry you through all your errands. But if, like me, you can't be trusted in muted hues, I'd consider recreating Olivia Munn's off-duty look in khaki or navy instead.
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Get preppy with capris
We saw the return of the capri pant last summer, working effectively to keep us cool and playing into the chic Paris aesthetic we collectively love. And while I'm certain we'll see the fashion set reaching for cropped options yet again, I'm sensing a swing to leggings over cotton capris for added comfort. In terms of how to style, I suggest going preppy — add a collar for some contrast, while still prioritising comfort with a sporty flip flop. And, if you want to go full Carolyn Bassett, add a pair of 90s-esque rectangular sunglasses, too.
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Take black leggings to work with tailoring
Yes, black leggings can hold down a fancier occasion — say, the office or an evening out and about. But I would suggest opting for tailoring on top. That's because the contrast of the sharp edges of a double-breasted blazer or shoulder-padded shirt, synonymous with a smart-casual dress code, works to make your outfit look intentional, rather than a combination of what's clean.
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Go streamlined with stirrup leggings
I wasn't convinced the first time round (circa 2023); however, I'm coming round to the idea of stirrup leggings in 2026. Perhaps that's because, as I enter my 30s, I prioritise comfort over anything else, and that foot strap certainly stops them from riding up or twisting.
In terms of how I'm planning to wear them, I don't agree that ‘big top, tight bottoms’ is a combo to avoid. I've had this outfit, belonging to Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer, saved on Pinterest for months, waiting for the temperature to exceed 10 degrees to recreate it.
The flash of skin between her leggings and ballet flats arguably makes this all-black outfit feel a little lighter for spring, while the oversized leather jacket adds some much-needed edge to stop the bottom half from feeling too ballet.
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Oversized fit and flared leggings
I'll be the first to admit that flared leggings have been re-assigned as Pilates leggings in my mind. However, our forever street-style leader, Hailey Bieber, has confirmed they can be worn as off-duty attire, too. To take them from workout class to a catch-up with pals, I'd opt for an unpredictable spring jacket — say, skip your puffer jacket and instead try a denim bomber jacket or colourful utility jacket, layered over a white t-shirt.
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