If you told me a few seasons ago that I'd encounter several legging outfits while reviewing Paris Fashion Week street style, I wouldn't have believed you. But as I worked on this season's street style report, there they were—leggings. They were not just tucked into Uggs for the airport and layered under oversize hoodies on models who were caught running in between shows. They were styled by the most prestigious guests with the kind of intention usually reserved for trousers and tailored skirts. It was a plot twist that surprised me, but after seeing how people styled them, I'm kind of on board.
This wasn't a fleeting one-off, either. From sleek stirrup styles peeking out from under a statement coat to classic pedal pushers balanced with a flouncy blouse, leggings were suddenly everywhere and shockingly chic. In search of the one thing that made these leggings incredibly stylish, I found a common denominator. Each person I noticed wearing leggings was pairing them with pumps. Be it slingbacks or a sculptural style, this simple upgrade made leggings fit right in among the crowd of fashion-week attendees. Naturally, I started taking notes. Below, I rounded up seven standout looks that prove this once-controversial basic has officially entered its elevated era.
The most classic way you're going to see stylish people wearing leggings is like this: with a good pair of pumps and a long and oversize coat. The best part is it works for a workplace setting or a dressed-up dinner.
Shop the look:
Burgundy is everywhere this season, so if you aren't styling your burgundy leather bomber with burgundy pumps, what are you even doing? If you want to feel on-trend for 2025 yet still be buying things you can wear for a long time, this is how it's done.
Shop the look:
A blazer has been a timeless way to style leggings since this activewear staple emerged in the high-fashion space. The scarf attachment on this one is everything.
Shop the look:
The Chloé runway show was all about slim-fit pants, so wearing leggings to this show was a no-brainer for Rita Ora. The flowy blouse and cool jewelry made for the perfect finishing touch.
Shop the look:
The higher the heel, the cooler the stirrup leggings look. A scarf coat is a hot pick for the upcoming colder weather.
Shop the look:
The pumps come in clutch again, finishing off this look with an hourglass blazer. Statement earrings were a common accessory this season.
Shop the look:
If you're looking for a Gen Z take on styling leggings, this is it. The tiny kitten-heel pumps, fun bag, and 2000s-inspired blouse are everything.
Shop the look:
