I’ve been getting dressed up on occasion for a bit of mood-boosting fashion, but often, I’m wearing many of the comfortable pieces in my closet on rotation. That means everything from my favorite sweatsuit sets to loungewear to leggings. More and more, I’ve seen that leggings are a mainstay in the wardrobes of fashion insiders and I’ve noticed all of the cool, sophisticated ways they’re wearing them, which has made me think about new ways I can style my own—and it seems like shoes are an interesting place to start.
When pairing shoes with leggings, they can really transform a basic pair of black leggings. Yep, if you’re wearing anything from athletic sneakers to knee-high boots to heels, there’s always a fashion-forward way to pull them off. Ahead, I’m highlighting 6 key shoes to own if you want to take your leggings beyond a workout and I promise you’ll never think about the closet staple the same way again.
Athletic Sneakers
Pictured: Totême jacket; Wardrobe.NYC leggings; Acne Panelled Suede and Mesh Trainers ($410)
Styling tip to borrow: Add a simple T-shirt and leather blazer to instantly elevate an outfit with leggings and sneakers.
Shop the shoes:
Loafers
Pictured: Zara Ottoman Leggings ($30)
Styling lesson to borrow: If you're looking for a Zoom-ready look, this is one to copy. Nothing is better than pairing a button-down top with comfortable leggings and loafers.
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Sleek Pumps
Pictured: Jacquemus jacket; Bottega Veneta Quilted Leather Pumps $1100
Styling tip to borrow: Opt for a pair of split leggings, which have the look of tailored pants. Then, add a blazer, earrings, and chain bracelet for a sophisticated take on leggings.
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Flat Knee-High Boots
Pictured: Prada jacket; Coccinelle bag; Ann Demeulemeester boots
Styling tip to borrow: Add a turtleneck and structured blazer to your leggings and flat knee-high boots to replicate this outfit. You probably have most of these pieces sitting in your closet already.
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Sandals
Pictured: The Row sweater; Totême leggings; Hunting Season bag
Styling tip to borrow: Keep things simple by pairing a loose sweater and cap with your leggings and sandals. This is the ultimate chic cozy look.
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Colorful Heels
Pictured: Chanel jacket; Totême leggings; Amina Muaddi Gilda Embellished Leather Mules ($1020)
Styling tip to borrow: Wear a colorful jacket and heels to offset a basic pair of black leggings. Try sticking to the same color family for a slightly tonal look.
Shop the shoes:
Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
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