This Once-Dated Legging Trend Is Officially Back for Fall

Stirrup leggings. Ever heard of them? This legging style is certainly nothing new as it dates all the way back to the early 20s as a popular garment used in horseback riding. From there, its next shining moment was during the '80s when exercise and all the iconic clothing that went along with it was at an all-time high. Now, however, stirrup leggings are back and are claiming a new name for itself that I can only really describe as grown-up and elevated.
Thanks to the fall 2020 runways and of course, the support of fashion girls all over Instagram, stirrup leggings have quickly become a staple for this season, and if my assumptions are correct, they'll be in for a while. The good news is, stirrup leggings compatible with all budgets. Whether you're looking to invest in a designer pair or are trying to get that cheap Amazon fix, we've got you covered.
Ahead, you'll get to see our favorite stirrup leggings on the runways, Instagram, and in the market.
Style Tip: Offset a head-to-toe unitard look with forward shoes and minimal jewelry. I mean, if you're going to go for it, why not really go for it?
Pictured: Jacquemus F/W 20
Jacquemus is always coming out with new items that quickly become cult favorites and these knit stirrup leggings are the It item to know from the designer's fall collection.
Style Tip: Pair a more traditional jacket with stirrup leggings for an outfit that feels timeless and trendy all at once.
Pictured: Maryam Nassir Zadeh FW20
No, stirrup leggings don't have to be black, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh proved just that with her neon iteration. When it comes to this particular look, it's the black socks and lace-up shoe styling for me.
Style Tip: If you're craving an oversize compilation of pieces on top, then stirrup leggings are a great pant option for down below. The differences in proportion will ensure a foolproof outfit time and time again.
Pictured: Isabel Marant FW20
Very inspired by the '80s, Isabel Marant's fall collection perfectly blended nostalgic pieces like the stirrup legging with current trends like leather separates.
Style Tip: There's something about this legging trend that makes you want to wear black and black only, and this outfit proves exactly why.
Shop More Stirrup Leggings We Love

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—These Are the Low-Key Uggs I'll Be Wearing With Leggings All Winter Long
I just bought my first pair of Uggs.
-
Sure, Black Leggings Are Timeless, But This Colored Alt Is What Fashion People Are *Actually* Wearing in 2025
Kendall Jenner approves.
-
8 Non-Dated Ways People Are Wearing Leggings Right Now
How to style them the 2025 way.
-
The Fall Shoe Trend Everyone in Paris Is Wearing With Black Leggings to Runway Shows and Dinners at Chez Janou
Hint: It's not sneakers or ballet flats.
-
Hold the Leggings—This Is What Cool Dressers Are Actually Wearing With Ugg Boots These Days
As seen on Gigi Hadid, the cool-dresser poster child.
-
Forget Fleeces and Hoodies—This Is the It-Girl Jacket to Wear With Plain Leggings
It's taken over by storm.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This Fall
Take notes.
-
If You're Going to Wear Leggings in Fall 2025, Wear Them in This Shade With White Sneakers
As spotted on Jennifer Lopez in NYC.