No matter the season, leggings are a forever staple. Whether you wear them exclusively for workouts, lounging, or a mix of activities, there are a ton of new styles on the rise. Don’t think much can be improved upon when it comes to leggings? Sometimes, it’s the small details that make the biggest difference. Here’s a rundown of this season’s up-and-coming trends if you’re in need of a leggings refresh.
First, crossover waistbands leggings. These leggings feature a higher waist with a wrap-effect along the waistband. In some versions, the wrap creates a V-shape; think of it like a V-neck t-shirt, but in legging form. This style of legging works as an update to your standard black pair. It can be worn with a bomber jacket and flats, or a zip-up and sneakers. Old Navy’s extra high-waisted power chill crossover leggings can be worn casually or for workouts. The higher waist can also serve as shapewear.
Another trend on the rise is flared or bootcut leggings. Did you have a pair of yoga pants in the early 2000s? If yes, then you’ll recognize this legging silhouette, with a fitted waistband and wider leg. Flared leggings can feature side, front split-hems, or bell-bottom-esque hems, and can come in ultra-light fabric, knitted, or ribbed. These are the more boho of the bunch for the latest crop of legging styles. You can check out a variety of flared legging options at Aerie. Their site features pairs in black, pastel, and tie-dye. If you really want to let your hippy flag fly, wear a patterned pair with a crocheted crop top and duster-cardigan.
On the other side of the leggings wheel are this season’s cropped leggings or pedal pushers. These capri-length leggings can hit anywhere from your shin to right under the knee and work great worn as a bottom on their own and are very handy under a dress for those seeking a bit more coverage. I really like J.Crew Factory’s cropped everyday legging made from a cotton/elastane mix, available in a variety of colors. I’d style this legging in either blue or pink with a striped tee and denim jacket. I’d also recommend Everlane’s perform cropped leggings in black as an alternative to bike shorts. They work nicely under a gauzy sundress.
Plain black leggings are useful, and all, but earth tones are gaining in popularity within the legging community. Muted neutrals such as moss, mocha, and stone can be quite chic worn with a coordinated sweater set and flats.
Or they can be sporty when paired with a matching crop top or sports tank. Check out Girlfriend Collective for their variety of matching sets, colors, and a wide range of sizes.
In addition to waistband, hem, and color, another key detail to look out for when shopping is material. A ribbed legging adds subtle texture to bring another interesting element to your look. This comfy version is perfect for lounging while looking put together with an oversized sweater and house shoes. Or take them out on an errand run with a button-down, quilted jacket, and sneakers. Nordstrom has ribbed leggings and a metallic sock gift set from the brand Hue that I’ve been eyeing in brown and navy.
Lastly, but far from least, is the controversial stirrup legging. They say if you’ve lived through a trend when it first happened, it’s best to avoid it during any resurgences. Well, I barely survived stirrup pants in the eighties/early nineties, and while I’m not a personal fan of the stirrup leggings, I would be remiss in my journalistic duty not to include them in this thoroughly researched report on legging trends. So, with that caveat in mind, I can see how stirrup leggings would be chic if they are fitted and worn with a wrap sweater and a ballet flat. I don’t know if I can get behind styling them with heels where the stirrup is pulled over and around the shoe. If you’re up for the challenge, H&M has several stirrup leggings options at affordable prices for the adventurous legging-leaning folks out there.
The key to leggings, no matter the style you go with, is that they pass the anti-sheer test. Granted, I’m a fan of transparency in most situations, but when it comes to leggings, I want to keep the color of my skivvies to myself. So, in good light, do a few squats in the mirror to check to ensure your leggings are properly opaque.
