Whoever said leggings aren’t pants clearly wasn’t doing it right. Yes, your $9.99 leggings from CVS paired with a crop top definitely do not qualify as pants. No one wants to see your thong through your leggings, nor do they want to see your labia glaring at them while they’re exchanging pleasantries with you. But if you wear a high quality pair of leggings and actually style them correctly, then they sure as hell do work as pants. And, being able to wear leggings all season long while working on your winter bod is pretty much the only perk of the colder months, so let’s embrace leggings as pants.
There’s no outfit I love more than a big oversize chunky sweater paired with leggings. It’s stylish, cute, and comfy af. Wearing leggings as pants is pretty much the epitome of having it all. Here are seven leggings styles you should add to your wardrobe ASAP.
1. Faux Leather
Point blank, every girl needs a pair of faux leather leggings. They make every outfit look that much cooler and give it an edgy, sexy feel. This pair by Spanx have quickly become my new go-to outfit staple. They’re comfy, hold everything in, and look v chic. You can even get away with wearing these leggings as pants, paired with boots and a cute top, and be your comfiest self while pounding shots at the bar. Win-f*cking-win.
2. Printed
Get yourself a good pair of printed leggings and they could easily pass for pants. Take this pair, for example, which have all the makings of a pair of pants, but aren’t pants. So like, they’re a hell of a lot comfier. Might be pushing it here, but wear these with a nice blouse and you can even get away with them for your 9-5 grind. Just maybe avoid HR’s floor for the day to be safe.
Sanctuary Autumn Plaid Leggings
3. Faux Suede
Faux suede leggings are another staple legging you’ll want in your wardrobe arsenal this season. The suede material offers more warmth than other legging options and gives them a classic, elevated look. Fair warning, they may not be your best option for the bar, considering they’ll immediately show all the beer your drunk bestie keeps accidentally dumping on you. But, with a sweater and ankle boots for Thanksgiving? Ideal outfit.
Lyssé High Waist Faux Suede Leggings
4. Pants Adjacent
Leggings have come a long way since jeggings. So much so, that there are tons of options that are pretty much the equivalent of pants. In recent years, leggings have gotten a Bella Hadid-level face transplant, and so there’s really no longer a need to wear anything but leggings as pants. With a pair this good, you can be comfy all the time. And a comfy b*tch is a happy b*tch. So put away the Xanax and get yourself some pants-adjacent leggings instead.
Lovers + Friends Kalani Legging
5. Athletic
We’re still doing the whole athleisure thing, and hey, I’m here for it. A great pair of athletic style leggings are all you need for running those dreadful errands, like picking up Plan B or running out to buy more toilet paper (even though it’s def your roommates f*cking turn to buy some). She’ll be getting a petty Venmo request from me later.
6. Trendy
As with every wardrobe staple, you have to get one version that’s “trendy.” Why not go super extra like the attention-seeking, high-maintenance betch you truly are and get yourself a neon pink pair? They shouldn’t be the only pair you have, or you’ll look some Richard Simmons imposter. Which, given the fact that I think he’s still “missing,” would be a very confusing mishap.
TLA by Morgan Stewart Andy Legging
7. Details
Another way to elevate your leggings game this season is to get a pair with fashionable details. These moto ones, for example, would look Insta-worthy with a graphic tee and an oversized denim jacket #DoItForTheGram.
There’s a time and a place for jeans…but there’s a lot more time and a lot more places for leggings. Between keeping up with all the Real Housewives and yelling at the Starbucks barista for the third time this week that your name is “Shannon” and not f*cking “Janet” (personal problem) there’s no need to make your life any harder than it already is. Add edge to your outfit, instead of your life, and get yourself some must-have pairs of stylish leggings. Your mental health (and your therapist) will thank you.
Images: freestocks.org / Unsplash; Nordstrom (2); South Moon Under (2); Revolve (2); Anthropologie
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