I've Just Discovered the Secret to Making Leggings Look Expensive

Aside from my gym attire, leggings are one item I usually steer clear of. Most days, you'll find me wearing some sort of printed midi dress. As such, I've long believed that leggings looked too casual in comparison. That was until I started noticing how some of my favourite influencers have been styling their leggings of late.

Not just one, but seven of Instagram's best dressers have been giving their black leggings a glossy spin, and they've inspired me to do the same. From sleek layering techniques to choosing suitably sleek accessories, making leggings look luxe is easier than I thought it would be. Keep scrolling to discover how to make leggings look chic, and I guarantee you too will be a convert.

1. Leggings + Cream Jacket + Beanie

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1673023139812-main

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Style Notes: Leggings and a jacket might sound casual on paper, but when painted in a refined monochromatic colour palette, they look seriously premium. 

2. Leggings + Mules + Trench Coat

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1580236281080-image

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: The Royals aren't the only ones who know coat dresses make for a sophisticated outfit option. Sylvie too wears her coats (especially those of the trench variety) as dresses. We love how she gives us peek of her leggings on show underneath.

3. Leggings + Stripe Knit + Leather Blazer

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1584712081445-main

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Camille ensures her legging look is as chic as can be by styling it with an array of luxe textures—think leather and merino wool. 

4. Leggings + Denim Jacket + Boots

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1584712392911-main

(Image credit: @natashandlov)

Style Notes: The beauty of legging looks is that keeping them on the simple side makes them look all the more stylish. Case in point: Natasha's denim pairing. 

5. Leggings + Sweatshirt + Track-Sole Boots

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1584712732932-main

(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: Hannah strikes the perfect high-low balance by pairing her leggings and grey sweatshirt with an oversize blazer and rushed clutch bag. 

6. LEGGINGS + LEATHER JACKET + TRAINERS

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1673260080414-main

(Image credit: @kingharriett52)

Style Notes: Taking staple pieces such as a leather jacket, leggings and trainers, you can instantly create a sleek, put-together outfit that looks effortlessly chic. 

7. Bright Knit + Chunky Trainers

how-to-make-leggings-look-expensive-285170-1584713107492-image

(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

Style Notes: The easiest way to liven up a pair of black leggings is with a bright knit and some chunky trainers. 

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next, The 9 New-In Pieces I'm Adding to My Wish List This Week

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.