13 Ways to Make Your Leggings Fancier

Leggings seem to yo-yo in and out of favour within fashion circles, but in 2021, the chicest of dressers are revisiting black leggings. Tight-fitting trousers are rapidly regaining popularity, as many influencers and buyers are wearing skinny jeans and slim-fitting leggings—and not just with slippers for waist-up outfits for Zoom calls. The key to making them feel fresh is to play with proportions and contrast the tightness of the legs with oversized knitwear, huge boots and smart pieces you wouldn't typically expect to pair well with leggings. 

Think of black leggings as your base layer. Then, add on either a pair of chunky tread-sole or hiking boots or elegant knee-high leather boots and pile on the expensive-looking knitwear, from zip-front jumpers to camel crew-necks. The key to making leggings look put-together in 2021 is to pay attention to the details. Finish off your outfit with a beautiful handbag, a statement chain necklace or even a pair of statement heels. Stop thinking about leggings as something you wear for weekends, but as an alternative to a smarter pair of black tailored trousers or jeans.

Keep scrolling to see how the fashion crowd is styling leggings in 2021. 

1. Black Leggings + Black Sweatshirt + Nylon Bag

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(Image credit: Marisa Martins)

2. Leggings + Vinyl Trench + Over-the-Knee Boots

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(Image credit: Pernille Teisbaek)

3. Leggings + Knee-High Boots + Camel Knitwear

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(Image credit: @Modedamour)

4. Leggings + Track-Sole Boots + Clutch Bag

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(Image credit: @HannahLewisstylist)

5. Leather Blazer + Leggings + Loafers

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(Image credit: Camille Charriere)

6. Leggings + Half-Tucked Shirt + Heels 

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(Image credit: Lauren Nicole)

7. Leggings + Sweatshirt + Sliders

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(Image credit: @Mvb)

8. Blazer + Leggings + Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @SymphonyofSilk)

9. Leggings + Trench + New Balance Trainers 

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(Image credit: @Modedamour)

10. Boxy Blazer + Cropped Leggings + Flats

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(Image credit: @Stephaniebroek)

11. Stripe Knit + Split-Front Leggings + Strappy Heels

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(Image credit: @francescacarolina)

12. Leggings + Leather Bomber + Chunky Boots 

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(Image credit: @Natashandlovu)

13. Leggings + White Shirt + Loafers

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(Image credit: @Kristenmarienichols)

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next up, see our guide to the key trends for autumn/winter 2021.

Emma Spedding