6 Summer Outfits That Actually Look Perfect With Leggings
As with the rest of our wardrobe, our basics tend to change once we transition from spring to summer. Long-sleeved tees are swapped for tank tops, denim shorts generally replace jeans, and sandals become a fixture of our daily outfits where boots once stood.
But some basics, like leggings, hover in a grey area. These comfy bottoms are particularly popular in the colder months, used as a cosy layer to tuck into Uggs and wear with knitwear. Come summer, the styling options aren't as obvious. So, we've taken to Instagram to assess how fashion people are wearing this essential for warmer climates. And let's just say, there's plenty of inspiration ahead.
Whether you're running errands or lunching in the sunshine, don't overlook the simplest items in your wardrobe. Check out our favourite summer leggings outfits below and transform your own from unexciting loungewear to chic summer staple.
1. Linen Shirt + Tank Top + 3/4 Leggings
Style Notes: Trust French women to make this basic item feel delightfully chic. Tamara's look is comprised of three staples you probably already own: a tank top, a linen (or cotton) shirt and cropped leggings. That's tomorrow's outfit sorted.
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These are supportive and super flexible, so you can wear them for workouts, too.
2. Blazer + Khaki Leggings + Converse
Style Notes: There's no beating the versatility of black leggings, but for a more summery spin, consider a lighter hue like khaki or camel. To keep things polished, chuck a blazer on top (preferably in a complementary hue, like Amaka's sage-green iteration).
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3. Corset Top + Mini Bag + Black Leggings
Style Notes: I bet you didn't think leggings could be night-out-appropriate. Think again, because Aniyah has demonstrated how a corset top with boning can completely elevate your most basic bottoms.
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4. Trench Coat + Leggings + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: On cooler summer days, a trench coat is our go-to lightweight layer. Chunky flip-flops are another winner in our books, making this simple ensemble an unequivocal success.
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As soon as the temperature dips, I expect this timeless trench to sell out.
So many influencers carry this bag on a daily basis.
5. Colour-Pop Cami + Short Leggings + Low Heels
Style Notes: I'm fairly sure Carrie Bradshaw would wear this exact outfit. I love the mix of sporty and cosmopolitan style—this is a great "summer in the city" look.
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The beaded halterneck is divine.
6. White Button-Down + Split-Hem Leggings + Mules
Style Notes: Split-hem leggings feel edgier than plain ankle-hugging pairs, and are easier to incorporate into a dressed-up look. Just add mules and a smart button-down to show you mean business.
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It might be expensive, but you'll wear this classic for years to come.
Next Up: London Fashion People Have Suddenly Declared These the New 'It' Jeans
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs.
While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.
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