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Sometimes, going back to the basics is best–and what is more foundational in a wardrobe than a sleek pair of black leggings? Like any closet classic, there are more ways than one to style the staple, be it with a perfect kitten-heel pump on nights out or with a stylish sneaker and white T-shirt for casual weekend attire. These days, the best black leggings strike a balance between loungewear to even workwear, thanks to a roster of brands like Toteme, The Park, and Leset who’ve reimagined it for a polished, modern wardrobe and given it a permanent spot in their collections.
Vogue’s Best Black Leggings Wish List:
A trouser-esque legging is also a favorite among the street style scene, with fashion darlings sporting pairs with chic outerwear offerings and standout knitwear, complete with minimalist handbags and polished penny loafers. During Paris Fashion Week last year, fashion brand consultant and best-dressed guest, Barbara Martelo, stepped out in a stirrup black legging, which she styled with a cherry red, scarf-like coat, pair of pointed-toe pumps, and sleek shoulder bag. The final product proved that even an item as simple as a black legging deserves a front-row seat. (You can shop her look, similarly, below.)
In our opinion, a strong wardrobe foundation should at least include one trouser-esque black legging to dress up, beyond the high-performance styles from Lululemon and Alo Yoga, which you might sport to your next workout (or not)–starting off with Toteme’s cult-classic pair. Crafted from high-quality stretch jersey, it looks sophisticated styled next to Nour Hammour’s statement-making shearling coat, Cos’s chunky cashmere turtleneck, and some simple black ballet flats from The Row. Speaking of the Olsen twins’ label, The Row’s luxurious black leggings are the ultimate goes-with-anything staple. Worn with a preppy argyle sweater, hooded toggle coat, and a pair of fur-lined boots, this outfit makes a strong case for après-ski attire, both on-and-off the mountain.
As we ease into the true cold, here’s to elevating your wardrobe essentials in style, beginning and ending with these ten black-legging outfits.
The Insider Favorite
Leave it to the street style scene to crown the season’s newest It item. And in this case, it’s a simple yet striking stirrup legging. Styling-wise, follow suit and wear yours from Leset with Cos’s statement red overcoat, Loulou de Saison’s luxe cashmere crewneck, and little black accessories from Jil Sander and Nour Hammour. The result? A look that chicly combines the bold with the basic.
The Do-It-All Style
Crafted from high-quality stretch jersey, Toteme’s cult-favorite leggings are a perfect pair to pick. For the ultimate styling hack, elevate them with Nour Hammour’s all-star shearling coat, Cos’s chunky turtleneck sweater, and a pair of classic black ballet flats from The Row. Other finishing touches include Liffner’s croc-embellished tote bag and for a bold splash of color, Toteme’s fringed scarf in cherry red.
The Elevated Athleisure
It’s no secret that Lululemon is a go-to for sportt staples–and these wear-with-everything high-waist, stretch leggings are at the top of our shopping list for reasons besides just performance. Stick to the bit and wear them with Le Monde Beryl’s suede sneakers and a pair of powder pink cashmere socks from Lisa Yang. Then, for some much-needed added coverage, layer up in Balenciaga’s puffer jacket and Loewe’s cozy Fair Isle sweater. It’s a fact: You’ll be the chicest attendee your Pilates class has ever seen.
The Leather Luxury
Want to dress with ease and intention this winter? Start with Wolford’s sleek black leather leggings–a luxe, streamlined base that elevates any outing. For day or night, pair them with Barbour’s corduroy-trimmed trench and Toteme’s crisp white button-up, then finish with the brand’s croc-embellished clutch for a hint of texture. Accessories also make the moment: The Elder Statesman’s cashmere beanie keeps you cozy in transit, while Cartier’s Baignoire watch brings the kind of subtle glamour that never goes unnoticed.
The Flattering Flare
Spanx’s flared black leggings take on a distinctly winter-forward feel when paired with Guest in Residence’s striped polo and Mother’s shearling jacket. Add Cos’s burgundy heeled loafers for a rich pop of color, then finish with Khaite’s zebra-print Simona bag—a stylish guarantee no one will mistake these for “I-just-came-from-the-gym” leggings.
The Second-Skin Staple
Turn up the sartorial dial on your off-duty rotation with The Park’s easy-to-style black leggings. With their comfortable, high-rise fit and heavyweight stretch-jersey, they’re a winter must with year-round potential. Style them with Aflalo’s leopard-print coat and Banana Republic’s cozy cashmere crewneck, then add Christen’s heeled black loafers for a sleek finish. For a more laid-back note, layer in accessories from Polo Ralph Lauren and Lescarf.
The After-Hours Option
Make going-out dressing all the more streamlined with Alaïa’s zip-up black leggings. They pair perfectly with Heirlome’s collarless blazer, Proenza Schouler’s east-west leather clutch, and Jimmy Choo’s leopard-print heeled sandals–ideally with a crisp martini in hand. Don’t forget the sparkle: Bottega Veneta’s embellished cord necklace and Brilliant Earth’s gold-drop earrings deliver the right dose of after-dark shine.
The Designer Go-To
Like all of The Row’s impeccably considered basics, these black leggings offer endless styling potential. For a chic après-ski moment, pair them with Marie Adam Leenardt’s hooded duffle coat, Toteme’s shearling-trimmed boots, and La Ligne’s preppy argyle knit. On or off the slopes, the look is polished as it is cozy with the addition of The Row’s chocolate-brown Ingrid tote and Khaite’s snuggly Fair Isle mittens.
The Weekend Wardrobe Warrior
Elevate your Sunday bakery jaunt with Alo Yoga’s cult-favorite black leggings. Offset their sportiness with Cos’s plush faux-fur coat for cool high-low mix, but keep the casual, cool energy going with J.Crew’s classic grey hoodie. Gap’s fire-engine-red ribbed beanie adds a welcome hit of color, while Chloé’s retro sneakers and Khaite’s tortoiseshell sunnies deliver the fashion-forward finishing touch this outfit needs.
The Cool Zip-Up
Color outside the typical black-leggings lines and opt for this cool zip-up pair from Norma Kamali. They’re the ideal companion to a heeled boot–Khaite’s chocolate-brown Nevada style, specifically. Build on the chic foundation with Toteme’s shearling coat, Theory’s soft grey cardigan, and Saint Laurent’s supple suede tote. For a festive finishing touch, wrap on Toteme’s fringed tartan scarf.
