5 Chic Autumn Outfits That Look Perfect With Leggings

Leggings are beloved by 4-year-olds, but by me, a grown woman? I've always been on the fence. As a child, I'd reluctantly be clad in floral leggings with what would prove to be my outfit's sartorial saving grace: an oversized terra-cotta T-shirt with Princess Jasmine and her tiger sidekick emblazoned on the front. Oh, how I loved that tee but oh, how I hated those leggings.

Fast-forward to the mid-2000s when I decided to sport a pair in fetching neon-blue to attend an '80s-themed party. This proved to be a sensible colour choice as I'd proceed to spill my teenage tipple of choice (a WKD drink) all down myself not long into the evening.

Aside from when I actually make it across the gym threshold, this was the extent of my legging-wearing ways. At least it was until I was recently persuaded otherwise. This time, my mother had nothing to do with it. Instead, it's the women I continually look to for fashion inspiration who are making me reconsider leggings.

From off-duty cool to after-dark options, these ladies prove that leggings aren't just for the occasional (read: rarer than a lunar eclipse) spin class, nor should they be reserved for long-haul flights, either. Comfortable and—dare I say it—chic, these are the autumn leggings outfits I'm fully committing to. And I've finally discovered the secret to keeping them that way: black leggings are always best.

5 Chic Autumn Leggings Outfits To Copy

1. Stirrup Leggings + Relaxed Blazer + Heels

Style Notes: If you thought stirrup leggings were best left in the '80s, think again. London-based Marilyn shows the city way to wear them––think an expensive-looking, good-quality blazer, polished accessories and heels to hook them over.

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2. Split Hem Leggings + Leather Jacket + Trainers

Style Notes: The likes of Victoria Beckham and Hailey Bieber have backed split hem leggings over the years, and they're still going strong for 2024. Make like Harriet and team with a classic biker jacket and chunky trainers.

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3. Leggings + Chunky Knit + Trainers

Style Notes: Sticking to the athleisure vibe, Dawn tries out the colour of the season by adding a khaki knit, socks and trainers to classic black leggings. And I will be copying this outfit on every WFH day.

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4. Leggings + Striped Top + Trench Coat

Style Notes: Minimalist Jess knows how to put a wear-forever formula together. Here, she completes her leggings outfits with a timeless striped top, trench and trainers along with the accessory of the year: a squishy suede bag.

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5. Lace Leggings + Blazer + Heels

Style Notes: Proving that you can indeed wear leggings for after-dark, Cassandra switches out classic pairs in favour of an all-over lace style. The trick to keep them classy is to wear with an oversized blazer, fuss-free heels and premium accessories to keep the look put-together.

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