Fashion Designers Taught Me 7 Expensive-Looking Ways to Wear Leggings

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678317799232-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo, Theory, and Prada)

Don't call it a comeback. Leggings haven't gone anywhere. After my initial article about the resurgence of leggings, I sparked quite a debate on TikTok about whether or not leggings went anywhere in the first place. The truth is they didn't.

From a visit to New York Pilates to coffee with a friend, as someone who works out daily I've still been wearings leggings pretty much every single day. But in 2023, our leggings are going to be taking us past the gym and errands circuit. They want a night out on the town with us. And who would complain about the comfort of dancing the night away in a pair of leggings? I surely will be taking advantage shortly.

As I'm looking for a way to style my leggings that is anything but boring, fashion designers are leading the way in the styling department. A quick survey of the most recent runway shows reveals that designers are backing it. Even at the upper echelons of names like Celine and Christian Dior, you'll find a pair of leggings. If you want to wear leggings but also want to simply look expensive, try re-creating one of the below seven outfits that probably won't require you to make another purchase.

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214803313-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)

I might as well close my laptop and leave you with this look because it's that good. It pretty much sums up what we're looking for in our leggings outfits. This is the kind of look you'd see the most stylish Beverly Hills woman arrive at dinner wearing and I've decided I'll be re-creating it this weekend.

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214747967-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Theory)

I'm going to ask anyone who has a problem with the color gray to shield their eyes because you're not going to like this. I, for one, am a huge fan of the cozy hue that emulates effortless style. This look makes me want to wear my oversize blazer ASAP.

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214746356-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo)

Leave it to Ferragamo to instantly convince me that a bold red shade of leggings needs to be added to my already overstuffed drawer of activewear. This look is an ode to utility and style. I love that it draws attention to the love every editor at Who What Wear currently has for the color red.

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214682094-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Dior, Photography by Laura Sciacovelli)

When Maria Grazia Chiuri speaks, fashion people listen. So hearing her say loud and clear that leggings are Dior-approved captured my attention. I've never seen them look more luxe, so try pairing yours with a midi skirt and a tailored blazer.

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214742047-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of ALAÏA)

Another instant winner for me in the leggings department is this look from Alaïa. I never thought I'd see the day when cotton poplin and leggings would coexist so beautifully, but it's arrived. There's something so beautiful about this juxtaposition. 

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214744572-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo)

This look is giving military chic in all the right ways. You wouldn't think at first glance that this outfit is a spotlight on leggings because of how elevated it is. I can see a celebrity pulling up to dinner in this exact outfit and I'm here for it.

Shop the look:

elevated-leggings-outfits-305983-1678214896058-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

Prada heavily signed off on leggings in its spring/summer 2023 collection, and having them on board is the icing on the cake for me. I'm loving how this matching separates look comes together with a pop of color and an overcoat.

Shop the look:

Up Next: Parisians Know Better Than to Wear These 6 Things

Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.