Sorry, Boring Black Leggings—This Colour Is Much Trendier and More Stylish

As someone who has only ever worn black leggings, the idea of swapping them for something else is borderline unthinkable. But recently I've noticed an uptick of leggings in a particularly colour that look just as chic as black and, dare I say it, might even be more fashionable. Having recently seen both Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Wilde wearing brown leggings and looking very slick in the process, I've found myself searching for the perfect pair of my own.

Gwyneth Paltrow wears brown leggings with a beige sweatshirt and New Balance trainers

(Image credit: @gwynethpaltrow)

Really, the rise of brown leggings shouldn't come as a surprise—brown has been one of, if not the, biggest colour trends of the year, having taken over everything from bags to shoes to coats. And now, as we approach peak lounging season, it seems like brown leggings are next in line. Wearing hers with a taupe sweatshirt and New Balance 327 trainers, Paltrow's dark brown leggings gave her look a trendy feel whilst still being neutral. This, in part, is why I believe brown has been so appealing to fashion people—a chic alternative to black that's still very timeless and goes with just about everything.

Olivia Wilde wears brown leggings with a black hoodie and black trainers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

I consider pretty well all fashion "rules" to be outdated, and none more so than not wearing brown and black together. This is something I heard all the time growing up whilst watching toxic makeover shows but, really, it's unfounded. In fact, you need only look at the outfit Olivia Wilde wore last week to know this. Wearing dark brown leggings with a black hoodie and trainers, her gym-and-errand-running look was simple yet stylish.

@smythsisters wears brown leggings with a matching bra top and beige trainers

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Of course, there are often matching pieces to style your leggings with, too. Many brands serve up co-ordinating tops and bralettes to their bottoms and, as seen on content creator Marianne Smyth, who finished her two-piece off with crew socks and beige trainers, this makes for a very put-together ensemble for working out or brunching in.

Elegant, chic and just as wearable as black, I've rounded up the best brown leggings on the market for you below.

SHOP BROWN LEGGINGS

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.