Leggings as Pants? This One Piece Makes It Doable

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Leggings are the one item we can guarantee that you’ll find in any woman’s closet. Which is why we’re dedicated to finding the coolest styles, newest trends, and innovative ways to wear all your favorite pairs. From yoga class to travel and everything in between, leggings are our go-to piece to cozy up in (and still look cool doing it). And while we wish there were endless ways to wear them, the fact is that their body-hugging shape looks best when paired with some length for a necessary balance.

The one piece that makes wearing leggings alone totally doable? A long sweater or cardigan. The trick is to look for knits that are longer than the average, hitting about mid-thigh. Luckily, there are plenty of worthy options out there and we've sifted through them so that you can face the harsh winter that still lies ahead armed with this cozy outfit comboPair your sweater and leggings with a pair of sneakers or boots for the perfect laid-back look. Honestly, you may never want to wear your jeans again.

Go on to see how to wear long sweaters with leggings, and then shop the knits we love.

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Swap your black jeans for a pair of leggings with this sweater and sneakers look. Retro sneakers are the perfect finishing touch for a comfy yet cool outfit. 

Shop long sweaters for leggings:

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Try a pair of pedal pusher leggings with a long duster jacket or sweater for an updated version of the classic legging look. The perfect balance of chic and comfortable, this cold-weather look is definitely one to copy.

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(Image credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

Take a style tip from Gigi Hadid and try a long top under your long sweater with leggings and heeled boots for a comfortable outfit that doesn't look like you just came from the gym. Your new weekend errand running outfit, found.

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(Image credit: @chrystelleeriksberger)

For a sporty cool approach, layer a hoodie underneath a longline jacket with leggings and sneakers (and don't forget tall socks for a retro feel).

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Leggings and ankle boots are a tricky combo to pull off, but styled with a chunky knit and trench coat, it somehow works.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Up next, three fall sweater trends you should know before shopping.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.