Fashion People Are Wearing This Cheap Accessory—You'll Either Love or Hate It
The '80s are calling in a big way as of late when it comes to fashion. Not only do we have structured-shoulder blazers, puff-sleeved dresses, pleated trousers, and more throwbacks trending, but I am also now seeing outfits pop up with leg warmers. While the cheap accessory is destined to be polarizing, I can't say I am surprised about the resurgence of the balletcore aesthetic over the past year. The new trend seems to be strongest among the Gen Z crowd, but I have also seen stylish millennials reaching for a pair.
What's been most interesting is being able to see how different fashion people style the cozy accessory. On one hand, you have whimsical takes that include cute dresses and fun coats. Then, there are more athletic routes, where the leg warmer is incorporated into a workout look alongside leggings and sneakers. Beyond that, there are fashion-forward ensembles, unexpected party outfits, and more that feature a pair. Keep scrolling to see six leg-warmer outfit ideas, plus how to get each look.
1.
Michelle Li topped off her cool black-and-white outfit with homemade knitted leg warmers.
Depending on the styling, this white eyelet dress can take on a variety of aesthetics.
2.
Aimee Song shows off a selection of sporty looks featuring leg warmers in a variety of colors.
3.
Moe Black paired her fur-trimmed coat with slouchy gray leg warmers and chunky oxfords.
Dr. Martens are always in style, and these platforms are no exception.
4.
Sami Miró turns heads in her avant-garde ensemble complete with black over-the-knee leg warmers.
5.
Vivian is the embodiment of the balletcore trend with her slouchy white leg warmers and sleek ballet flats.
These iconic ballet flats are sold out in most places.
6.
Nitsan Raiter Fluxgold is party ready all thanks to her vibrant cardigan, glitzy accessories, and fashion-forward leg warmers.
Shop More Leg-Warmer Styles
This luxe set is great for lounging or even your next workout.
There's no need to worry about slipping in these thanks to the grippy bottoms.
This fashion-forward leg-warmer style has a flared design.
This neutral leg-warmer style is great for adding a balletcore vibe to your outfit.
Next up: The Most Outrageous, Controversial Celeb Shoe Moments of 2022 So Far
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Suddenly, All the Chicest People I Know Are Upgrading Their Outfits With This Winter Accessory Trend
Inspired by the early 1900s.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Sunglasses! Sneakers! Jewelry! Here Are the Top 2025 Accessories That Will Replace 2024 Styles
It's all about personality.
By Emma Spedding
-
I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
On-trend, not trendy.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Luxe, French, and Perfectly Trendy: The New Designer Sunglasses I Refuse to Take Off
And how I'm styling each.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
The OG French Fashion Girl Just Showed Everyone in Paris the 2025 Way to Wear Pumps
Playful yet practical.
By Allyson Payer