Unless you have a few hours to spend getting involved in a long debate, don't ever bring up a dislike for leggings around a fashion editor. Though we've all had our ups and downs with the elasticated pants, with the help of the quiet-luxury trend and the evergrowing activewear market, the fashion set has now fallen firmly on the "pro" side of the leggings fence, making them a mainstay of wardrobe rotations and styling them for the office, the park and nights out time and time again.
It's not just fashion editors who have caught the leggings bug; model and style icon Rosie Huntington-Whiteley continues to make the case for the ultimate in comfy bottoms. Twice in one week, we've spotted her in leggings—and no, she wasn't on her way to the gym. Huntington-Whiteley has been testing the leggings limit, wearing them with pointed-toe stilettos, heeled boots and smart blazers to inject a polished feel into the notoriously casual item.
Most recently, she revived a classic legging and heels pairing that we haven't really seen for about 10 years. The model wore her black stirrup leggings looped underneath the sole of her foot and styled with pointed-toe court shoes. Though it's not a pairing we're used to—these days, you're much more likely to see leggings worn with retro trainers or knee-high boots—her structured jacket balanced the sleek shoes for a supremely elegant finish.
In another outing earlier this week, this time enjoying the warmer climate of Abu Dhabi, Huntington-Whiteley styled leggings once again, pairing them with heeled ankle boots and a light denim jacket. Sporting a more casual silhouette, she opted for a fresh white tee and kept her accessories to a minimum, letting her relaxed base carry the look.
Whilst The Row and Toteme offer luxe leggings, high-street favourites like H&M and Mango offer up hard-to-resist pairs of their own. So whether you're keen to shop Huntington-Whiteley's elevated look or are simply interested in introducing a little more comfort into your life, shop our edit of the best leggings to buy right now.
SHOP THE BEST LEGGINGS AND POINTED-TOE HEELS:
These merino wool leggings will keep you cosy in the depths of winter.
Style with stilettos for a party-ready look.
Uniqlo's Heattech range is a cold-weather saviour.
These patent-effect heels are perfect for party season.
These ankle-grazing leggings look great with flats or heels.
This flared pair is designed for yoga but looks stylish enough to wear anywhere, all day long.
Style with knee-high boots for a low-effort, high-impact look.
Leather slingback shoes are a true wardrobe classic.
Stirrup leggings with mary janes is the casual weekend outfit I've been searching for.
Wear unzipped to let the tops of your ankle boots peek through, or style zipped up for a snug finish.
These leggings come in both regular and long lengths.
These ultra-high stilettos are a timeless wardrobe addition.
These streamlined scuba leggings are a lesson in less-is-more design.
Chocolate brown is a major colour trend this winter.
This pair also comes in a deep navy shade.
Wear with stirrup leggings or a slim-fitting suit.
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