4 Editor-Approved Legging Outfits to Wear for Your Favorite At-Home Workouts

It's not surprising that fashion editors wear exercise clothes that are just as stylish as their regular clothes. My co-workers are perfect examples of that, always sharing snaps of their cute legging outfits, sweat sets, and more. So what exactly do editors wear to work out? So glad you asked. Below, four Who What Wear fashion editors share their go-to activewear looks for spring based on their current favorite activity (all of which don't require a gym or studio). Hint: There are lots of affordable leggings from JoyLab involved.

ANNELIESE DOMINGUEZ, ASSOCIATE FASHION EDITOR

Favorite Workout: At-Home Videos

What’s your go-to way to exercise?

I've been obsessed with at-home workouts lately. I was having trouble getting into a routine after a while of not working out, so my best friend (who also happens to be a wellness coach) introduced me to Melissa Wood Health. She sold me on the fact that I could literally do the videos anywhere: an apartment, the beach, a backyard, on lunch breaks (yes, really), to name a few. They're challenging but quick, and you can actually see the results.

What do you wear to be comfortable during your workouts?

Even though I'm always tempted to just do these workouts in my pajamas when I roll out of bed, I feel like I put in more effort when I'm actually in workout clothes. And when my sports bra matches my leggings? I'm unstoppable.

What does your activewear drawer look like?

I used to strictly wear all black, but these days I find myself really switching it up. I think the brighter outfits put me in a happier mood, which is important before beginning a workout.

How do you style activewear beyond your workout?

Luckily I live in L.A., which I feel like is the unofficial athleisure capital of the world. Everyone is constantly running to and from workouts, so I never feel like I have to change too much when I'm going somewhere before or after. I'll just throw on a pair of sunnies and I'm out!

Any important tips for styling this look?

I have a thing for white sneakers (I truly do not buy any other color), so those were obviously a must-have when styling my look. I feel like they pop against the blue, ribbed fabric!

NATALIE CANTELL, FASHION DIRECTOR

Favorite Workout: Walking My Goldendoodle, Ruby

What's your go-to way to exercise?

My current exercise routine is walking Ruby, our very sweet and very weird little muppet (pictured above). When people ask me and my boyfriend about getting a dog, we always say you just need to ask yourself if you enjoy going on walks. Like, if you really enjoy going on walks—rain, hail, or shine.

We live down on the river in Williamsburg, so there are loads of great routes along the waterfront or to Greenpoint or over the bridge. Most days I'll get in one really decent walk where I'll be more intentional about keeping up a good pace.

What do you wear to be comfortable while walking Ruby?

My go-to outfit this time of year always consists of leggings and a more relaxed long-sleeve top. I'm always just so comfortable in leggings with a high waist that I don't even believe any other type of leggings exists at this point. I like that balance of a fabric that has some integrity but still lets you bend and stretch in every direction. This particular top is super soft. I'm also wearing the matching sports bra from this set underneath, which I love because it's that rib-grazing length that doesn't feel too skimpy.

What does your activewear drawer look like?

Color-wise, I have a very chill exercise-gear drawer. It's basically all black and white and muted neutrals, so I love finding interesting textures and intentional details that make it feel a bit more styled up without going down the road of being too bright or patterned. It's really only up close that you can appreciate how good the ribbed fabric of this set is. My other favorite leggings are actually another JoyLab pair with scalloped edges, and it's the same deal; I really like those details that look expensive and add some interest without demanding attention.

How do you style activewear beyond your workout?

I am the person who, nine times out of 10, will meet you for breakfast wearing leggings. Honestly, I might just be getting old, but a really good weekend is when I get at least one full day wearing athleisure.

I love spring and summer because then it's about wearing slightly cropped 7/8 leggings with great pool slides, and you can experiment a bit more with how you layer your sports bras and tanks. But even during winter, I love how a huge wool coat looks over a hoodie, leggings, and great sneakers. It feels effortless and cool, and I honestly don't know what else you're even allowed to wear to Whole Foods.

ANNA LAPLACA, ASSOCIATE FASHION EDITOR

Favorite Workout: Reformer Pilates

What's your go-to way to exercise?

I’m loving Pilates right now, which you can even do on a mat in your very own home. I’ve taken tons of fitness classes and have found nothing that tones and strengthens better than one of these Pilates classes.

Another reason I’m so devoted to this workout is because there's a lower risk of sustaining or furthering a sports injury. It's not the sexiest thing to talk about, but when I hurt myself running last year I had to pause all high-impact workouts and Pilates low-key saved me.

What do you wear to be comfortable in Pilates?

First and foremost, soft and stretchy leggings. This isn’t a workout I sweat buckets in, so I love to go for more loungy cotton leggings and JoyLab makes ones that feel light as air. This seafoam green JoyLab set has me instantly motivated to get a workout in (and maybe snap a few selfies beforehand—no shame).

What does your activewear drawer look like?

I’m historically an all-black-or-nothing kind of girl when it comes to activewear, but there’s something undeniably fresh about this shade of green. It has me rethinking my entire approach to workout gear because, all of a sudden, I feel so motivated to get back into a routine this spring.

How do you style activewear beyond your workout? 

Leggings and sneakers have definitely become a staple part of my off-duty attire. The only difference is that for a workout, I’m comfortable enough in leggings and a sports bra but otherwise I always throw on another layer, whether that be a T-shirt (this long sleeve JoyLab one is insanely comfortable) or an oversize jacket. Accessories include a trendy handbag and my go-to sunglasses. 

Any important tips for styling this look?

A matching set is the bread and butter of my workout outfits, so I without a doubt went for a coordinating legging–sports bra set here as the base. No matter what, if I’m wearing a matching set, I always feel pulled together. Since Pilates is more low-impact (read: not too sweaty), I like wearing a top layer, so I chose this thin long sleeve to throw on top. I love how fresh and crisp the green set looks with my white accessories, so I reached for my favorite white shoulder bag and of course white sneakers to tie it all together.

MICHAELA BUSHKIN, SENIOR FASHION EDITOR

Favorite Workout: Yoga

What’s your go-to way to exercise?

My best friend dragged me to a hot yoga class in high school, and I've been hooked ever since. My commitment to my yoga practice has definitely ebbed and flowed over the last decade, but it's the workout I always go back to whether I'm looking for a good sweat or simply trying to get out of my head for an hour. I also love that it literally requires nothing but myself. 

What do you wear to be comfortable during yoga?

I always wear a lightweight matching sports bra–and-leggings set that I can really move in. I skip any type of tank or T-shirt because I'll just sweat right through it (gross but true). Finding pieces that stay put during an hour-long flow is a nonnegotiable for me because constantly readjusting bra straps or pulling up leggings while in a Downward Dog is as awkward and annoying as it sounds.

What does your activewear drawer look like?

I love fun workout outfits so my activewear drawer is a rainbow of options. I'm not shy about wearing colorful or printed activewear in any way. This tie-dye sports bra and leggings set fits right in with the usual suspects. I love the cotton candy sunset vibe, especially for spring. My favorite element is definitely the crisscross straps on the sports bra—it's the kind of special detail I look for in my activewear.

How do you style activewear beyond your workout?

I live in New York and walk a lot so I always add plenty of layers to my look. In the winter, I wear a big, long puffer jacket, but now that it's spring I'll just throw on a light hoodie or a denim jacket.