This Once-Dated Legging Trend Is Officially Back for Fall
Stirrup leggings. Ever heard of them? This legging style is certainly nothing new as it dates all the way back to the early 20s as a popular garment used in horseback riding. From there, its next shining moment was during the '80s when exercise and all the iconic clothing that went along with it was at an all-time high. Now, however, stirrup leggings are back and are claiming a new name for itself that I can only really describe as grown-up and elevated.
Thanks to the fall 2020 runways and of course, the support of fashion girls all over Instagram, stirrup leggings have quickly become a staple for this season, and if my assumptions are correct, they'll be in for a while. The good news is, stirrup leggings compatible with all budgets. Whether you're looking to invest in a designer pair or are trying to get that cheap Amazon fix, we've got you covered.
Ahead, you'll get to see our favorite stirrup leggings on the runways, Instagram, and in the market.
Style Tip: Offset a head-to-toe unitard look with forward shoes and minimal jewelry. I mean, if you're going to go for it, why not really go for it?
Pictured: Jacquemus F/W 20
Jacquemus is always coming out with new items that quickly become cult favorites and these knit stirrup leggings are the It item to know from the designer's fall collection.
Style Tip: Pair a more traditional jacket with stirrup leggings for an outfit that feels timeless and trendy all at once.
Pictured: Maryam Nassir Zadeh FW20
No, stirrup leggings don't have to be black, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh proved just that with her neon iteration. When it comes to this particular look, it's the black socks and lace-up shoe styling for me.
Style Tip: If you're craving an oversize compilation of pieces on top, then stirrup leggings are a great pant option for down below. The differences in proportion will ensure a foolproof outfit time and time again.
Pictured: Isabel Marant FW20
Very inspired by the '80s, Isabel Marant's fall collection perfectly blended nostalgic pieces like the stirrup legging with current trends like leather separates.
Style Tip: There's something about this legging trend that makes you want to wear black and black only, and this outfit proves exactly why.
Shop More Stirrup Leggings We Love
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025
A combo I will live in.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Chrissy Teigen Just Made This Outdated Legging-and-Boot Outfit Feel 2025 Ready
I'm influenced.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Hailey Bieber Just Wore the Heel Trend That Makes Leggings Look So Classy
See for yourself.
By Allyson Payer
-
Sophie Turner's Two-Piece Airport Look Proves That She's a Travel Pro
She gets it.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes