I'm Sure This Controversial Leggings Trend Will Be Everywhere in 2021

If there's anything last year taught us, it's that loungewear isn't going anywhere. During a time where comfortable clothing is being prioritised more than ever before, fashionable girls have naturally been searching for ways to make casual and cosy pieces feel as directional as possible. Leggings are usually at the forefront of most casual wardrobes, but this spring, some of Instagram coolest have proven that there's a new style in town. It's not quite a legging, not quite a bodysuit, but a new, rather adventurous hybrid. We're not sure if we should be calling them bodysuits with shorts, jersey rompers, bike-suits or stretch playsuits, but hopefully, by listing all three, you'll get a solid picture of the kinds of onesies we're talking about here. 

These fitted cycling-short all-in-ones feel as though you're living in leggings, but the styling opportunities are ten times more exciting. So far, we've seen the trend's early adopters wearing them with chunky boots and jewellery or layered underneath big coats, blazers, and the like. Ahead, I've gathered some of my favourite shots of influencers wearing this trend, followed by my current favourite versions in the market.

Hopefully, the takeaway here will be that there is in fact a garment that provides just as much comfort and ease as a pair of leggings but with much more style. 

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(Image credit: @tobi_ojora)

This look is simple yet so intriguing. Style this with sporty sneakers, a sleek kitten heel or even boots and a big trench coat. 

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Something so simple has never looked so interesting. The best part? These playsuits are really comfy, so they're surprisingly liberating to wear.

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(Image credit: @tankairstudio)

When you're wearing something this stunning, you really don't need much else. 

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Layer an oversize coat on top of white or beige version and pair it with chunky boots for a different look.

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(Image credit: @itsamrit)

We love how there are so many versions of this trend now that incorporate beautiful detailing like ruching or cutouts. 

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(Image credit: @nakedwardrobe)

While this silhouette is simple, the ribbed jersey and luxe colour make it all the more interesting.

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

This style is perfect for layering underneath a blazer. 

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(Image credit: @matildadjerf)

Last but not least, a portrait of how you'll be feeling once you finally buy into this comfortable legging alternative. 

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Editorial Director

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.