Refinery29 UK has published over 100 stories about leggings. We've road-tested the best black leggings, helped you nab the ones that are selling out fast, and found workout leggings with, hallelujah, pockets. It's taken a few years, but the consensus is in: yes, leggings can absolutely be worn as pants. I'm not here to further that debate, but instead to ask, what other lives can our leggings live? I spent a week exploring this, and I'm now making the case for leggings as extra skinny trousers, longer bike shorts, and a warmer alternative to tights. They're the winter layering piece that will enable you to wear your mini dresses when the weather gets frigid, and save you when a dress is unexpectedly (or expectedly) sheer.
I ended my all-leggings week feeling more nimble, aerodynamic, and energised. I surprised myself (and many of my friends) with how many events I successfully attended on time, and even caught myself power walking faster than usual at one point. While I have yet to find an easier way to take off my leggings without turning them completely inside out (suggestions welcome), these 7 days have opened my mind to all of the possibilities leggings have to offer.
Ahead, read how I fared for a week, and brainstorm with me about what's next for this versatile staple. Just don't forget to wear seamless underwear.
Monday
It's the first day of the work week, which means I woke up in a haze thinking (and wishin') it was still the weekend. Pyjamas out in the wild is my favourite inspiration for Monday outfits. I took my high slit extra sheer nightgown straight from my bed to outside of this government parking garage. These leggings were thick and compressed my legs so nicely that I may have been a little overzealous about my high kick abilities.
Live The Process Geometric Legging Crop, $106.42, available at Live The Process
The Arrivals Kala Teddy Bomber, $690.17, available at The Arrivals
For Love & Lemons Priscilla Silk Chiffon Nightgown, $121.8, available at Shopbop
Birkenstock 'Arizona' White Birko-Flor Sandal, $82.15, available at NordstromPhotographed by Beth Sacca
Tuesday
I may not have ever considered wearing bright yellow on the bottom half of my body, but with leggings, I don't give it a second thought. Which is how this great colour combo came to fruition. A high slit ensures that everyone gets a flash of it (yep, that lady in red in the back got a really good look at this 'fit).
Jacquemus Jemaa Wool Dress, $515.77, available at Shopbop
Happy Socks Filippa Nylon Ankle Sock, $15.95, available at Happy Socks
adidas by Stella McCartney Run Long Shiny Leggings, $76.98, available at ShopbopPhotographed by Beth Sacca
Wednesday
Capri leggings have always confounded me. If it's hot, wear shorts, and if it's cold, wear long leggings, right? I decided to give them a try after observing Leandra Medine consistently style them with panache. I'm still skeptical about the utility of them, but I am learning to enjoy them as a styling piece.
Happy Socks Polly Ankle Sock, $17.95, available at Happy Socks
TNA Sherwood Jacket, $85.04, available at Aritzia
Cole Haan ZERØGRAND All-Terrain Waterproof Hiker Boot, $147.65, available at Cole Haan
For Love & Lemons Ace Tiered Maxi Skirt, $216, available at For Love & Lemons
Aeance Women's 3/4 Tights, $131.02, available at AeancePhotographed by Beth Sacca
Thursday
Outdoor Voices have been making my favourite leggings for years. The colours are unexpected, and they're the only ones that I will trust to never give me cameltoe (even during spin class). These are the starter-kit leggings that will convince you to wear them with normal clothing, not just your baggy tees and tanks.
Miu Miu Leather Ballerinas, $550, available at Net-A-Porter
Cienne The Rio Dress, $603.41, available at Cienne
Outdoor Voices 7/8 Springs Leggings, $65.76, available at Outdoor VoicesPhotographed by Beth Sacca
Friday
Grey leggings are the most laid-back on the scale. They're practically lycra sweatpants. I bumped up the "casual" in casual Fridays with these technical-fabric leggings. Pair them with some fancy shoes and a blazer, however, and this passed as a really good, polished outfit. I don't think anyone I encountered even realised I was wearing leggings the whole day.
Anna October Tie Waist Blazer, $600.44, available at Shopbop
Alala Score Tight, $69.65, available at AlalaPhotographed by Beth Sacca
Saturday
Today, I dug up my highest rising leggings and my croppy-est crop top and let them meet each other somewhere over my bellybutton. It created the illusion that I had legs 4 dayz (which I don't: I'm 5'3", for the record). And when I raised my arms to grab something, no breeze. The ultimate hack for how to wear crop tops come wintertime.
Orseund Iris Drama Blouse, $404.17, available at Orseund Iris
Opening Ceremony Daydreamer Jacket, $435.31, available at Opening Ceremony
Zella Katya High Waist Abstract Print Recycled Crop Leggings, $32.04, available at NordstromPhotographed by Beth Sacca
Sunday
Sundays are for running around like a headless turkey trying to get everything done before the weekend is over. I channeled Tribeca-mum vibes and wore an oversized vest and leggings. A major factor of leggings is where they stop on your leg; these hit at just the right spot for my socks, allowing those to be a costar of the show, too.
Hysteria Samanta Ankle Socks, $17.95, available at Happy Socks
Carhartt Payton Vest, $137.22, available at Carhartt
The Upside SARATOGA PANELLED NYC PANT, $74.9, available at The Upside Photographed by Beth Sacca
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Street Utility Trend Is About To Be Everywhere – Here's 4 Ways To Wear It