The Weekend Edit: How to Style Leggings

Oct 19, 2017

Since gaining a bit of weight, I’ve developed a new appreciation for leggings.  Lululemon Wunder Under leggings and it’s like Spanx for your whole body.  Also, since they stretch with you, there’s no annoying, too-snug waistband reminding you that you’re not at your usual weight.

Is this a permanent solution?  No.  But after you’ve been wedged into one-size-too-small dress for 8-hours, it feels like a much-needed break.

I still don’t advocate wearing leggings to work (unless under a dress as a tight-alternative) or as your primary pant option, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in your wardrobe.  Besides the gym, I wear mine at home, for errands, a casual brunch, and on early flights.  But how do you make them look chic?

Left Prana Vest ($129) // H&M Turtleneck ($35) // Hexagon Hoops ($105) // Sonix Melrose Sunglasses ($98) // Minkoff Studed Tote ($195) // Nike Flex Shoes ($100)

Right Uniqlo Bomber ($60) // Land’s End Tunic ($30) // Sole Society Crossbody ($50) // Iris & Ink Camel Scarf ($135) // MK Croc-Embosed Bootie ($199)

Left. I think a strong, layered look makes leggings look their best.  It says, “Yes, these were my easiest option, but look at the effort I put into the rest.”

A slouchy, long sweater with a vest over it is cozy, chic and good for inclement weather.  I like this Prana vest, but if you need something for less, this Old Navy one is a good option.  Plus-size?  Try this Weathercast vest.

A chic tote, unique earrings, and casual pair of sneakers complete the look.  Also, about the sunglasses, I own these (you may have seen them on my Instastories) and I love them.  They’re very unique.  I also like a classic pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Right. If you need an outfit that makes the most of a pair of black leggings, you can add casual pieces as if your leggings were black jeans.

The one alteration to make is a longer top.  This isn’t a modesty thing (though, I suppose it could be), I just find it creates a sleeker look.  And you get to avoid visible panty lines if you’re not a thong wearer.  I like this long Land’s End top comes in plus, petite, and tall in solid colors.

Add a casual jacket; I chose a wool bomber.  Throw on a stylish camel scarf and some killer boots, and the outfit is complete.  If you’d like a similar bootie for less, try these Faith Brogana booties.

{image found here}

Style, Weekend

share this post

Leave a Reply to Jess Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Sof says:

    Since when does Land’s End sell tunics??? This is going to be a game-changer for my fall wardrobe!

    • Jess says:

      That’s what I thought! I don’t think I have looked at Lands End’s website ever, but you can bet I jumped over to it!

  2. J says:

    Love this post! I miss more of these types of posts from the old days of the blog (although I love it no matter what!). I have the Old Navy vest and some more expensive ones and will buy the Old Navy going forward. Quality is excellent for the price. Definitely a place to save.

  3. Stephanie Schwartz says:

    Belle, can you include your thoughts about how to actually wear leggings with ankle boots? Should they full tuck in? Should your ankle/leg be exposed? Thank you!

  4. Maggie says:

    I immediately went to buy the tunic and it looks like it’s only available in extra small! So sad because I was in love!

  5. Strin012 says:

    “If you’d like a similar bootie for less…”

    I just giggled like a 12yo. 🙂

    Thanks for your awesome work on the blog! It’s really been a lifesaver for my years on the Hill. I always send interns your way for lessons in “How to dress like a adult, but not like an old lady.”

  6. A says:

    Love the two ways, like back in the day!

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

4

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

4

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO