Happy weekend, friends! Today I wanted to share some pre-Fall outfit inspo with 5 of my go-to “formulas” when styling black leggings. The featured leggings I’m wearing have good “hold,” a flattering high rise, and a snug fit on me in XXS. The 7/8 length option on sale is new this year with the addition of side pockets! Note the pockets and side seams make this a little more sporty than their plain black live in leggings. Here’s how they look by themselves with a Nike sports bra:
5 ways to style black leggings
1. Athleisure
Formula: Cropped moto jacket over a longer top or hoodie + sneakers. Add a sleek baseball cap on those troublesome hair days.
2. Cozy but Chic
Formula: Poncho or tunic sweater + over the knee boots or ankle booties.
3. Casual on the go
Formula: Slouchy waffle tee layered over a striped tunic + slip on sneakers.
4. Utilitarian
Formula: Army jacket, rain boots, big cozy scarf + a hands free crossbody bag.
5. Classic
Formula: Timeless stripes + trench coat paired with Chelsea booties. Add an optional pop of color with a bright bag!
Which of these 5 pairings is your favorite?
Your mom is so cute! I love it when you style her and have her on your posts (I’m closer to her age and size). Best of luck with your delivery!
I know I’m late to comment on this post but I find these types of posts very helpful. As someone with lots of separates, I find it difficult to put different outfits together. Seeing all of your options is great! I have so many of these same types of pieces, I am anxious to see if I can duplicate all the different looks. Keep these types of posts coming for those of us who are fashion-challenged!
Hi Mandy, thank you for the feedback! Thankfully outfits with leggings are extremely forgiving and you can pretty much pair any color in your closet with black. Try to have fun with your experimentation!
Hi Jean! I’m Jean too. I was looking to purchase the Zella leggings (I’m about 5’0″) but they’re completely sold out at Nordstrom. Do you have other recommendations? Thanks!
Jean, your blog is my absolute fave! Just wanted to see if you think the Anthro poncho will be back in stock? Or do you ever sell your clothes to readers? I would love to buy it!
You make everything look good Jean! My favorite is cozy but chic and casual on the go! I can’t believe the sale is over too.
My favorite is No. 2 because it looks so chic. However, it’s not practical for me, and besides, that totally cool poncho is sold out. So I think No. 3 is more practical for me. I love those Zella leggings; I have them after I read your post awhile ago. I practically live in leggings because I’m a yoga teacher, but crave the look of something more chic.
Also, in No. 3 Casual on the Go, what color top did you buy? Is it grey? It’s kind of hard to tell as I open the photos side by side (from Uniqlo).
Thanks, as always. Love, Val
I love my leggings with a pair of over the knee boots and an oversized sweater for Fall! It super comfy, warm, and cute for the season!
Hello jean! I’m so glad to read this blog.
Love with those Boots looks so luxurious and outstanding the style of these outfits of leggings,boots are just stunning!
Love how you styled these leggings, especially the fall outfits <3 That trench coat is super cute!
XO, Elizabeth T.
what is the BP tunic from outfit number 3? I’ve been looking for a stripped shirt to layer in that way!
Thanks for the great ideas…I’ve just ordered a pair of the leggings.
Your blog has inspired me over the years. Although I’m 62 now, there are still some items that are ageless. Thanks for that!!
Hi Jean! Great post and love your blog!
Can you kindly tell me where you purchased your closet cabinet system with glass doors that are behind you in these recent pictures? Much thanks!
Hi Jean! Thanks for your well thought out posts and content. I have a silly question about the Burberry trench coat. I have a similar coat and can’t figure out what the smaller black button in the center of your chest is for, the button on the inside of your right collar flap. Thank you for your help!
Hi Jean! Thanks for your well thought out posts and content! I have a question about the Burberry trench. I have a similar coat and was wondering what the smaller black button in the center of your chest is for, the button on the side of your right collar flap. Thank you!
Leggings are must piece to have because they’re so useful and easy to style!
Mireia from TGL
I’ll have to try the bra!
Briana
Hi Jean! Great post as usual.
I would love to see a similar post but for straight or wider leg pants. I usually wear leggings or skinnies, and I’ve been trying to wear wider styles, but I always feel like I have nothing to pair with them.
Hi Jean!
Great post in these leggings with all these different outfit ideas. Out of the outfits, the classic style is hands down my favorite, but I do like the utilitarian one and am very interested in the casual-on-the-go. It is amazing that these leggings can pass as regular pants that I’ll definitely look into trying out a pair.
I love all of the looks! I ended up returning the Zella leggings from the anniversary sale. They were unfortunately not squat proof and a little see through. Wondering if anyone else encountered that.
Hi Samantha, did you order the “lite” or the live in? The lite I’ve found tend to be thinner which is why I stick to the live in, which feel pretty thick and were squat proof for me!
I ordered the Zella Live In 7/8 Leggings and found them to be less durable than previous versions. On my second wear I saw seams running, and just noticed that the overall construction was poorer (and I bought them a size larger than normal, so it wasn’t that they were too tight).
I bought another pair of Zella Live In Leggings a few years ago (based on Jean’s recommendation! Thank you!) and they were much better quality. As a mom to an active toddler, though, I love love love the side pocket, so I’m just going to deal with the quality issue.
Thanks, Jean, for all the great styling ideas!
Love the UTILITARIAN outfit. If no. one claims their prize, does it mean you will do another draw?
I’m giving the 4th winner a few extra days but if it’s unclaimed, yes I’ll re-draw and share on social!
All those leggings looks are great! I’m torn between the poncho sweater and classic looks as my favorite.
Jean, I first want to say i LOVE your blog and have found so many great, petite items over the years. I have another petite friend who also follows your blog and we like to laugh when we recognize clothes on each other that we know we both found through your site
That being said, would love a post on genuine leather jackets that fit petite frames if you’ve found any! I got the BlankNYC jacket you frequently mention years ago but it fell apart eventually due to its faux leather material (RIP). Because I got so much wear out of it, I’m thinking of investing in a real leather jacket. Is there a reason you haven’t gone in that direction over the years? I feel like it’s hard to find one that runs small and doesn’t overwhelm your frame! Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts — thanks again!
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for the kind words! For a genuine leather jacket, I would suggest trying either All Saints, which makes 00 (if you’re petite, you may need to shorten the sleeves but that would be worth it for a timeless piece), or, Nordstrom carries some brands that make xxs or 00 petite leather jackets. They had one as part of the Anniversary sale but it sold quickly, however they might bring on new options once the weather cools!
Which cropped leather moto jacket are you wearing in Number 10 over the Gibson cozy twist front green T-shirt? I love it and that is my favorite look! I am very petite with a large bust so I tend to look overwhelmed if I wear a bulky jacket. This jacket appears sleek and petite. Thank you for your blogs!
Thanks for posting Rachel, I was about to ask the exact same question. Bought the NYC jacket on Jean’s recommendation, loved it, and now it’s falling apart.
Love the Natori brand in intimates, they are one of the best!
I love the fourth outfit! It’s totally how I’d style my leggings too. The jacket is super cute!