This story was originally published on May 24, 2016.
No one pulls off leggings as pants quite like Leandra Medine — just see here, here, and here for proof. The best thing about these outfits? She makes it clear that she has no intention of actually going to the gym. So today, we're looking at Medine's weekend #OOTDs as an invitation to try the look for ourselves.
Judging by her tongue-in-cheek mirror selfies, all it takes to pull off leggings in public is a dose of confidence, a good amount of smart layering and accessories, and a DGAF attitude. Her leggings-as-pants skills have got our gears turning for other ways to swap our usual denim bottoms for stretchy, skin-tight cotton. To make it work, don't be afraid to play with sheer details, unexpected shoe choices, and statement-making outerwear — and whatever you decide on wearing with yours, own it. Leggings have passed as pants for years now. Click on to see five examples of how it's done.
One no-fail way to style leggings as pants is by opting for a top that's longer in length. This sheer, black blouse with side slits will look super fashion-forward over a heather gray pair — just don't forget a cool bralette to show off underneath. Finish the ensemble off with a sleek hobo bag and a metallic sneaker.
Outdoor Voices Leggings, $100, available at J. Crew; & Other Stories Burnout Dress, $55, available at & Other Stories; Prae Helene Bralette, $160, available at Journelle; Reebok x Sandro Classic Leather Sneakers, $75, available at Sandro; A.L.C. Sadie Hobo, $750, available at Barneys New York.
Leather leggings shouldn't make you feel like a retired guitarist; add some polish with a long button-up and some sleek slides. Then, it's all in the outerwear and accessories: An embroidered, army-inspired jacket and oversized mesh tote will keep the bottoms feeling fresh.
Joseph Stretch-leather Leggings, $1,375, available at Net-A-Porter; Bliss & Mischief Pray For Rain Jacket, $568, available at Shop Super Street; Tibi Linen Staple Shirt, $265, available at Tibi; Robert Clergerie 'Gatok' Slide Sandal, $395, available at Nordstrom; Loeffler Randall Beach Tote, $495 $346.50, available at Loeffler Randall.
Weekend outings have met their match with this on-the-go daytime look. Start with a colorful pair of leggings and pair them with a twist on a white tee. Top it off with a sophisticated denim jacket and finish with metallic sunglasses and your favorite high-tops.
Outdoor Voices Two-tone Kneecap Legging, $75, available at Outdoor Voices; Cos V-neck Denim Coat, $175, available at Cos; Gentle Monster x Kong Hyo Jin Type 2 02, $270, available at Gentle Monster; H&M Linen Blend Top, $24.99, available at H&M; Vans Sk8-Hi, $60, available at & Other Stories.
For anyone who cringes at the thought of choosing to wear leggings instead of a dress or a skirt, it is possible to dress up a white pair with some grandma heels, a pink graphic sweater, and a novelty basket bag. Your outfitting will be so strong, no one will even realize you're wearing leggings on bottom.
The Row Stratton Stretch Cotton-blend Leggings, $698, available at Net-A-Porter; Cult Gaia Gaias Park, $88, available at Cult Gaia; VEI-8 Tiger Sweatshirt Pink, $138, available at W Concept; Rachel Comey Chan Shoes, $380, available at Rachel Comey; Retrosuperfuture Ragazza Carusa Sunglasses, $149.05, available at Farfetch.
You are officially the queen of athleisure. Take a high-waisted pair of leggings and tuck in a contrasting graphic tee. Then, layer a frilly crop top over the shirt, throw on some sneakers, and finish off this non-gym look with a textured backpack. It's equal parts sporty and trendy.
Topshop Branded Basic Leggings, $20, available at Topshop; Undercover Ruby Tuesday Print Cotton T-shirt, $140, available at MatchesFashion; Diadora V7000 Weave Trainers, $190, available at Topshop; Tod's Cropped Cotton-poplin Peplum Top, $595, available at Net-A-Porter; Kara Speckled Shearling Small Backpack, $530, available at Kara.
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