Imagine this: you open your closet to put together the perfect outfit for brunch with the girls. You don’t feel like wearing a skirt for some reason, so you decide to go with bottoms. But the thing is, it’s laundry day for all your pants, and all that’s left are your pairs of leggings. As comfy as they are, leggings might not be your usual choice for a stylish ensemble.

Still, leggings can be a great piece for your everyday outfits if you know how to wear them with the other items in your closet. From dresses to blazers, there are plenty of pieces that you can wear with leggings without looking unkempt. Additionally, the great thing about leggings is that they provide ample coverage for your legs, especially if you want to look modest. They also provide warmth for the colder seasons. Conversely, during the warmer months, they keep your legs nice and dry.

If you need ideas on how to wear this exercise staple with style, check out these tips below.

Pair Them with Longer Tops

Wearing leggings with long tops is a tried and tested rule that most leggings-wearers adhere to. Leggings tend to be form-fitting, and the best way to balance out your outfit (i.e., provide coverage for your behind) is by wearing longer and looser tops.

You can opt for shirtdresses, tunics, chambray shirts, and flowy shirts to serve as your base top. If you want to look extra elegant or ready for business, you can invest in a good pair of fashion leggings that would work well with a long button-down shirt. Shorter or more tight-fitting tops might work with leggings as long as you pair them with loose outerwear such as blazers and jackets.

Overall, you need to make sure that the tops you wear are not too short or tight. Otherwise, they may end up not looking as chic when paired with leggings.

Wear Them with a Dress

Similar to long tops, dresses also look fantastic when paired with leggings. If you have a full figure, flowy dresses paired with tight leggings can highlight your silhouette and keep you from looking bulky. Jersey or cotton dresses work best for a casual outfit, while kimono dresses and asymmetrical dresses are perfect for those lazy, breezy days.

Ideally, the dresses you wear with leggings must not be so long that they defeat the purpose of wearing bottoms—that is, your leggings are meant to be seen when worn on your legs. On a related note, if you have a dress that seems too short for you, you can try pairing it with leggings so you don’t feel as exposed. Without a doubt, dresses and leggings are a winning combo and a stylebook staple for those seeking to combine comfort and elegance.

Mind the Length of Your Leggings

Generally, the ideal length for fashionable leggings is slightly above the ankle. This length makes your outfit look put-together, regardless of whether you’re wearing casual pieces such as an oversized sweater or “dressier” ones like silk blouses. Leggings that are shorter than that can cut your silhouette, which is not ideal for those who want to look taller.

On top of that, shin-length leggings tend to look outdated and more suited for exercise. Remember, the goal is to make you look chic and not like you’re ready to hit the gym (at least, not in this context)!

Accessorize Mindfully

Accessories are best known for tying looks together, which is what you want to achieve with pieces that are traditionally associated with laid-back days. Belts are a common accessory to be paired with leggings, and they can be used to cinch your plain button-downs and highlight your figure. You can also opt for baseball caps, sunglasses, Cleopatra necklaces, or any of your preferred kinds of accessories.

That said, you need to remember the age-old fashion rule of aligning your accessories with your outfit. When wearing patterned or busy fabrics, make sure that your accessories don’t add to the noise. In contrast, plain colors and muted tones can be worn with eye-catching accessories to exude extra oomph. At the end of the day, accessories should complement your outfit, not make it look over the top.

Choose Your Footwear

Lastly, you shouldn’t overlook what goes on your feet. Boots, especially ankle boots, look chic with leggings and are often considered to be the footwear of choice for such pieces. This is because the chunkiness of boots is balanced out by the leggings, which are often tight-fitting. So, if you plan to wear leggings for date night, this could be your chance to strut your stuff in boots.

Aside from boots, you can also opt for sneakers for a more casual vibe. Sandals, heels, ballet flats, and loafers would look great, too, if you prefer a more business-casual vibe.

The Bottom Line: Leggings Can Give You a Leg Up on Fashion

Comfort has been playing a big role in today’s popular fashion, proving that it is possible to balance looking good with feeling good. Apart from being comfortable, leggings are also versatile, flattering, and easy to style with a variety of pieces. The next time you need to wear leggings for a trip downtown, be sure to follow these tips so that you can showcase your best self and get a leg up on style.