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How to Dress Up Leggings: 6 Easy Ways to Look Polished

How to dress up leggings in 6 easy steps: blazers, faux fur jackets, long coats with knee boots, suede jackets with lace, trench coats and loafers. Real looks with labels.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 3 min read

How to Dress Up Leggings: 6 Easy Ways to Look Polished

Leggings are comfy, warm and easy, but they can look a bit too casual. The good news is that a few smart pieces turn them into a real outfit you can wear to lunch, work or even dinner.

The trick is to add structure on top and pick dressy shoes. Below are 6 easy ways to dress up leggings, each with a real outfit and labels on the photo so you can see exactly what makes it work.

Quick answer: Wear thick black leggings with a structured layer like a blazer, long coat or suede jacket, add a nicer top and finish with knee boots, heels or loafers instead of gym sneakers.

Step 1: Add a Blazer

A woman in a grey wool blazer, white fitted tee and black leggings with a brown structured bag1Wool blazer2Fitted tee3Black leggings4Structured bag
Photo: aidabadji_ on Instagram

A blazer is the easiest way to dress up leggings. It adds sharp shoulders and makes the whole look feel smart. A plain fitted tee under it keeps things simple.

Quick tip: Choose a blazer that covers your hips for the most flattering look.

Step 2: Go Glam With a Faux Fur Jacket

A woman in a brown faux fur jacket, black flared leggings and pointed heels taking a mirror selfie1Faux fur jacket2Flared leggings3Pointed heels4Black tote
Photo: _jeanettemadsen_ on Instagram

A fluffy faux fur jacket makes leggings feel like an evening outfit. Flared leggings with pointed heels look like dressy pants.

Quick tip: Flared or split hem leggings look the most like trousers.

Step 3: Wear a Long Coat and Knee Boots

A woman sitting on steps in a long faux fur coat, a white turtleneck, black leggings and brown croc knee high boots1White turtleneck2Long fur coat3Black leggings4Knee high boots
Photo: nlmarilyn on Instagram

Knee high boots over leggings is a classic winter combo. Add a long coat and a turtleneck and you look warm and very put together.

Quick tip: Pick boots with a slim shaft so the leggings tuck in smoothly.

Step 4: Mix a Suede Jacket and a Lace Cami

A woman in a tan suede jacket, a lace trim cami, black leggings and riding boots in front of a big house1Suede jacket2Lace cami3Leggings4Riding boots
Photo: lounorthcote on Instagram

A pretty top makes leggings feel less sporty. A lace trim cami with a suede jacket is soft and a little romantic, and riding boots keep it practical.

Quick tip: Mix textures like suede, lace and leather for a richer look.

Step 5: Layer a Trench Over a Shirt

A woman in a long trench coat, a blue striped shirt, black capri leggings and flip flops on a city street1Long trench2Striped shirt3Capri leggings4Flip flops
Photo: nnennaechem on Instagram

A button down shirt and a trench coat give leggings an office feel. This works with full length leggings and boots in winter, or capri leggings on milder days.

Quick tip: Leave the shirt untucked and a little oversized for balance.

Step 6: Swap Sneakers for Loafers

A woman in a black turtleneck, a knit tied at the waist, black leggings, white socks and loafers crossing a street1Fitted turtleneck2Knit tied at waist3Leggings4Loafers and socks
Photo: annelauremais on Instagram

Shoes make a big difference. Loafers with white socks look preppy and smart, and a knit tied at the waist adds a polished touch.

Quick tip: Heels, ballet flats and ankle boots also dress leggings up.

Mistakes to Avoid When Dressing Up Leggings

  • Wearing thin, see through leggings
  • Pairing them with gym sneakers when you want to look polished
  • Choosing a short top with nothing structured on top
  • Wearing shiny workout leggings with dressy pieces
  • Skipping a coat or blazer, which is what makes the outfit

FAQs

How do you make leggings look dressy?

Add a structured layer like a blazer or long coat, a nicer top like a turtleneck or lace cami and dressy shoes like knee boots, heels or loafers.

What shoes dress up leggings?

Knee high boots, riding boots, pointed heels, ballet flats and loafers.

Can you wear leggings to dinner?

Yes. Thick black leggings with a faux fur jacket or long coat and heels or boots look great for dinner.

What top goes with leggings?

A long shirt, a fitted turtleneck, a tunic sweater or a lace cami under a jacket.

Leggings, Dressed Up

Leggings can look polished with just two upgrades: a structured layer on top and dressy shoes. Try one step from this list and see how different they feel.

More ideas: how to wear leggings in winter, leggings and boots outfits and faux leather leggings outfits.

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