How to style leather leggings: tops, shoes and outfits

Leather leggings are best styled by the rule “wide on top, slim below”: with an oversized jumper, a loose blouse or a long cardigan that reaches past the hips, plus boots or ankle boots. Matt fabrics such as knitwear, cotton or muslin take the edge off the slight shine.

Many people have leather leggings in their wardrobe but wear them less often than expected. The reason is almost always the same: they are tight, they shine slightly, and it is not quite clear what to wear over them so that it does not become too much. Here you will find which tops keep the balance, which shoes go with them and what three outfits look like that work in everyday life.

Why leather leggings are so versatile

At heart, leather leggings are slim black or brown trousers with a little more expression. The surface adds a slight shine to the outfit, while the cut stays simple. It is exactly this mix that makes them so adaptable: with knitwear they look casual, with a blouse neat, with boots a little edgier.

Because the leggings are slim, they leave room for volume on top. That is the basic rule behind almost all combinations. You will find a selection in the leggings.

The basic rule: wide on top, slim below

Tight leggings with an equally tight top quickly look like sportswear or an evening outfit, rarely like something in between. As soon as there is a piece with some width on top, the look becomes balanced.

• Length past the hips. A top that covers the bottom makes the leggings suitable for everyday wear and feels more comfortable for many.
• Volume in the upper body. Oversized jumpers, wide blouses and long cardigans are the natural partners.
• Matt with shiny. Knitwear, cotton and muslin soften the leather look. Two shiny pieces together, on the other hand, quickly look like too much.

How to wear wide cuts so they do not swamp you is explained in the article how to wear oversized.

Which tops go with leather leggings?

Oversized jumper. The simplest and most comfortable solution. A chunky knit jumper in cream, beige or grey forms the soft counterpart to the smooth surface. You will find matching styles in the oversized jumpers.

Roll neck. A slim roll neck jumper looks very clean with leather leggings, but then needs an open jacket or a long cardigan over it to add some width on top.

Blouses. A loose blouse worn open or half tucked into the waistband makes the outfit office-ready. Muslin works particularly well here, because its crinkled texture forms a calm contrast to the shine. More in the muslin blouses.

Long cardigans. A cardigan that reaches mid-thigh elongates the silhouette and keeps the leggings in view without putting them in the foreground.

Which shoes go with leather leggings?

Boots are the obvious choice. Knee high or calf high boots are pulled over the leggings, creating a continuous line from waistband to floor. With ankle boots, the leggings ideally end right at the edge of the shaft or disappear just inside it.

Cowboy boots add a casual accent, especially with a big knit jumper. Trainers work for everyday wear, but look sportier with leather leggings than some expect. Flat ballerinas and loafers work if there is a calm, rather classic piece on top.

Where the shaft should end and which colour goes with what is explained in detail in the article how to style women's boots. You will find the styles in the boots and the cowboy boots.

Three leather leggings outfits for every day

Cosy. Black leather leggings, a cream oversized jumper and calf high boots. This takes you from shopping to dinner with friends.

Neat. Leather leggings, a loose blouse, a long camel cardigan over it and flat shoes. Calm enough for the office without looking stiff.

Evening. Leather leggings with a slim roll neck, a textured jacket over it and ankle boots with a small heel. That is all it takes.

Women's leather leggings: black or brown?

Black leather leggings are the easy starting point. They go with almost any colour on top and can be combined with black boots into one long line.

Brown looks warmer and softer. The colour goes particularly well with cream, beige, camel and all earthy tones. How to combine such in-between shades confidently is explained in the article how to wear taupe.

Care in brief

Faux leather leggings can usually be wiped with a damp cloth in everyday life if only a stain needs removing. As a general principle: do not wash too hot, do not tumble dry and do not dry directly on the radiator, so the surface stays nice for a long time. The care label on the item always applies.

Matching pieces in the shop: women's leggings and women's oversized cardigans.

Frequently asked questions

What do I wear with leather leggings?

Simplest is a top with some width that reaches past the hips: an oversized jumper, a loose blouse or a long cardigan. Wide on top, slim below is the rule that almost always works.

Which shoes go with leather leggings?

Boots and ankle boots are the safest choice, cowboy boots add a casual accent. Trainers and flat shoes also work, but look sportier or more classic respectively.

Can you wear leather leggings to the office?

Yes, with a calm top such as a loose blouse or a fine jumper and a long cardigan over it. What matters is that nothing on top is shiny.

Do leather leggings go with oversized jumpers?

Very well indeed. The wide, matt knit forms the counterpart to the slim, slightly shiny leggings and creates a balanced silhouette.

Black or brown leather leggings?

Black is more versatile and the safe choice to start with. Brown looks warmer and goes particularly well with light earthy tones.

What does a leather leggings outfit for the evening look like?

For example, with a slim roll neck, a textured jacket over it and ankle boots with a small heel. It looks clean and put together without being overloaded.