Leggings are a wardrobe staple for comfort, but styling them for the office requires a thoughtful approach. When chosen and paired correctly, they can transition seamlessly from casual wear to polished business-casual outfits. In this guide, Olaben will cover the different types of work-appropriate leggings, styling tips, and the essential dos and don’ts to help you look professional while staying comfortable all day.
Different Styles of Work Leggings
When it comes to styling leggings for the office, choosing the right type makes all the difference. Not all leggings are created equal, some look polished and professional, while others instantly read as “gym wear.” Here are the work-appropriate styles worth considering:
Classic Black Leggings
A pair of plain black leggings is the most versatile option for office outfits. With no visible seams, zippers, or sporty elements, the simplicity helps shift the focus to the rest of your outfit, your blouse, blazer, or accessories rather than the leggings themselves. This clean, minimal base creates a refined and distraction-free look suitable for most business-casual settings.
Faux Leather Leggings
Faux leather leggings offer a naturally elevated vibe thanks to their smooth, structured finish. They’re comfortable like traditional leggings, but the texture instantly makes your outfit look more put-together. Opt for pairs with a soft inner lining, which add comfort and maintain a more polished silhouette that resembles real trousers rather than casual bottoms.
High-Waisted Leggings with Pockets
High-waisted styles are ideal for a professional setting because they create a sleek, elongated line and pair well with longer tops. Subtle pockets can also enhance the look, adding shape and giving the impression of tailored pants. Just be mindful of bulky pocket designs, too much added fabric can disrupt your silhouette and make the outfit appear less refined.
Jeggings (Legging + Jeans Hybrid)
Jeggings sit right between denim and leggings, offering the stretch you love with the structure of skinny jeans. For work, dark washes tend to look more polished and easier to elevate with a crisp blouse or blazer. With the right top, most people won’t even guess they’re not actual fitted trousers.
How to Wear Leggings to Work
Once you’ve chosen leggings that meet your office dress code, the next step is styling them in a way that looks polished, modern, and professional. Here are the best ways to pull off work leggings with confidence:
Add Instant Polish with a Blazer
A well-structured blazer is one of the easiest ways to elevate leggings into office-ready attire. Layer your leggings with a clean tee or knit top, then finish with a tailored blazer to achieve a sleek business-casual look. Swap loafers for heels when you need an outfit that can transition effortlessly from meetings to after-work events.
Balance the Silhouette with Oversized Sweaters or Tunics
Longer tops help create harmony with the fitted look of leggings. In cooler months, pair leggings with a thick knit sweater or a long-sleeve tunic.
When the weather warms up, opt for lighter fabrics like cotton or chiffon. Complete the outfit with pointed flats or ankle boots for a polished but comfortable finish.
Stay Effortlessly Chic with a Long Cardigan
A knee-length cardigan adds movement and refinement without feeling too formal. Layer it over a simple tank, fitted tee, or blouse for an easy office look.
Add subtle accessories, like a scarf or dainty layered necklaces to bring the outfit together. Depending on the season, loafers or classic pumps both work beautifully.
Elevate Leggings with a Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses are a perfect companion for leggings, making your outfit feel intentional and put-together. Add a belt to define your waist or keep it unbelted for a relaxed but still professional silhouette. This pairing works well year-round and adapts easily to boots, flats, or low heels.
Try a Long Button-Down or an Oversized Blouse
A crisp, longer-length button-down creates a clean, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with slim leggings. Neutral shades like white, beige, or soft blue always look office-friendly.
On colder days, layer with a cardigan or blazer for added structure. This combination is an effortless choice when you want something polished but comfortable.
Warm Up with a Sweater Vest
For transitional weather or chilly offices, leggings paired with a slightly oversized sweater vest strike the perfect balance of cozy and professional.
Wear it over a fitted tee in spring, a button-down in fall, or a turtleneck in winter. Finish with loafers or ankle boots for a refined touch without overdoing it.
The Dos and Don’ts of Work Leggings
Wearing leggings in a professional setting is absolutely possible when you understand what works and what doesn’t. Here is a clear guide to help you style leggings appropriately for the office.
DOs:
- Do check your workplace dress code: Every office has different expectations. Some allow leggings as part of business-casual attire, while others limit them to casual days. Always make sure they’re allowed before adding them to your work rotation.
- Do choose thick, high-quality, opaque leggings: Opt for structured fabrics such as ponte, knit blends, or thicker stretch materials. These offer better coverage, hold their shape, and look more like tailored trousers.
- Do pair leggings with long, flowy tops: Tunics, oversized sweaters, long blouses, and shirt dresses help create a polished silhouette and keep the outfit appropriate for the office.
- Do add structured layers like blazers or long cardigans: A blazer instantly elevates leggings and makes the outfit look more professional. Cardigans and other tailored outerwear can also help create a refined look.
- Do wear professional footwear: Flats, loafers, ankle boots, and classic heels pair well with leggings and keep your outfit workplace-ready.
DON’Ts:
- Don’t wear lounge, athleisure, or workout leggings to the office: Leggings designed for home or the gym are usually too casual. Save them for off-duty days and invest in options specifically suited for work.
- Don’t wear thin, sheer, or see-through leggings: Low-quality or very thin leggings become transparent in certain lighting or movements. Stick to opaque fabrics that maintain coverage in all situations.
- Don’t pair tight tops with tight leggings: A fitted top with fitted leggings can appear too casual or revealing for the office. Choose tops that provide enough coverage and balance the slim silhouette.
- Don’t choose bright prints or sporty detailing: Avoid bold patterns, mesh inserts, stripes, or visible athletic branding. Neutral, solid colors always look more professional.
- Don’t rely on casual sneakers unless allowed:Sports sneakers can make leggings look too informal. Keep them for casual Fridays if your office permits.
- Don’t wear leggings every day: Even if they’re comfortable, wearing leggings daily may push dress code boundaries. Vary your outfits to maintain a professional appearance.
Conclusion
Leggings don’t have to be just a casual or at-home staple, they can be a versatile and stylish part of your office wardrobe when chosen and styled thoughtfully. From classic black leggings to faux leather, high-waisted designs, and jeggings, the right pair can elevate your professional look without sacrificing comfort.
By following the key styling tips, layering with blazers, long tops, cardigans, or shirt dresses and keeping the dos and don’ts in mind, you can confidently wear leggings in a business-casual setting. Remember to focus on quality fabrics, polished silhouettes, and office-appropriate accessories.
At Olaben, we believe that comfort and professionalism can coexist. Our curated selection of work-ready leggings is designed to help you create outfits that are both chic and functional, so you can feel confident from your morning commute to after-work meetings.
