How to Wear Leggings to Work

Co-authored by Nejla Renee

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 References

Unless your workplace has a very relaxed dress code, you probably assume you can’t wear leggings to work. After all, leggings are typically worn doing yoga, running errands, and lounging on the couch, so they may not seem like the most professional clothing. However, there are many ways to incorporate leggings into your office wardrobe. By choosing high quality leggings and pairing them with work-appropriate pieces, you can enjoy all the comfort and convenience of leggings while maintaining a professional appearance.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting Your Leggings

1
Choose black leggings. If you’re a fan of leggings, you’re aware that they come in every color under the sun. While a pastel pink or a cool patterned pair are great for a workout class, don’t try to dress those up for work. If you want to pull off leggings at work, they need to be black. Black leggings look much more sleek and professional than any other color, and you’re less likely to call attention to the fact that they are, in fact, leisure clothes.
2
Make sure your leggings are high quality. You wouldn’t wear a ratty old T-shirt to work, so don’t try to pull off your ratty old leggings. Lower quality leggings often fade and start pilling after a wash or two. If your leggings are covered in loose strings and fuzz, you won’t be able to wear them in a professional environment. Invest in a pair of leggings that hold up in the washing machine, and wash them carefully to ensure they stay in tiptop condition.
- Turn your leggings inside out and use a bio detergent when you wash them. This will help to prevent pilling, which makes your leggings look worn out.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Check and double-check that your leggings are opaque.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.} Thin leggings may look great in the dim lighting of your bedroom as you get ready for work, but be careful. In the bright, unforgiving lights of your office, those same leggings may be completely see-through. Make sure you examine your leggings thoroughly in bright and natural lighting before heading to the office.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Use your hands to pull the fabric taut. If you can see skin through the stretched fabric, save those leggings for the comfort of your own home.
EXPERT TIP

"One trick I use: I sit or bend down and look in the mirror to see if they're see-through. If it doesn’t pass that test, I won't wear them!"

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Appropriate Tops

1
Wear long, loose-fitting tops. Leggings can certainly cling to your curves, and that’s not exactly the look you should be going for in the workplace. To ensure your outfit is conservative enough, avoid pairing your tight leggings with a tight top. Instead, pair them with a flowing blouse, a longer tunic, or an oversized sweater.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Choose tops that hit mid-thigh and cover your rear. Showing too much of the top of your leggings looks less professional and modest.
2
Pair leggings with a blazer. Nothing says professional quite like a tailored blazer. By wearing layers on your top half, you’ll attract the eye that way. A crisp blazer will steal the show, allowing you to be happily comfortable on the bottom half. If you wear a blazer or another dressy layer on your top, you don’t have to worry about being underdressed on the bottom.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Layer your blazers over a long shirt or dress. Your rear should still be fully covered.
- Crisp button-downs, dressy cardigans, and structured, high-quality tops can all be worn to dress up your top half.
3
Make short dresses work-appropriate with leggings. If you have a mini dress that you absolutely adore, try wearing it with opaque leggings. Unlike see-through tights, dark leggings will make the outfit look much more conservative. Think of leggings as thick stockings that can make even the shortest dresses suitable for the office.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that this only works if all other elements of the dress are more conservative. For example, adding leggings to a dress with a plunging neckline and skinny spaghetti straps won't automatically make the dress work-appropriate!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Accessorizing Your Outfits

1
Spice up your outfit with eye-catching jewelry. If you’re afraid that your outfit isn’t dressy enough for the office, try throwing on a beautiful piece of jewelry to take it up a notch. For example, leggings paired with an oversized sweater may look too casual alone. Throw on a chunky statement necklace, and you’ve taken it from relaxed to trendy.
- When looking for work-appropriate jewelry, consider things like statement necklaces and chunky bracelets. Avoid things like noisy bangles that might be distracting, as well as overly large earrings that may be a bit too flashy for the workplace.
- Bangles, watches, flashy earrings, and layered necklaces are all great options to dress up a legging outfit.
2
Embrace accessories. Your leggings should just be part of your outfit, and certainly not the focus point. Accessorizing can add some sophistication and style to an outfit that may be a bit plain on its own. Try adding a fun belt over a dress or oversized cardigan. In the colder months, pop a chic scarf around your neck.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- When you're selecting accessories for this look, think dressy. For example, choose a silk scarf over a chunky knit scarf. Casual accessories will make your entire outfit look casual, while dressier accessories will elevate your look, and hide the fact that you're wearing leggings!
3
Dress up your leggings with your footwear. Your favorite black leggings will look much different paired with patent leather heels than they do with your running shoes. Knee-high boots and ballet flats can also transform your look, making your leggings look polished and professional.^{[8]
X
Research source} By pairing the typically sporty leggings with fancier, more feminine footwear, you can easily take your leggings from the gym to the office.
- Consider grounding your leggings with some tall boots for a preppy and professional look.
4
Finish your look with polished hair and makeup. It's not always possible to do a gorgeous full face of makeup with perfectly-styled hair every single day, but it's important that you put a bit more effort into your hair and makeup when you wear leggings to work. Remember, it's all about balance. By taking a bit of time to enhance your features with makeup and make your hair look tidy, you'll look more more formal and work-appropriate.
- Throwing your hair up in a messy bun and skipping the makeup is probably fine some days, but if you do this while also wearing leggings, you'll look ready to nap rather than work.
- Check these articles for tips on doing your makeup and hair for work.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it acceptable to wear leggings as pants?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

It is, but you should make sure that your top covers your rear. As much as we wish they were, leggings and tights are not pants! So to make it work without advertising the underwear of the day, wear an oversize shirt, sweater, or top long enough to cover your butt comfortably. Add a nice pair of boots, and you can rock that coziness all day without flashing anyone.
Question

Can I wear leggings and a mini on casual Friday?

VermontGal

Top Answerer

In general, mini skirts are not appropriate for a professional setting, even with opaque leg coverings.
Question

Can men wear leggings to work, and if so, with what?

Community Answer

Yes! All of the above apply for men. Please consider that, if your workplace is primarily socially conservative, you may feel unsafe or ostracized. However, as long as your "bits and pieces" are covered, there should be no reason why you can't wear leggings. (They are very comfortable.) Here's an outfit recommendation: a top that goes below your hips (i.e. an untucked button-up), some nice loafers or non-sneaker footwear, with a more formal or neutral colored sweater (doesn't have to be long) for a more "casual professional" look. If you'd like, add a brighter accessory to draw attention away from your legs (i.e. a brightly colored scarf, blocky necklace, etc.).