5 Fresh Ways to Wear Basic Black Leggings This Winter

There's a certain inevitability to black-legging outfits. Whether you're committed to the comfort of athleisure, secretly into stirrups, or just on your way to Pilates, we all end up out and about in our leggings sooner or later. The fashion set is no exception, and it's not just an American thing—from Paris to London, Lisbon to Amsterdam, I delight in seeing stylish people show up in my feed wearing genuinely off-duty outfits.

If you're looking for a little outfit inspo for how to style basic black leggings, you've come to the right place. And while some of the below looks are perfect for grabbing a coffee or running errands, I promise at least two of these will have you surprised at just how polished a pair of leggings can be. It's all about the styling, so stay tuned for the details.

5 Chic Leggings Outfits to Copy:

1. Wool Coat + Basic Knit + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: To be clear, this would be great with black tailored trousers or even jeans, but Linda Tol's stirrup leggings make it feel much cooler. I'm here for how polished yet secretly comfortable it is—honestly, might have to re-create this for my next flight.

Shop the Look:

MANGO

Double-Breasted Wool Blend Coat

Mango have outerwear that feels so much more luxe than the price suggests.

COS

Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper

A black funnel-neck jumper is a wardrobe essential.

Recreate Linda's look with these affordable M&S leggings.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Verallim 10 Bow-Detailed Leather-Trimmed Satin Ballet Flats

A basic bow front ballet flat is such a classic piece.

2. Leather Bomber Jacket + Basic Long-Sleeve Top + Flats

Style Notes: A leather bomber jacket is so on-trend this season—keep that the focal point of your look and opt for a plain long-sleeve top to go with it. Sleek minimalist accessories give a cool-girl finish.

Shop the Look:

NOUR HAMMOUR

Ariste Oversized Paneled Leather Jacket

Nour Hammour's outerwear is irresistible.

Uniqlo

Soft Ribbed T-Shirt

Uniqlo are known for their affordable, high-quality basics.

Anouk slightly tucked in her top to reveal the branded waistband but a plain legging would work just as well.

A simple black ballet flat is so versatile.

3. Oversized Knit + Pointed Heels + Slouchy Bag

Style Notes: A giant cable-knit is perfect with leggings, yet it's weirdly an outfit combo I've never tried. The trick is to make sure it's longer and chunkier than your average jumper, and add polished black accessories that make it all feel a bit luxe.

Shop the Look:

CO

Oversized Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Sweater

Vuori Clothing

Vuori Allthefeels™ Legging

One of Vuori's bestsellers.

BOTTEGA VENETA

Andiamo Medium Leather Tote

One of Bottega Veneta's most iconic bags.

Gucci

Women's Pump With Horsebit

An elegant, timeless shoe.

4. Cropped Jacket + Boots + Suede Bag

Style Notes: A cropped shearling jacket and comfortable leggings make a great outfit for the winter. It's a go-to ensemble for an easy, every day outfit. Pairing it with knee-high flat boots make it feel more elevated and put together.

Shop the Look:

ZARA

Zw Collection Reversible Bomber Jacket

Brown gives a softer finish to black and this style brings texture to a look.

Lululemon

Align™ High-Rise Pant

These leggings come in an impressive 34 different colours.

& Other Stories

Leather Knee Boots

Don't sleep on & Other Stories' footwear.

COACH

Empire 34 Suede Shoulder Bag

Suede bowling bags have been so on-trend this season and are a go-to piece for every day.

5. Puffer Jacket + Sweatshirt + Trainers

Style Notes: This outfit is all of us IRL running errands at some point this season. I like the variation of the faded black or grey leggings to give a softer look, plus the addition of high socks paired with retro sneakers in an on-trend hue.

Shop the Look:

H&M

Oversized Puffer Jacket

A puffer jacket is ideal for peak winter for extra warmth.

Adanola

Ada Oversized Hoodie

I own this and it's my most worn hoody, it's so comfortable.

Sweaty Betty

Power Gym Leggings

These grey pair achieve Vicky's look.

These Adidas trainers are an influencer favourite.

Shop More Black Leggings We Love:

Gymshark

Vital Soft Leggings

I can talk to you for any length of time about how much I love Gymshark leggings.

VARLEY

Freesoft™ Leggings

Varley do such comfortable leggings.

Free People

You're a Peach Leggings

I love the contrast white piping.

ON

Performance Recycled-Jersey Leggings

ON is known for their high quality activewear.

ASOS 4505 Ski & Snow

4505 Ski Thermal Ribbed Fleece Back Base Layer Legging With Sweat Wicking

A thermal legging is ideal in the super cold weather.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

+ Y-3 Mesh-Trimmed Stretch Recycled Leggings

A brand every knows and loves.

Goodmove

Go Move High Waisted Gym Leggings

A high-quality pair from the high-street.

WE NORWEGIANS

Ski Basic Stretch-Wool Leggings

A good pair for a skiing trip.

Uniqlo

Airism Soft Leggings

These go from an XXS-XXL.

ZARA

Seamless Merino Wool Ski Collection Leggings

Seamless leggings are my preferred style.

Calzedonia

Thermal Leggings

I love Calzedonia's thermal tights, so next on my list from the brand is their thermal leggings.

H&M

Pocket-Detail Sports Leggings with DryMove™

Leggings with a pocket? What's not to love.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.