Styling Tips For Black Leather Leggings On A Scale Of Simple To Surprising

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend has clearly never tried on a great pair of leggings (or had the pleasure of owning a doggo for that matter). Despite the worldwide debate on the topic (Are they pants? Are they tights? Does it even matter?), leggings are like the Labrador Retrievers of our closets: lovable, supportive, and reliable. But they also have the sleek, polished appeal of an Italian Greyhound, making this pant/tight crossbreed a winning combo of all the stuff you could ever want in a garment — especially when you’ve got on a buttery, body-hugging leather (or leather-like) pair.

If you hear the word “leggings” and still think athleisure, trust us, these are not your average Lululemons. And if you’re already sold on the value and wardrobe-expanding potential of a solid leather legging (real or faux!) but aren’t sure what to wear it with, that’s totally OK. No one actually comes out looking like Sandy 2.0 in Grease on their first try. Ahead, we’ve compiled a range of tips and outfit ideas taken directly from the street style champions themselves to guide you through the execution of this trend. We’ve even ranked each look on a scale of simple to surprising so you can push the boundaries of your wardrobe with each wear.

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Level 1: Layer Up

Using your leather leggings as a base, layer a flowy tunic over them for a contrast in fit. Simply add a pair of heels and you’ve got a chic yet versatile ensemble that is tame enough for a professional setting.

**ASHLEY MASON** High Rise Faux Leather Pants, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

**Universal Standard** Nailah Button Down Tunic, $, available at Universal Standard

**Charles & Keith** Patent Leather D’Orsay Pumps, $, available at Charles & Keith

Level 2: Black-On-Black (Beginner)
When looking to a fashionable crop of New Yorkers for inspiration, expect to see a lot of black. To upgrade your leather leggings to street style status, you’ve got to go all-in on the shade. A black jacket, black top, black leggings, black bag, and black boots are easy the ingredients for an off-duty Manhattanite.

**Missguided** Faux Leather Pin Tuck Leggings, $, available at Missguided

**Reformation** Daley Top, $, available at Reformation

**Dr. Martens** Mono 1460 Pascal Virginia Combat Boot, $, available at Amazon

**Level 2: Black-On-Black**
When looking to a fashionable crop of New Yorkers for inspiration, expect to see a lot of black. To upgrade your leather leggings to street style status, you’ve got to go all-in on the shade. Try working within that dark color scheme while using different textures to complement the smooth fabric of your bottoms. Think a thick, shearling coat for a touch of fluff, a clingy bodysuit for shape, and statement sunnies for a little extra *oomph.*
PHOTOGRAPHED BY POLLY IRUNGU.

**SPANX** Hip-Zip Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at Anthropologie

**Mark Alan** Leather Faux Fur Collar Jacket, $, available at Walmart

**Intimately** Low Back Bodysuit, $, available at Free People

**Michael Kors** Flat Front Cat Eye Sunglasses, $, available at Nordstrom

Level 3: Black-On-White
Once you’ve got a sense of that all-black-everything attire, try introducing white into the mix for a sharp, eye-catching contrast. Keep the core of your outfit the same tone of your leggings so the white really pops in the form of accessories and outerwear.

**AllSaints** Cora Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at ASOS

**LOFT** Fleece Funnel Neck Coat, $, available at LOFT

**Sam Edelman** Winona Western Boot, $, available at Amazon

Level 4: Black-On-Black (Expert)
If you thought you mastered the black-on-black pairing after level 2, surprise! We’re not done yet. Real pros know how to play with texture *and* proportion, piecing together just the right amount of puff, parka, and pant to attain expertise in this category.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY POLLY IRUNGU.

**7th Element** Plus Size Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at Amazon

**adidas by Stella McCartney** Nylon Canvas Parka, $, available at SSENSE

**Boohoo** Buckle Detail Padded Cuff Hiker Boots, $, available at Boohoo

**Le Specs** Rapture Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Level 5: Call For Back-Up
Sometimes, what’ll really cause a stir is some crafty coordination — and not just within the confines of your own outfit. To pass this level, you’ll need to rally a gang of gals whose leather legging looks are as fierce as your own. It’s style strength in numbers, and if you manage this surprising twist, you can march your way onto level 7.

**Wild Fable** High-Rise Liquid Leggings, $, available at Target

**Everlane** The ReNew Military Parka, $, available at Everlane

**New Balance** Fresh Foam Roav Flying NB, $, available at

**& Other Stories** Smooth Leather Block Heel Boots, $, available at & Other Stories

Level 6: Pattern Play
We’re revisiting the layering skills acquired back in level 1 here, but with a major upgrade. Let your leather leggings keep your outfit grounded while you pile on the patterns, and don’t be afraid to top it all off with a trendy beret.

**Torrid** Faux Leather Fleece Lined Leggings, $, available at Torrid

**Storets** Hannah Houndstooth Coat, $, available at Storets

**Adidas** Trefoil Tee, $, available at Amazon

**Topshop** Black PU Beret, $, available at Topshop

Level 8: New Territory

Instead of dressing for the streets of the world’s fashion capitals, try taking your leggings somewhere totally unexpected. If you dare, ditch the long underwear and ski attire and show up to the slopes in your shiniest, trustiest, leather-iest bottoms. It’s a move that’s as impressive as it is unconventional, reserved for those who know how to dress dangerously.

**Uniqlo** Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at Uniqlo

**L’Academie** The Stefhanie Coat, $, available at Revolve

Level 7: Get Wild

Believe it or not, a leather-like fabric does not have to be the boldest part of your look. There’s no rule that says your leather leggings can’t be combined with animal prints, tie-dye, and chunky boots all at once. In fact, it’s encouraged in level 9. Now that you’ve reached the final stage of styling, it’s time for a bit of fashion fun.