Leggings can be a highly comfortable piece of clothing to wear throughout the year. Below, you will find all the tips you need on how to wear leggings over 40, as well as the best leggings to choose for your leggings outfits.
Mainly interested in the new capsule wardrobe and outfits? Click here to see and shop the capsule wardrobe featuring leggings.
What are leggings?
Before we discuss how to wear leggings, what exactly are they? Leggings are thicker than tights, so they are nice and warm and provide good coverage for your legs.
Generally skin-tight, leggings tend to end at the mid-calf or ankle. They’re stretchy, so you don’t need any fastenings to get into them. Depending on the style and material, you can wear leggings for everything from exercising to a night out.
So, exactly how should you wear leggings so they also look good? Which leggings are the best to buy?
In this article with new shopping options, we will provide you with many guidelines on how to wear leggings over 40, 50, and beyond and where you can buy the best leggings online.
You will also find a capsule wardrobe with the best leggings, tops, sweaters, coats, dresses, shoes, and accessories to mix and match to your heart’s delight.
How to wear leggings so you look stylish?
Leggings are an excellent transitional option for spring and summer. They can be worn underneath dresses or tunics, so you can continue wearing your favorite summer dresses even if the weather is still a little cool. Meanwhile, you can wear your leggings with sweaters and boots for winter.
We believe you should not wear leggings like regular trousers unless they are made from a very thick material or are coated. Even though it is becoming increasingly popular, we would not do it at any age, but it certainly does not look very classy when you are over 40.
We feel it is much nicer to wear leggings as a supportive element for the rest of your clothes rather than as a main garment. Below are all our best tips on how to wear leggings.
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen (read her style interview here) wears her leggings with a blazer.
Check out this similar tank top, blazer, leggings, sneakers, bag, cap, necklace and earrings.
What are the best leggings to buy?
You will want to make sure that your leggings are thick enough and have a good stretch yet firm enough to give your legs a great shape. For that reason, it’s wise to invest in a good pair. Ponte leggings (a hybrid of leggings and pants) are also a good choice.
If you like even thicker leggings, you may consider jeggings or elasticated skinny jeans. I would steer clear of shiny or sheer leggings. Leather or faux leather leggings are great for an edgier look and can be easily ‘softened’ with a silk tunic.
If the weather is still cold where you are, you can read our article on the best winter leggings for women over 40.
What is the correct way to wear leggings?
There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to wear anything. Wear what makes you feel at your most confident. But, as a guideline, leggings look best when you wear a longer top or tunic over them.
Are you supposed to wear something under leggings?
Choosing to wear no underwear under leggings is a personal preference. Some leggings have a built-in underwear layer that makes them more comfortable to wear without underwear. But if you want to wear underwear and are worried about visible panty lines, check out our article on the best seamless panties.
Also find out our top picks for the best tummy control leggings.
Adaline @sdmomstyles above wears her leggings with an on-trend denim jacket.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, denim jacket, leggings, sneakers and bag.
How to make leggings look classy?
Choosing a pair of leggings that aren’t see-through and wearing a longer top over them will give your leggings outfits a classy look.
Some great brands for leggings
It can be tricky to find a pair of leggings that give great coverage, aren’t see-through, and don’t lose their shape. So before looking at how to wear your leggings, below are some of my favorite brands as well as recommendations from 40+ Style readers.
1. Zella live-in leggings
Zella Live In leggings have consistently good reviews. They look just as good for everyday wear as for a workout.
Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
2. Satina high-waisted leggings
Satina leggings come in several colors so you could always opt for a softer hue for summer if you already have black leggings in your closet or a winter shade like navy or burgundy. They have a high waist (making them perfect for hiding your belly)
3. NYDJ
NYDJ is well known for creating jeans for curves rather than for teenage girls. They also have a range of flattering leggings.
NYDJ Sculpt Her Pull-On Leggings
AllSaints Lock Roll Neck Asymmetric Sweater – NYDJ Sculpt Her Pull-On Leggings – Roxy Briar Combat Boots – Tory Burch Small Romy Tote – Nordstrom Demi Fine Double Hoop Earrings
4. Alo
Alo is well known for classic, timeless styles that you can wear year after year. So it’s no surprise that the brand features some classic leggings and jeggings.
5. Lyssé
Lyssé prides itself on offering foundational wardrobe-essentials. After all, every great wardrobe starts with good foundations! You can read more about this idea in how to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe.
Leggings make a good foundation because of their versatility. You can wear them under so many different items of clothing in so many different ways. Read on for outfit ideas and a capsule wardrobe based on leggings.
Lyssé Lyssè Toothpick Denim Leggings
susana monaco Denim Linen-Blend Belted Jacket – Lyssé Lyssè Toothpick Denim Leggings – Steve Madden Verdict Sneakers – Aimee Kestenberg Mini Zen Leather Crossbody Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Double Hoop Earrings
5. spanx
SPANX is renowned for shapewear. But, you’ll also find some well-fitting leggings among its range.
Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears her leggings with a longline blazer and knee-high boots.
Get her look with this similar top, blazer , leggings, high boots, handbag and belt.
6. Everlane
Everlane is a good go-to for your wardrobe basics. The Perform leggings (below) feature a flattering high waist, and come in a good choice of colors.
Everlane The Perform 24/7 Legging
7. Lands’ End
If you want a pair of slimming leggings, you could choose the knit leggings (below), from Lands’ End. They have great reviews from wearers who say they are incredibly flattering.
Lands’ End Starfish Mid Rise Knit Leggings
8. commando
If you’re looking to smooth out your silhouette with tummy smoothing leggings, then the Commando leggings (below) are a good choice. They have a control layer of fabric underneath and a high waist to keep everything tucked in.
Commando Control Top Faux Leather Leggings
9. vuori
The Vuori Daily Leggings are a great choice for casual days and workouts. They come in a good selection of colors and have a jogger style with the feel of leggings.
10. hue
For a dressier choice for summer, take a look at the HUE denim leggings (below),
MORE LEGGINGS TO CHOOSE FROM
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to the brands above; the leggings below also have fantastic reviews.
1. Best leggings for women
When searching for the best leggings for women, another good option to choose are the 90 Degree leggings from Amazon (below) which have thousands of good reviews from women who say they prefer them over bigger brands.
90 Degree By Power Flex Leggings
2. Best Amazon leggings
Another good choice from Amazon are the Heathyoga leggings (below) which are perfect for working out. One reviewer even described them as the best leggings she has ever owned.
3. Best high-waisted leggings
Leggings which fall down or which leave you at risk of flashing your underwear are definitely not flattering. So, to make sure everything is tucked in, opt for a pair of high-waisted leggings like the ones from FULLSOFT (below) which also feature tummy tuck technology.
FULLSOFT 3 Pack Tummy Control Leggings
4. Best faux leather leggings
If you want to add some edginess to your outfit, a pair of leather or faux leggings is a good option. You could wear them casually with a long sweater or in the evening with a tunic top or dress.
Retro Gong Faux Leather Leggings
5. Best plus size leggings
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of plus-size leggings, the stretch jersey leggings (below) from Just My Size may be the answer. Reviewers say they are curve-hugging and stay put without being uncomfortable.
Just My Size Plus Size Jersey Leggings
6. Best jeggings for women
Another good style to consider is a pair of jeggings. These are great for casually wearing with sweaters and boots.
Lyssé High Waist Skinny Denim Leggings
Jas @thefashionstylefile above shows how you can wear leggings with a maxi dress by choosing a shirt style dress and keeping the bottom buttons open to show off your leggings.
Check out this dress from Amazon that you can wear with this similar pair of jeggings, sandals, bag, earrings and sunglasses.
8. Best cotton leggings
Cotton is a good choice for many clothing items, and leggings are no exception. Cotton can keep moisture against your body rather than wicking it away if you’re looking at leggings for working out. Cotton leggings are also ideal for everyday wear.
8. Best leather leggings
A pair of leather leggings can be an excellent evening option. Add a silk shirt, blazer, and heeled booties. You could also wear them casually with a sweater and booties.
Commando Matte Metallic Leggings
Treasure & Bond Long Sleeve Denim Shirtdress – Commando Matte Metallic Leggings – Steve Madden Verdict Sneakers – Tory Burch Small Romy Tote – Karine Sultan Kyanite Drop Earrings
9. Good quality leggings
Quality is important when choosing leggings. After all, you don’t want everyone to be able to see your underwear and every lump and bump.
The Colorfulkoala leggings (below) are available in a range of colors and have good reviews from women who say they are the best quality at their price point.
Colorfulkoala High Waist Full Length Leggings
10. Best leggings with pockets
If you’re exercising or going for a walk, you might prefer to wear leggings that allow you to fit your phone in, like the Threads 4 Thought leggings (below).
Threads 4 Thought Rita High Waist Pocket Leggings
11. Best cheap leggings
Unless you have an unlimited clothing budget, you may be looking at good leggings on a budget. THE GYM PEOPLE leggings (below) are well-priced but have good reviews from women who say they are fantastic for the price point.
THE GYM PEOPLE Tummy Control Leggings
12. Most comfortable leggings
When looking for comfy leggings, it’s important to consider how they stretch. The leggings (below) from Felina have four-way stretch, and they come in packs of two, making them good value.
Felina Velvety Soft Lightweight Leggings
13. Control top leggings
There are plenty of leggings that don’t just look stylish, but can also help to smooth out your silhouette. The Dragon Fit tummy control leggings (below) have good reviews on Amazon from women who say they comfortably hold everything in without feeling restricted.
Dragon Fit Tummy Control High Waist leggings
14. best crop leggings
Crop leggings are a great option for walking, working out, and warm summer days. The Naked Wardrobe crop style (below) is super stretchy and features a supportive mesh waistband.
15. print leggings
Plain leggings can be easier to wear with more options in your closet, but print leggings can be fun, too. Just choose a plain top to go with them so your outfit doesn’t look too ‘busy.’
Sweaty Betty Power Pocket Workout 7/8 Leggings
How to wear leggings: What to consider when choosing your leggings
As you can see, the choice of leggings is endless. So now that you’re thinking about the legging brands to look for, what else should you consider?
Length
Just as with skirt hem lengths or the arm lengths on your tops, there are several legging lengths you could opt for. Your leggings could end just below your knees, at your calves or ankles, or be full-length. Choose ankle or full length to tuck into booties, or a shorter length for your summer sandals. Opt for leggings that hit your legs at their slimmest point for an extra flattering look.
Fabric
By their very nature, leggings are made of stretchy fabric, so you can pull them on without any fasteners. Usually, they are a mix of lycra and cotton, but you could choose from all sorts of materials, such as a leather look or denim, depending on whether you are opting for a casual or evening look.
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) shows off a great way to wear your leggings – with a longline cardigan.
Get her look with this similar top, cardigan, leggings (another option here), sneakers, bag and necklace.
What Color leggings to wear?
Black leggings are a complete classic that will go with everything you own. They are the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe. You could also consider white for summer or add some color or pattern to your outfit. However, if you do opt for colored leggings, you may wish to keep the rest of your outfit more subtle.
What to wear with leggings?
So, now that you have a few ideas for the best legging brands to choose from and other factors to consider, what should you wear with them?
Leggings look best with longer tops and tunics. Short dresses can also look great with leggings. So, if you own a shorter dress that you have pushed to the back of your wardrobe, you could always try it with leggings before you donate it.
Leggings work best when they act as a base for other clothes. If you want to wear shorter tops, we recommend wearing jeans and other pants.
Find out some of our top recommendation for jeans.
The best tunics to wear with leggings
Leggings look better with longer tops. However, you still want to ensure that your outfit has enough structure.
You can do that through the right tunic and longer asymmetrical top. The latter especially creates flattering vertical lines and adds a bit of extra style to your look.
Topdress Loose Fit Swing Tunic Top – Massimo Dutti Flowing Kimono – Massimo Dutti Colour Block Top – Misook Asymmetrical Ruffle Charmeuse Blouse
Massimo Dutti Colour Block Top – Lyssé Lyssè Toothpick Denim Leggings – Dansko Lizzy Peep-Toe Booties – Vince Camuto Felix Top Carry Handle Handbag – Nordstrom Stacked Stone Faux Pearl Linear Drop Earrings
how to Wear leggings with a long shirt
These shirts (below) would look great with faux leather or coated leggings.
Lands’ End Long Sleeve Polished Rib Button Through Tunic Shirt – Massimo Dutti Satin Shirt – Staud Suzy V-Neck Collared Tunic – SIMONMILLER Loch Poplin Button Up Shirt
How to wear leggings with Short dresses
Instead of designated tunics, you can also wear a short dress over your leggings. An asymmetrical dress or draped dress will make a real statement. If you have pushed a shorter dress to the back of your closet before, and you don’t feel confident about the length, it could be time to get it back out and try it with leggings.
J.Crew Amelia Popover Dress – Treasure & Bond Long Sleeve Denim Shirtdress – Caslon® Utility Short Sleeve Zip Front Shirtdress – Significant Other Elaina Wrap Mini Shirtdress
Significant Other Elaina Wrap Mini Shirtdress – NYDJ Sculpt Her Pull-On Leggings – Fly London Tull Wedge Sandals – Tory Burch Small Romy Tote – Nordstrom Stacked Stone Faux Pearl Linear Drop Earrings
Layer your leggings with a cardigan or sweater
Leggings are your friend when it comes to layering. They look great worn under long tops and ponchos with ankle booties.
If you’re heading out for a walk or to run errands, slinging a lightweight coat over a pair of leggings, together with a long-line tunic, can be a stylish option. Or, try teaming your leggings with a cozy knit rather than wearing a coat. When choosing a sweater to pair with your leggings, opt for a long-line version that will cover your bottom.
AllSaints Lock Roll Neck Asymmetric Sweater – L’AGENCE Noe Double-Breasted Cardigan – Nordstrom Cozy Contrast Border Ruana – Varley Parnel Half Zip Fleece Tunic
Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her asymmetric poncho.
Steal her look with this similar poncho, jeggings, pumps, clutch, and earrings.
how to wear leggings with Lightweight cover-ups
Given that some of you will be heading into the warmer months, another way to wear your leggings could be with a lighter-weight cover-up.
That way, you can still take advantage of flattering layers while staying cool.
J.Crew Airy Gauze button-up Shirt – Lilly Pulitzer Andrae Cover-Up Shirt – Solid & Striped The Oxford Eyelet Cotton Long-Sleeve Top – Johnny Was Gemi Geometric Print Button-Front Tunic
Leggings look great with jackets and long coats. Long cardigans create lovely vertical lines that can help elongate your figure. But you can always wear a longer coat to keep you warm.
Another idea is to wear a longer top or short dress over your leggings and then layer a moto or denim jacket over it.
Massimo Dutti Belted Semi-textured Blazer – susana monaco Denim Linen-Blend Belted Jacket – Tanya Taylor Kent Denim Jacket – Lamarque Sevana Reversible Leather Short-Sleeve Jacket
Tanya Taylor Kent Denim Jacket – Topdress Loose Fit Swing Tunic Top – NYDJ Sculpt Her Pull-On Leggings – Dansko Lizzy Peep-Toe Booties – Tory Burch Small Romy Tote – Karine Sultan Pearl & Coin Layered Necklace
In general, your ideal garments to combine with leggings include:
- Tunics
- Asymmetric tops and tunics
- Short dresses
- Knit dresses
- Long knitted sweaters
- Longer asymmetrical pieces
- Long cardigans
- Big wide sweaters
- Sweater dresses
What shoes to wear with leggings?
As you will see from all the examples in this article, you can wear a wide variety of shoes with leggings. Open-vamp shoes look the best as they will further lengthen your leg line. But with cooler weather, you can definitely wear your leggings with closed-toe versions such as booties, sneakers, and knee-high boots.
Dansko Lizzy Peep-Toe Booties – Fly London Tull Wedge Sandals – Steve Madden Verdict Sneakers – Roxy Briar Combat Boots
Which accessories to wear with leggings
Of course, anything goes for choosing accessories to wear with your leggings. But generally, leggings invite a casual look, so you could opt for scarves and crossbody bags rather than anything too formal. However, if you choose a dressier pair of leggings, you might want a clutch bag or statement jewelry.
Tory Burch Small Romy Tote – Vince Camuto Felix Top Carry Handle Handbag – Aimee Kestenberg Mini Zen Leather Crossbody Bag – Karine Sultan Pearl & Coin Layered Necklace – Nordstrom Stacked Stone Faux Pearl Linear Drop Earrings – Karine Sultan Kyanite Drop Earrings – Nordstrom Demi Fine Double Hoop Earrings
Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above shows how you could wear your leggings for cooler weather, with a hoodie and longer coat.
Recreate her outfit with this similar hoodie, coatigan, leggings, sneakers, bag and cap.
For which body type would leggings be suitable?
All body types will be able to wear leggings when you consider some of our earlier suggestions.
If you prefer not to highlight thick calves, we recommend wearing skinny jeans instead of leggings. These pants skim over your calves and will make them look slimmer. If you want your legs to appear slimmer, make sure your leggings don’t end at the widest point of your legs.
Wide legged pants are also an option or you could wear leggings with nice knee-high boots.
Leggings can work exceptionally well for the apple body type. Your long tunic or top covers your belly, and the leggings show off your fantastic legs.
You could never tell that Anja @curlytraveller does have a tummy from these images (below).
Most women with the pear body shape prefer to choose a top with sufficient length over their hips if they want to downplay their hips. If you want to highlight them, then leggings are the ideal garment.
If you are self-conscious about your tummy, it’s also worth looking at how to hide your belly with the right clothes.
Judith @stylecrone above (read her style interview here) wears her leggings with a print tunic and platform boots.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic (another option here), leggings, boots and hat.
How to wear leggings in summer and for travel
If you live in warmer climates, below are a few travel looks with leggings.
Here is how I wore black and white leggings on holiday.
Above is when I wore a long white tunic over a pair of Capri leggings.
Leggings with asymmetrical tunics
I especially love asymmetric tunics and tops as they create an interesting silhouette and lengthen you through additional vertical lines.
Also take a look at the best asymmetrical tops and dresses.
What not to wear with leggings over 40
We have spoken a lot about what to wear with leggings, but what are some things to avoid?
- Unless your leggings are thick, avoid tops higher than mid-thigh. Or use an asymmetrical top that is long at the back (as shown below).
- Don’t wear tops that are too tight. Leggings look better with wider tops, which creates a contrast between fitted and loose.
- Be certain to dress up animal prints (unless you are opting for skinny jeans instead of leggings) and disco fabrics for your leggings. Remember that the classier the top, the better the leggings will look. The luxury fabric of silk, wool or cashmere will create a great contrast with the comfortable jersey leggings.
What is the ideal length of your leggings
You can never go wrong with full-length leggings. These elongate and will make your legs appear longer. Ankle-high leggings can also look sexy, especially with heels or booties.
If you are short, though, mid-calf and short leggings should be worn cautiously, as they will make you look smaller. Leggings that stop just below the knees are a great option, too, and good for summer days.
As you may have seen from the images above, wearing shoes in the same color as your leggings is excellent as they elongate your legs even further.
Tall flat boots work well with leggings, but short booties and ballet flats work equally well.
For more info on what kind of shoes to wear with what pants check out this article.
What about jeggings and skinny jeans?
We are also big fans of looser-fitting leggings, jeggings, and skinny jeans. Check out our articles on the best jeggings or skinny jeans. These will not show every curve in your legs but will provide nice vertical lines and make your legs look long and slim.
Depending on the kind of jeggings and skinny jeans you choose, your tops can be shorter for these pants, although, just like leggings, they will also look good with longer tops.
Skinny jeans are usually a bit thicker and roomier, so they can be worn with shorter tops. Be sure to wear the right underwear, though, so there is no clear VPL (visible panty line). (Featured below are Greetje and me.)
Below is another look with skinny jeans featuring an asymmetrical top.
A capsule wardrobe with 9 ways to wear your leggings
Of course, there are so many ways you could put together the leggings, tops, sweaters, dresses, shoes and accessories in this article to create many, many outfits. But here are 9 outfits to get your started.
Let me know which of these outfits you would wear.
shop leggings outfits here:
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
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I hope this clarifies how to wear leggings! What do you think? Do you like wearing leggings, and how do you usually wear them?
Continue reading:
- The Best Tummy ControlJeans To Give You A Smoother Look
- The Best Pants And Skirts To Fit And Hide Your Belly
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
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Feature image by Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle
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