Leggings can be an economical essential, yet pairing them with these five winter trends elevates them beyond the ordinary.
On those brisk mornings when you wake up feeling a bit behind and can't bear to take off your cozy Olivia Von Halle pajamas or If Only If night dresses, leggings offer a quick-fix solution that keeps you comfortable while still looking stylish. They serve as a remedy for the winter chill that descends around this time of year, acting as a substitute for the luxurious loungewear we wish we could wear all day. While they can’t compare to snuggling up in your flannel duvet and bed socks like Bridget Jones, leggings are a more socially acceptable option for satisfying the essential need to stay warm and stylish—two crucial elements from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
While I enjoy styling leggings just as much as anyone else, I do have one minor concern. Due to their basic design, the most chic leggings outfits often end up feeling a bit repetitive. Despite my career focused on spotting and reporting on fashion trends, I sometimes find myself stuck in a routine that has led me to combine cropped leggings with a boxy high-neck knit and ruched loafers, wearing it until I'm tired of the look. As a proud outfit repeater—something that aligns with my sustainable fashion approach—there's nothing inherently wrong with this. However, this season, I want to embrace dressing up more and challenge myself to be intentional about my clothing choices—even when it comes to something as basic, affordable, and accessible as leggings. Thus, I've decided to create a guide featuring the latest trends to incorporate into your leggings outfits, making them feel refreshingly new. Many of these trends likely already exist in your wardrobe due to their timeless appeal, so these stylish additions are simply a way to utilize what you have. From long coats to funnel-neck jackets, read on for the top winter trends to pair with leggings.
**The 5 Chicest Winter Trends to Wear With Leggings**
1. **Funnel-Necks**
**Style Notes:** Despite having an unappealing name reminiscent of an unnecessary kitchen gadget—seriously, you need to be a culinary expert to own one—funnel-neck jackets have become exceedingly popular. Perfectly relaxed and ideal for wrapping up during chilly walks, adding this to your outerwear collection will leave you looking both current and ahead of the trend.
**Shop the Trend:**
This Róhe style tops the list for every fashion editor.
You can snag a pair for about the price of a pastry and coffee.
**Reiss**
Oversized Grained-Leather Bomber Jacket in Burgundy
This has a distinct Saint Laurent vibe.
**VARLEY**
Assure Stretch Leggings
Rich chocolate is one of winter’s hottest colors, and a luxurious pair of leggings is the perfect way to embrace it.
2. **Floor-Length Coats**
**Style Notes:** While opinions vary on whether leggings are appropriate office wear—some may argue they lack formality for the workplace, while others believe they aren't offensive enough to be excluded from boardroom meetings—you can draw inspiration from corporate staples to elevate any leggings outfit. The floor-length coat serves as a prime example. Favored by both preppy finance professionals and mobsters, this tailored piece can make anything beneath it appear significantly more luxurious than its actual price tag would imply. Additionally, if you have strict dress codes, this style can discreetly cover any style missteps.
**Shop the Trend:**
**VICTORIA BECKHAM**
Wool Coat
Just look at Victoria Beckham for proof that she excels in British tailoring.
Stirrup leggings are truly the best in this category.
**MANGO**
Handmade Wool Coat With Belt
This coat doesn’t quite touch the ground, which will please any germaphobes, yet remains equally stylish.
**ZARA**
Limited Edition Knit Leggings
3. **Flannel Shirts**
**Style Notes:** Coming straight from the ‘90s, the classic flannel shirt has made a comeback. Once confined to the closets of grunge musicians like Kurt Cobain, this former symbol of rebellion has ironically become highly sought after by mainstream fashion. With high-end brands like The Row and COS giving it a sophisticated twist, every fashion insider now sports a flannel shirt tied around their waist or draped over their shoulders. While this look may bring a sigh from those who experienced its previous popularity, there's an undeniable effortless elegance to it. Personally, I enjoy wearing mine during my weekend post-pilates pastry runs to enhance that off-duty vibe I'm after.
**Shop the Trend:**
**COS**
Checked Flannel Shirt
This is the season's cult favorite, and I’m surprised it’s still in stock!
For a more polished look, try this zip-cuff style from COS.
**With Nothing Underneath**
The Classic Shirt
**ARKET**
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Leggings can be an economical essential, yet pairing them with these five winter trends elevates them beyond the ordinary.
And overcome the cold of winter.