I pretty much live in leggings 24/7/365, however I think we can all agree they're a fall + winter must have. I'm forever grateful to the '60s for blessing us with them, LOL! The fit + versatility they offer makes them a wardrobe staple, however IMO not all styles are created equal. After trying countless pairs and brands over the years, I've finally found my four favorite go-to pairs.
Full outfit details here: First look {wearing this pair, size small} | Second look {wearing this pair, size small} | Third look {wearing this pair, size small} | Fourth look {wearing this pair, size small}
A few things I look for in leggings are quality (great fabric + durability), fit, color (black needs to actually be black) and if possible, an affordable price point. I want to be able to keep + wear them for years, not be see-through, etc. Here are the ones I like best:
+ SPANX Look at Me Now Leggings - If you're looking for that perfect legging that will go with virtually anything, this pair from Spanx is a great option. They have this amazingly comfortable fabric that feels incredible on, is figure flattering + slimming and has a great size range. For me, this pair is basic enough to be worn casual, sporty or dressed up. They don't look "too fancy" or too much like athleisure-- they're just a great pair of leggings. They come in several patterns/colors as well as different lengths. I have both the regular and the cropped, however I prefer the cropped as it's more like a 7/8" length that hits just above the ankle. They are on the splurge side but worth it IMO-- they hold up, wash well and a pair should last you for years.
+ SPANX Faux Leather Leggings - Another Spanx gem is their faux leather leggings. These are a notch above a basic legging, however they're also extremely comfortable and figure flattering. I like how they look both dressed up or casual with a graphic tee + sneaks. Again, a little on the pricier side but amazing quality and machine washable!
+ Old Navy PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings - Out of every pair, these are the ones I wear the most throughout the year. They're an athletic style fabric + cut so they're perfect for day to day use. I do a lot of physical work at my job so I love that they're lightweight, flexible and have side pockets to keep my phone and car key. They also fit well, have the 7/8 length and the quality for the price is honestly incredible. When I first tried them I was skeptical, ya'll... normally I find super affordable leggings to be poor quality but I'm obsessed with these. Normally they're priced at $39, however Old Navy always runs promos so you can usually find them for $20-25. Definitely wait and snag them on sale!
+ Zella Live-in Leggings - I need to purchase new ones of these, all of my old pairs have finally worn out after years and years of wear! I'd classify these as another versatile pair that can be worn lots of ways-- I'd lean a little towards more casual/athleisure, however I think you can also get away with wearing them a little bit dressier with oversized sweaters, etc. I've always liked this pair because they're a stretchy, thick material that isn't see-through and the fit is great. Very comfy + high-waisted which makes them flattering on. They're also a thicker material compared to the Spanx, so I tend to wear these more during the cooler months. The price is more mid-range now (around $60) but you can sometimes snag them on sale for $30-40.
If you're on the hunt for some new leggings, hopefully you'll try + love these too. I'm always looking for the best of the best, especially when it comes to the basics. If you have any pairs that you love, let me know so I can try!
I love sharing my must buys with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)
