Affiliate Links // Some items in this outfit were received c/o the brand and are labeled as such.
Wait, what? Yes, you read that correctly. I decided to take a stab at wearing leggings as pants. Now, I’m not advocating you run around in the thin leggings you can find for a couple of bucks at your local mall. The leggings I’m talking about are almost pants. A Ponte knit pant if you will. And these, I believe, can be transitioned from your fall and winter sweater’s favorite partner into something a little more warm weather appropriate.
What I’m Wearing
Vest: GNW c/o Fred Meyer
Top: JCPenney, old (similar)
Leggings: Patch Me Up Leggings c/o Mo & Cho Boutique
Bag: Fringe Bucket Bag via Dailylook (similar)
Sandals: Madden Girl Lori Heel via Journey’s
Necklace: Mirage Pendant Necklace c/o Stella & Dot
Hat: Merona Straw Fedora via Target
How to Wear Leggings as Pants
When spring rolls around, I always start to pack up my favorites from fall and winter. Out goes the fur, the thick knits, and cozy sweaters and in goes the boyfriend shorts, swimsuit cover-ups, and the espadrilles. This year, I didn’t want to pack everything away so it’s been an interesting challenge to see if I can make some of my favorite cold weather pieces work for spring too. These faux leather leggings are made of a thick ponte, almost scuba-like material. They’re a little long, so I opted to roll them at the ankle to add to the illusion that these are in fact pants.
The goal of this particular outfit was to give the black pant and black top almost the appearance of a jumpsuit. If I’m perfectly honest, I don’t think it worked out quite the way I had imagined it in my head, but I like the idea none the less and think this could easily be accomplished with other legging-almost-pants that you have in your wardrobe.
The star of this outfit is the third piece: the vest. I picked this one up at Fred Meyer (seriously, can you believe that?! I’ve found so many amazing pieces there!) and love the colorful pop it adds to the outfit. The vest serves two purposes: it covers my butt, and it makes an otherwise lackluster, all black outfit more interesting. It’s lightweight which makes it perfect for the spring and summer months here in Seattle, yet I could see transitioning this into fall as well.
If you don’t own a vest like this and don’t feel like you’d wear it enough to make it a valuable addition to your closet, try a poncho, duster sweater, or even a lightweight trench instead. The goal of your third piece is to keep your butt covered and add some interest to your outfit. All of the above suggestions would do just that and add a very different look depending on what you selected.
To accessorize, I added my favorite hat that I take on every warm-weather vacation, as well as my fringe bucket bag which is one of my all-time favorite purchases from DailyLook (now unavailable, but the Nordstrom version I’ve linked is super similar!). To draw the attention upwards, I also added the Mirage Pendant Necklace from the Stella & Dot Summer Collection. Finally, the sandals from Madden Girl give this outfit the casual summer vibe I was going for. (Plus, they’re super comfortable and just $30!)
Have you ever attempted to wear leggings as pants? What do you think about leggings worn as pants: possible, or total faux pas? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
I am totally in favour of leggings as pants! They’re just so comfortable! Plus, I feel like the way you layered this outfit, it’s so hard to tell that they’re leggings to begin with. Totally different story when I see folks wearing leggings as pants with crop tops and it’s like, “… I definitely know those are leggings”.
Thanks Katrina! Haha, agreed! Cropped tops and leggings don’t mix in my opinion, I definitely have seen a few ladies attempting that with nearly see through leggings. Not a good look!
I love those leggings and wear leggings as pants all the time (but always with a long tunic or top to cover my bum!) They are just so comfortable and cozy and perfect for the rainy spring days when you want to be cozy!
They really are perfect! This was one of those cool, gray Seattle days and it was the perfect amount of warmth without looking too fall-ish! :)
I’ve been loving leggings lately! Have you checked out Express’ leggings? I just bought two faux leather pairs at their outlet store and I love them.
Since I’m trying to get back in shape, my weight (and clothing size) is all over the place but leggings always fit Lol
http://www.LoveNiki.com
I haven’t! Will have to take a peek next time I’m at the mall! Leggings are great and so comfortable. :)
I loveeee this outfit! I think I may copy it exactly :D The mint green is such a pretty color too.
Yay! Do it! And be sure to tag me if you post a photo so I can see too ;)
I totally think you can rock leggings as pants! I always just make sure my butt is covered but other than that, I always say rock on with your legging pants!
The Adored Life
Totally! I tried not to wear them as pants for a long time but I’m now embracing it. :)
I know this post is about leggings, but I LOVE your makeup. Your makeup always looks excellent and so natural!!
Aw thanks, Autumn! I think makeup can be an important component of an outfit too :)
Love love love the vest! Looks like I am going to have to go to Fred Meyers to check out the clothes section.
Thanks Mimi! It’s great, and yes you do! :)