Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 12:47 pm
In this guide:
- Lace-up trainers
- Faux fur ankle boots
- Slip-on canvas shoes
- Knee-high boots
- Ballerina flats
- Colourful heels
- Biker boots
- Patent leather loafers
Deciding which shoes to wear with leggings is essential to finding your style. Leggings are one of the best pieces of clothing ever to grace our wardrobes. They’re super comfy, go with almost any outfit and can suit all kinds of activities and events.
Their versatility also means you need to pick your accessories carefully to go from ‘hitting the gym’ leisurewear to ‘out on the town’ glamour. Just your choice of footwear can turn a casual ensemble into professional attire, without having to swap out your leggings for something more restricting.
Here’s our top dos and don’ts for styling footwear with your favourite pair of leggings.
Lace-up trainers
Before becoming a fashion staple, the trusty legging was originally designed for sports. That’s why lace-up trainers and leggings go hand in hand when it comes to exercise, whether it’s a run in the park, trip to the gym or a dance class.
They don’t need to be associated with exercise either. Plenty of celebs have been spotted wearing a leggings and trainers combo outside of the gym. Just opt for a top or jacket that screams day-time wear and you’ll have casual-chic down to a T.
Top tip: Try to style your athletic leggings with a chunky trainer to lift your look and put a spring in your step.
What to buy: A pair like these navy and pink trainers will give you some height and add a pop of colour to your ensemble.
Faux fur ankle boots
Winter is here and with it the-grab-and-go ensemble. A pair of ankle boots with leggings, paired with a chunky knit cardigan, will see you carry out your day in style, comfort and warmth.
For adding an extra layer to your look, let your socks peak over your boot. This, plus opting for a boot with a fur trim, helps you avoid bunching at your ankles too, keeping your look slim and streamlined.
Top tip: Opt for a pull-on ankle boot to save yourself precious seconds on a morning with a thick sole for added comfort.
What to buy: This faux fur pull-on ankle boot from Lilley is perfect for creating that ‘just rolled out of bed’ effortless look.
Slip-on canvas shoes
When you’re not hitting the gym but still want that casual sporty look, a slip-on canvas shoe pairs perfectly with your leggings. This companionship is made for Sunday brunches and weekend walks, and a great time to show off your style with pretty prints and bold colours.
Top tip: Try to avoid clashing prints. If your leggings have a pattern on them, opt for plain canvas shoes, and vice versa.
What to buy: This white slip-on canvas shoe is great for contrasting against the stark black of your leggings for a chic finish.
Knee-high boots
Just like your leggings, a good pair of knee-high boots can take you from your morning meetings to drinks with the girls in effortless style. The tight fit of your leggings also means your legs will seamlessly slide into your knee-high boots without a struggle.
Then layer up with a jumper, scarf and coat, and you’ll have the perfect autumn-to-winter outfit.
Top tip: A slim fit knee-high boot will make your legs look longer and leaner. Leggings are great for keeping knee-high boots up too.
What to buy: The suede effect of these black knee-high boots will blend seamlessly with your leggings for a classy, monochromatic look.
Ballerina flats
Simple, comfy and light, ballerina flats are the leggings of the shoe world, so it makes sense that you can easily pair the two together. This creates a casual and classy look ideal for shopping trips or lunch dates. For the best results, keep your shading similar, black pumps with black leggings or nude with neutral leggings.
Try to avoid ballerina flats with straps, as these can make your legs look shorter and can cause bunching when wrapped around your leggings.
Top tip: Both leggings and flats are simple and slim in design, so go bold with your accessories to make your outfit pop.
What to buy: A playful print like these leopard ballerina flats can help add some personality and style to your outfit.
Colourful heels
The easiest way to dress up any outfit is with a pair of stylish heels, and leggings are not exempt from this. As leggings are usually a neutral colour, such as black or beige, a heel with some colour can help set your outfit off.
Similar to ballerina flats, opt for a simple stiletto rather than a shoe with straps or buckles when wearing leggings with heels.
Top tip: Both heels and leggings lengthen your legs, so counteract this with a loose-fitting t-shirt on top.
What to buy: A bright and bold heel like these white leather sling backs will have everyone staring at your feet in envy.
Biker boots
Nothing exudes confidence quite like a strong pair of biker boots. Match yours with a pair of simple black leggings and an oversized jumper or shirt for a look that means business.
Biker boots are great for transforming your chic and feminine leggings into something more rugged and trendy. Stick to neutral tones for both your leggings and boots, then a simple plain white tee on top.
Top tip: Pair your biker boots and leggings with a leather jacket for some seriously cool rocker chick vibes.
What to buy: Add some edge to your casual look with this black lace-up ankle boot with a block heel, and simple zip fastening.
Patent leather loafers
If you want to get away with wearing your leggings to an all-important meeting or fancy dinner, then loafers can help add a polished and professional look to your ensemble. Pair your simple black leggings with an oversized shirt and blazer, then slip on some patent leather loafers for a laid-back yet sophisticated look.
Top tip: Keep it simple with a classic black loafer. If you want to add your personal style, go with just a small embellishment, like a buckle or tassel.
What to buy: This stylish black patent loafer with a bow is a subtle way to add some style to your workwear while still looking professional.
Now you know what shoes to wear with leggings, it’s time to start shopping. You can revamp your whole wardrobe for less with the Shoe Zone women’s range.
