4 Ways to Wear Leggings for Activewear, Athleisure, Casual, and Dressy Casual Outfits

Huge thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post

If you weren’t on team leggings before 2020, I’m betting you are now!  Last weekend, as I waited in line at to get into Trader Joe’s, I noticed about 90% of us were in leggings or joggers. I knew *in my head* leggings were life in 2020, but this was the first time I actually took legit note of it as I counted every person in line who was in comfy athleisure. It was pretty awesome. 😄 So, today I’m sharing four ways to wear leggings, and I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to do it!

The leggings I’m featuring today are the PMT favorite Zella Live In High Waist Leggings.  I’ve talked about these for years, and if you haven’t tried them yet, there’s seriously no better time than now!  These leggings are thick, not see-through, and have compression, which keeps everything secure. 😆 They have a high, wide waistband that helps flatten your midsection.  Overall, they’ve got a super flattering fit!  They’re made for activewear, but you can wear them in casual outfits, too, which I’ll show you!  I wear size M in these.  Check them out in black and a few other colors HERE.  They’ve got 7,000+ reviews with 4.5 stars!

Also, remember Nordstrom offers free shipping and free return shipping on all orders, so if you’re interested but unsure, you can order and try things risk free.  You can also order online and use their curbside pickup service where you just get to DRIVE UP and have your order handed to you while you’re in your car.  And, if you join The Nordy Club, you earn points on all your purchases, in addition to other great benefits like credit for alterations.  Check it out HERE.

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

 

Athleisure Outfit: black tank + red sweatshirt + black leggings + black sneakers Athleisure Outfit: red sweatshirt + black tank + black sneakers + black leggings

1. Activewear
First, of course, you can wear leggings for activewear!  I finally started working out again a few weeks ago, after giving birth back in June.  This tank top has been my new favorite top to work out in!  I own it in both purple and black, and I love it more and more each time I wear it.  It’s cropped, which honestly worried me at first.  But, it’s on the longer side for cropped shirts, at 20.5″ long, and happens to be the perfect length for my shorter torso when paired with higher waisted leggings.  I also appreciate that it’s fitted while also being roomy around the torso and doesn’t cling to my midsection.  It’s soft, comfy, and lightweight!  It comes in 5 colors, which you can see HERE and has 150+ reviews and 4.7 stars!

Shop the Outfit:
Tank: c/o Nordstrom (exact–wearing size S, similar, similar)
Sweatshirt: c/o Nordstrom (exact in other colors–wearing size S, similar, similar, similar)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact–I wear size M, similar–I wear size S, similar–I wear size S)
Shoes: (similarsimilar)

Fall Athleisure Outfit: red sweatshirt + black leggings + black sneakers + cognac tote + leopard print leather earrings Fall Athleisure Outfit: black leggings + red sweatshirt + cognac tote + black sneakers + leopard print leather earrings

2. Athleisure
These Zella leggings are an athleisure staple.  In warmer weather, I like to pair them with a t-shirt and tie a denim jacket or utility jacket around my waist.  In cooler weather, you can throw on a sporty sweatshirt.  This sweatshirt is on the thinner side and has a soft, “worn in” feel to it that makes it really comfy right away.  To step it up from a standard pullover sweatshirt, it has a high/low style and slouchy sleeves for added style.

Unfortunately, this color is no longer available, but there are 5 more colors you can check out HERE, including black, which goes with everything!  I’ve been wearing this quite a bit since it pairs well with both leggings and joggers.

Shop the Outfit:
Sweatshirt: c/o Nordstrom (exact in other colors–wearing size S, similar, similar, similar)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact–I wear size M, similar–I wear size S, similar–I wear size S)
Shoes: (similarsimilar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)

 

Fall Rain Boots Outfit: green crewneck sweater + black puffer jacket + black leggings + black hunter boots + grey tote + leopard print leather earrings Fall Rain Boots Outfit: black puffer jacket + green crewneck sweater + black hunter boots + black leggings + leopard print leather earrings + grey tote

3. Casual
I absolutely love that these leggings can be worn in casual looks, in addition to activewear and athleisure.  One of my go-to combos for leggings in the winter is a cozy tunic sweater with boots.  It’s so easy!  Top it off with tall black boots to anchor the look.

Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: c/o Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M, similar, similar–v-neck)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact–I wear size S)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact–I wear size M, similar–I wear size S, similar–I wear size S)
Boots: Nordstrom (updated version–I wear size 8 in older version, similar, similar–short version)
Tote: (similar, similar)

 

Dressy Casual Fall Outfit: green v-neck sweater + black leggings + black suede boots + grey tote + gold circle pendant necklace + leopard print leather earrings Dressy Casual Fall Outfit: black leggings + green v-neck sweater + grey tote + black suede boots + leopard print leather earrings + gold circle pendant necklace

4. Dressy Casual
Last is a dressier casual look with tall suede boots paired with a simple but stylish tunic sweater.  This is the exact same outfit formula as the one above, but with slightly dressier options for the tunic sweater and boots, plus a necklace.  It’s AWESOME to have a dressier option while still being super comfy in leggings and a loose sweater! 🙌🏽

Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: c/o Nordstrom (exact in other colors–wearing size S, similar, similar, similar— crewneck)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact–I wear size M, similar–I wear size S, similar–I wear size S)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Bag: (similar, similar)
Necklace: (similar)

Again, if you don’t have a pair of leggings you absolutely love yet, give these a shot!  Tons and tons of fellow PMT readers love them.  They’re SO versatile in the sense that they can be worn for activewear AND casual and dressy casual looks.  I’ve owned this pair for 4 years (!!) and they’re still going strong.

Check out all the other ways I’ve worn these leggings HERE, and give these leggings a shot HERE!


 

Hey, hey!  Did you hear?  The Winter Starter Kit Checklist is now available!  If you want a quick list to start a mix and match winter wardrobe, download the free checklist by filling out the form below.  This list easily turns into 14+ outfits!

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