Cute Ways to Wear Leggings This Summer

Athleisure is big business babes, and we all love leggings for so many reasons. They’re perfect all year ‘round, adding comfort and style to every outfit. Whether you’re pairing them with a comfy sweater to stay stylish when it's freezing outside, a blouse for the office or a statement crop top before heading out with the gals, they’re an easy pick in every closet and we all own a pair (or few).

However, pick the wrong pair or don’t pair them with the right other wardrobe items and you’re setting yourself up for fashion failure, whether it’s the summer heat or just looking plain slouchy (because looking like you just rolled off the couch covered in Cheeto dust is not cute). No worries, though. We’ve got you covered with the top style tips for cute ways to wear leggings this summer, no matter your personality or size. Channel your inner Jenner and step out looking fabulous (and wonderfully comfortable).

Often, it’s not the pair of leggings you’re wearing that make or break your look, but instead what you actually wear with leggings. One simple and easy way to add a bit of style and an upgrade to your normal leggings look is with long shirts that are cool in the warmer weather, but still stylish. Think sleeveless tunics, slightly oversized blouses or statement t-shirts. For an even cooler look for a night out, pair some hot leather leggings with an oversized white tee, and a brightly colored statement bra underneath. You’ll be turning heads all night!

Not quite your style? For a less edgy look, pair black leggings with ballet flats and a flowered tunic, for a sweet and simple look perfect for every activity whether you're heading to a book club or one of the best places to brunch.

You can buy leggings in just about any pattern now, from the more demure to the most outrageous. Be careful not to go over the top with your patterns, though and end up looking like a kooky character whose only role in this play is that of comedic relief. That's definitely not one of the cute ways to wear leggings.

Any time you go big and bold with your leggings (think animal prints, the galaxy pattern or even unicorns?), keep any other piece of clothing in a solid color that matches. It’s almost always a safe bet to wear black, unless you’re wearing a navy blue pattern, in which case you’ll want to steer clear. Otherwise, keep your shirt, shoes and accessories in a monochromatic theme, to stay cool, not crazy.

Just because you’re going for a super-casual look, doesn’t mean you have to look like you spent the day napping in bed (even if you did). Opt for a more high-brow casual look by pairing your leggings with a simple tank, denim jacket and casual footwear that’s not the same sneakers you wear to the gym.

Try Converse, Vans or other shoes that, while “technically” sneakers, are more likely something you’d wear to a concert than on the court. This look works with both cropped leggings and full-length leggings, if you want to ensure you survive the heat, even with that denim jacket in tow. Plus, since the jacket, tee and shoes are relatively low-key, you can dress up the leggings a bit by choosing a pair that are sequined or cut-out.

If you work in an office during the summer months, you know the pain that comes with trying to get dressed every morning. Wear something too summery and you’ll feel the pain of the office air conditioning; wear a sweater or cardigan and you end up sweating your butt off both on the way to and from work. Figuring out business casual for women can be a real pain. Thankfully, one of the best cute ways to wear leggings includes office wear and leggings are often a cooler option for summer and a warmer option in the office than, say, a skirt or sundress.

What can you wear with leggings at the office? How about a black blazer with black leggings, one of the long shirts we discussed above and some fashionable black flats or heels? You’ll look stylish while you give that presentation, but no one will know just how comfy you feel!

One of the undeniably cute ways to wear leggings this summer is paired with a crop top and vest. The crop top keeps you cool and fashionable, while the vest gives you a little bit of extra coverage, in case you’re not totally comfortable in a crop top just yet. After all, it takes a lot of crunches to look fab in a crop top and we probably all prefer chardonnay to cardio any day.

Opt for a long vest in a fabric that’s most certainly not denim for an elongated look and a high-waisted legging. Go with a casual shoe or low heel and you’re ready to hit the town with a look that’s both in style and super fun.

Kimonos are big this summer and we seriously love them. The patterns range from bohemian to artsy, high-fashion to understated and you can find them in just about any of your favorite stores, from the luxurious to the most budget friendly. Pair a long, bright kimono with a pair of white leggings and a matching tank for a look that says you’re ready to jump into downward facing dog at any time, but you’re dressy enough for a hot lunch date at the same time.

It’s the perfect cute way to wear leggings on a Saturday morning when you just want to throw your hair up in a bun and go, whether you’re headed to the farmer’s market or your favorite cafe.

Summer means easy, breezy days on the water, whether you’re chilling on the family yacht or your new bae has taken you out for a cruise on his sail boat. Pair some black leggings with a classic, nautical striped shirt for a classy look even Audrey Hepburn would love. Grab some sunglasses straight out of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and you’re ready to hit the waves; coffee and donuts included. Don’t forget to take plenty of Instagram pics, because this classic look is one you’ll want to remember (and the comments you’ll get on your post will more than prove it).

Plus, even better, these are timeless items you can add to any wardrobe for a chic look all year long, leggings or no leggings, even though they do happen to be one of our favorite cute ways to wear leggings in the summer.

Another look inspired by Audrey, this cute way to wear leggings is perfect for a rainy day when you’re required to go out and face the elements, but you’d prefer to do so in style. Wear a pair of black leggings with a classic, beige trench coat for a look that never goes out of fashion. Black ballet flats or a simple, understated, black high heel is the way to go for footwear, and don’t forget a statement designer bag to top it all off. You might just find you’re turning so many heads that you start wishing it would rain more often this season!

Speaking of jackets and coats, a biker or bomber jacket can be the perfect thing to make any pair of leggings worthy of your favorite going out ensemble. Pair faux leather leggings, plain black leggings or even extravagantly designed leggings with a leather biker jacket tailored to fit your curves, or a more relaxed bomber, either plain or in a fun design. Top it all off with a pair of cool casual wear shoes or some ankle boots.

However you style it, these are cute ways to wear leggings that translate well from day to night, summer to fall, so you can keep them in your rotation of favorite outfits for multiple seasons and multiple occasions.

Channel everyone’s favorite fashion muse (Rihanna, of course) and go with a liquid legging look that provides an ultra high-gloss shine that no one will be able to ignore.

Pair them with even more sparkle with a glittery top and some diamonds. Add your favorite pair of heels and you’re ready for a night on the town. However, these cute ways to wear leggings are definitely evening wear only, folks. This much shine should be reserved for nighttime hours. Don’t want to wait for the sun to go down? You can go casual with your liquid leggings with a simple tee or sweater.