It’s that time of year again. With the temperatures creeping down further and further down the thermometer, some places below freezing, it’s safe to say that it is officially the season of peak comfort, which means that you’d probably rather cozy up in your most comfortable leggings rather than, say, a (seemingly) stuffy skirt or a pair of trousers. As appealing as the idea of spending the entire season in loungewear sounds, more likely than not you have an office to go to each day, and a dress code to go with it. That said, wearing leggings for work is a possibility. All it takes are the right styles.
Let’s be real: Whether you work in a corporate office or a more creative environment, dressing for the office is no easy task, especially when you’re trying to incorporate more comfortable (and sometimes leisurely) pieces into the mix. While you want to wear something that allows you to move and breathe freely, you also have to maintain a level of professionalism — you are at an office, after all. Save those bright and printed leggings for the gym or your spin class, and instead keep an eye out for details that elevate them to a more business-appropriate setting.
As you start shopping for leggings to wear to the office, look for simple details that make them feel more like trousers. These Skinny Leggings by Theory, which cost $325, have seams running down the front as well as zippers at the ankles that make them fit for a business meeting. It can also be as simple details that give the illusion of tailoring like the seams on this Wingate WALO Legging, $395, or the back hem slit on this $145 Ponte Legging Pant by Cuyana, which instantly elevates them to a new level. If you really want to mimic the idea of trousers at the office without compromising your comfort, this pair of Gucci Tech-Jersey Stirrup Leggings has a standard zipper and button fastening and costs $850.
You can also shop for different prints and textures such as faux leather and tweed, which will make your leggings feel appropriate for anywhere but the gym. This plaid Seamed Crop Legging from Sanctuary will go perfectly with a chic blouse and a pair of heels. Want something even more neutral? The Rodi Leggings from Toteme, which cost $225, will be perfect to wear throughout the season with its camel hue and checked pattern. If you happen to work in a more creative environment, or you want to add an edge to your work ensembles, opt for these Vince Camuto Stretch Faux Leather Skinny Pants. And, you can wear them to the office and then to drinks afterwards.
See? You can wear leggings for work, as long as you have the right pairs. You’ll look just as polished and professional as you would in any other part of your office wardrobe, guaranteed. Now, keep scrolling down to see more styles that are worthy of a promotion themselves.
