How to Wear Leggings in Summer

Co-authored by Nejla Renee

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Leggings can be a great way to create a fashionable look while staying comfortable, but summer temperatures can make certain types of leggings impractical for everyday wear. Fortunately, as long as you choose a breathable material and follow a few basic fashion guidelines, you can use this versatile wardrobe staple throughout the year.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Pairing Your Leggings with Summer Outfits

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Wear crop tops or tied-up tanks with high-waisted leggings. Shirts that come down to just above your waist can be a cool option on hot days, and high-waisted leggings are a great complement to this look.
- If you don't have high-waisted leggings or don't like calling too much attention to your midriff, try adding a light, open blouse or tying a shirt or jacket around your waist.^{[1]
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2
Create a comfortable, summery look with long, breezy shirts. Leggings go well with airy tunics and light oversized blouses. Choose something that comes down past your waist. Wear a nude tank top underneath, or pair a brightly colored tank or sports bra with a plain, light-colored shirt.

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3
Accent your outfit with a light jacket or kimono for chillier temperatures. If you want an extra layer for the when the sun goes down, throw on a silk kimono, oversized blouse, or light jacket. This will also help make your torso look longer.^{[2]
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- A brightly colored kimono with a plain tank top, dark leggings, and sandals can make an excellent outfit for going out on a summer evening.
4
Wear dark flats or heels for a more formal look. If you want to dress up, wear black leggings with dark, closed-toed heels or flats that show your ankles. You can also opt for faux-leather or metallic leggings for a little extra flair.^{[3]
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- Dark heels, an oversized blouse, and light jewelry can make black leggings look dressy.
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Choose bright or patterned shoes to accent plain leggings. A simple shoe with bright colors or patterns can make for an interesting accent to plain, dark-colored leggings. Just make sure they don't clash with your shirt or accessories.^{[4]
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- Try metallic or sequined flats to dress up a simple outfit like black leggings and a long dress shirt.
- If you have shoes in bright, solid colors, pair them with small accents of the same color. For instance, try bright red shoes with matching lipstick or earrings.
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Wear low-cut or Converse sneakers for a casual look. Comfortable sneakers can be a great complement to jeans leggings, or help to dress down a fancy outfit. Look for something low-cut, which will draw attention to the narrower part of your calf and make your legs appear slimmer.^{[5]
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- Brightly colored converses are a great accent to simple outfits like jeans leggings and an oversized t-shirt.
- When pairing with dressier outfits, choose sneakers in dark colors to keep the contrast subtle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

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Buy leggings that are meant for everyday wear to avoid discomfort. Leggings that are intended for yoga or exercise are often made of a thicker material like spandex and can be less comfortable to wear for long periods, as well as less flattering. Stretch cotton is a better pick for comfort.^{[6]
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Avoid wearing leggings as formal or professional attire. While leggings can be a great base for a dressy outfit you wear out on the town, they are not generally considered appropriate for the workplace or for any other strictly formal situation.^{[7]
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Check how transparent your leggings are. Avoid wearing leggings that are sheer, especially if your shirt isn't long enough to cover you completely.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.} It can be difficult to tell how transparent material is until you put the leggings on, and some styles are more transparent in the light. Make sure your leggings are thick enough that you can't see through them, or else pair them with a long top.
- Consider the undergarments you're wearing under your leggings, as well.^{[9]
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  Nejla Renee
  Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 18 May 2020.}
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Avoid an unflattering “bodysuit” effect by wearing loose, flowy tops. Wearing skin-tight shirts with leggings can make your outfit look like a bodysuit or unitard, which can be unflattering for any body type. Choosing loose-fitting tops with boxy or flowy shapes will create a more appealing contrast. ^{[10]
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- Try adding a long sleeveless sweater or a light tunic to your wardrobe that you can throw on over any outfit to add a little length and dimension.
5
Wash your leggings after wearing them twice to avoid odor buildup. You may even want to wash them after every use in the summer when your leggings are more likely to absorb sweat and body oils. Follow the instructions on your leggings' care label, and consider using a detergent that contains enzymes, which break down odor-causing bacteria. ^{[11]
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- It can also be helpful to spritz leggings with diluted vodka or vinegar after wearing them, especially if you're unable to wash them right away.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finding the Right Leggings

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Choose a breathable material like cotton to avoid overheating. You want something with good ventilation for hotter days, and your best options will be a cotton or Lycra blend, or even bamboo.^{[12]
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- Some legging styles also have mesh stripes or bands, which can increase breathability as well.^{[13]
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  Research source} These have a sporty look that will go well with oversized t-shirts and jerseys.
2
Try leggings on before buying them to make sure they look and feel good. The waist should be tight enough that your leggings stay in place when you move, but loose enough that it doesn't press uncomfortably on your stomach or hips. Try a few squats and kicks. If the leggings seem to bunch or sag anywhere when you move around, try a different pair.
- It's especially important to try on leggings beforehand when you are buying printed or patterned leggings. Some patterns look don't look as good when they're stretched out, or you may find that they're unflattering once you put them on.^{[14]
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3
Stick to darker colors to create a slimming effect. We tend to wear lighter, brighter colors in summer, but you'll still want your leggings to be darker than what you wear on top for the most flattering look. If you do choose lighter-colored leggings, be sure to wear them with a long top, since they are often more transparent.^{[15]
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4
Buy high-waisted leggings if you have shorter legs. This will make your legs appear longer, and will also match well with cool, comfortable summer shirts like crop tops. They can also be useful for making your midsection appear longer and thinner, and avoiding bulging or “muffin-top” around your waist.
- Try wearing high-waisted leggings with a cropped t-shirt and sneakers for a casual summer look.
5
Choose capri leggings for hotter days. When the temperatures are really high, capris can be a cooler way to wear leggings. They should come down to just under the muscular part of your calf. Tapered legs, rather than flared, will make for a more slimming look.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are there any mistakes to avoid when I'm wearing leggings?

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
Nejla Renee is a fashion stylist, image consultant, and personal shopper based in New York, New York. With over seven years of experience, Nejla specializes in helping people enhance their positive attributes and express their identities through style. Nejla holds a BS in Marketing and Finance from Northeastern University and worked in finance prior to starting her own business. Nejla combines her business experience with her personal creativity, passion, keen eye for detail, innate sense of style, and strong understanding of fit and proportion to help her clients create peace and acceptance around their style.

Nejla Renee

Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant

Expert Answer

The biggest mistakes I see are when people wear leggings that are too sheer, or when they have on inappropriate undergarments.