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Whether you love or loathe them, I can pretty much guarantee at some point in your life you have donned a pair of leggings.
In the 1990s, a long time before athleisure’s huge glow-up of recent years, women were made to feel like wearing leggings was a sign you’d given up on fashion.
In the 2000s the then-young millennials wore them with completely disheveled Ugg boots and thick low rise leather belts. Faux leather often featured.
Then in the 2020s came the rise of the Adanola yummy mummy and women suddenly had an option to remain comfortable and practical; just pair leggings with a high sock and a baseball cap, and you’re good to go.
It’s a long time since we’ve seen leggings on the runway though – but that all has changed for spring/summer 2026. Brands such as Celine, The Row and Alaia focused on leggings in their catwalk shows. They were high fashion and paired with heels and tailoring that looked breathtakingly chic. These are not the styles we have seen on the High Street. Alaia pair sells online for £1,670; a £10 multipack of Primark leggings, it is not.
If you want to channel this fashion-forward take on the legging, then forget leggings you would wear to the gym. The new fashion legging is thicker than most you’ll have come across before, holding you in place and working with your leg, rather than just sitting on top of it.
One person who has no doubt spearheaded the popularity of leggings is Claudia Winkleman, who is rarely without a pair when presenting The Traitors. Her stylist, Sinead McKeefry chose the Spanx Scuba style (which are actually currently on sale).
However, even as Vogue hails the return of leggings, I wonder whether I – as a size 14 hourglass woman – can wear them in the same stylish way as Claudia can. The bulk of my weight sits around my hips and thighs, so while I am all for this very chic trend (I haven’t met a Celine look I don’t like) I fear we have yet again found something only for the skinny girls.
Or is it? In the name of fashion, I set out to work out how to style leggings in a way appropriate for events and the office if you’re curvy like me
Here are the four ways I styled my Vuori leggings. These are my favourite black leggings as they are so comfortable, hold the body beautifully and provide complete coverage.
LOOK 1
This is a really flattering style that covers what you need it to, while complementing the rest of your body’s proportions
I’ve often read that the best way to balance out a pair of leggings is to wear something big and loose – but honestly this just adds two stone to my appearance. I do not need a bulky, thick jumper that cuts at the top of my thigh.
However, a belted long line shirt jacket made me feel completely fabulous. This is a really flattering style that covers what you need it to, while complementing the rest of your body’s proportions. I will be wearing this all season.
Get the look
LOOK 2
A longline top, preferably with an asymmetric hem under a cropped jacket, avoids bulking you up
A longline top, preferably with an asymmetric hem under a cropped jacket avoids bulking you up, while also providing enough coverage and a point of interest. The little mule shoes give it an elevated, more formal look.
Get the look
LOOK 3
The nip in at the waist was instantly flattering and the line underneath provided coverage
I was dubious about popping on this jacket, as I had previously tried an oversized leather bomber that cropped at the widest point of my hips. It looked horrendous and my body looked like a lollipop on top of a rather full stick. This peplum shape, however, really took me by surprise and I felt fabulous. The nip in at the waist was instantly flattering and the line underneath provided coverage. I styled it with a flat leather boot and sleeveless black roll neck from Sezane for a sleek but styled finish.
Get the look
LOOK 4
A comfy, low-key look of leggings and a Breton jumper is immediately elevated by a longline coat, a pair of Ray-Bans and suede trainers
Those yummy mummies know what they are doing. A comfy low key look of leggings and a Breton jumper is immediately elevated by a longline coat, a pair of Ray-Bans and suede trainers. (These Tu shoes are a true bargain!) For a Sunday stroll or brunch this outfit looks chic but is very comfortable, a win-win.
Get the look
My favourite leggings
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