5 Of Fall 2025's Biggest Legging Trends & Exactly How To Wear Them

Leggings — with their much-maligned stretch of elastic comfort — have slipped out of early retirement. After years spent confined to Pilates studios and long-haul flights, the soft, synthetic relic of our collective youth has been welcomed back into the fashion fold for fall 2025. Designers and dressers alike are proving that knowledge of how you should be wearing leggings in 2025 to avoid a sloppy look has become a bona fide style skill.

The slim pants we call leggings have a surprising past. Their origins stretch back to 1958, when chemist Joseph Shivers invented spandex (more commonly referred to as lycra) — the groundbreaking fiber that allowed clothes to finally move like skin. By the time Jane Fonda's workout tapes hit the '80s, leggings were the uniform for both sweat sessions and street style.

Now, in 2025, leggings are enjoying their most sophisticated, self-assured era yet. No longer a shameful representation of laziness, they're increasingly being co-opted as evidence of effort. This fall, the right styling turns them into a sleek expression of elegance — proof that ease and purpose can share the same hemline.

The classic black legging returns for fall 2025, only now it carries the confidence of a French It Girl. The secret, to be expected, is all in the styling. Choose a sculpting fabric that holds its form, then pair it with pieces that have a more considered construction, like a boxy shirt or a collared top. Add textured socks and ballet flats (preferably this season's twist on the classic) and you'll have captured that elusive je ne sais quoi we all chase.

Capri silhouettes have been creeping back from the early 2000s archives, and this fall they've fully reclaimed their place on city streets. In legging form, they rank among the most wearable '90s trends that are making a comeback for fall 2025. To make the look work, keep proportions in mind. Balance the cropped, streamlined shape with an oversized jacket. Or, play into the silhouette with a fitted top. Either approach works, as long as it feels fluid. Minimalist flip flops or one of the hot heel trends for fall 2025 will complete the look.

Speaking of capris, their printed counterparts are also stealing the spotlight this season: polka dots, bright hues, retro swirls, and especially plaid, which everyone stylish is wearing this season. These all recall the glamour of mid-century resortwear, filtered through a distinctly modern lens. Let the print set the tone, and temper it with pared-back staples in a restrained color palette. A fitted tank, low-profile footwear, chic sunglasses, and a compact clutch will let your look do the talking.

If you're looking for a way to make leggings feel truly grown-up, the straight cut version might just be your best bet. Looser through the calf with a soft flare, this form borrows the elevation of trousers, but keeps the comfort we love. There's no denying this iteration feels arguably more composed than its skin tight predecessors. Seek these out in the color trends you should have on your fashion radar for fall 2025, and your look will be right on point.

This fall, you don't have to be a world class equestrian or a prima ballerina to enjoy the elegant comeback of stirrup leggings. The subtle strap detail that loops neatly beneath the foot has trotted firmly back into the fashion mainstream, bringing drama and intrigue along too. It's a small detail with an outsized impact — instantly refining even the simplest ensemble. These leggings pair beautifully with loafers or kitten heels (or any shoe that lets the stirrup peek through, for that matter), elongating the line of the leg and giving the whole look a tailored edge.