The Chicest People I Know Are Wearing This Surprisingly Elevated Legging Trend

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn; @lindatol_; @cocoschiffer)

Friends, please don’t come at me for putting “elevated” and “leggings” in the same sentence. I’m just here to *gently suggest* that there are some legging outfits I’m seeing out and about that feel surprisingly polished. I’m putting it down to a sudden uptick in one very specific (and somewhat controversial) legging style: ’80s-inspired stirrup leggings, which are popping up as a trend in stylish neighborhoods from New York to London to Amsterdam (not to mention at the Chanel show in Paris).

For those who need convincing, I’ve come armed with photographic evidence of six very chic outfits with stirrup leggings—none of which involve puffer jackets (although, I have to tell you I’ve seen some great puffer jacket outfits in New York lately) or anything that could be mistaken as athleisure. Could stirrup leggings be the chic black pant style our winter wardrobes have been missing? These looks are collectively making a pretty strong case.

I have a theory that stirrup leggings picked up steam thanks to 2024’s massive slingback trend—they pair perfectly to create a very satisfying crisscross of straps.

Just stylist Coco Schiffer in New York making another great case for stirrup leggings and slingbacks. The drapey wrap cardigan and slick bun are giving chic French ballet teacher (in the best possible way).

I love the styling of stirrup leggings over preppy socks and loafers—very cozy-practical for December in Amsterdam. This look feels like she’s about to order a black coffee and pull a New Yorker out of her handbag.

Same base layers as the look above, but an oversize wool blazer and retro eyewear give this outfit totally different energy.

If stirrup leggings are happening at Chanel, it only seems right to take note. A moment for Jen Azoulay at Paris Fashion Week back in October giving us the fun little detail of styling her stirrup leggings *over* her heels.

Linda Tol’s covetable pregnancy style has seen her wearing stirrup leggings on heavy rotation this winter, usually styled with turtlenecks and one of many great coats.