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How to Wear Faux Leather Leggings

As the fashion cycle turns yet again, faux leather leggings are now being labeled as “out.”

But just like when they told us to give up our skinny jeans, I’m here to remind you—feel free to ignore this latest trend and confidently keep wearing your faux leather leggings. I mean, imagine getting rid of them right before the holidays?

The goal isn’t to chase trends, but to create a timeless, modern wardrobe. It’s all about updating how you style these pieces to keep them looking fresh and current.

Of course, wardrobe items naturally fall in and out of style—it’s a normal part of a garment’s lifespan. But today, we’re so quick to declare something “out” that it almost comes back in style right away. In reality, it’s not the faux leather leggings themselves that are dated; it’s the way we’ve been styling them that may need a refresh.

So if you have any version of these hanging in your closet, use can absolutely wear them this season, we’re just switching up a few things.

How to Wear Faux Leather Leggings

Spanx Faux Leather Legging

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

Faux Leather Leggings, $99 or Faux Leather Fleeced Lined Legging, $110

Spanx is my favorite brand for faux leather leggings, but wear whatever you have that fits well. Spanx offers two options: a classic pair and a fleece lined pair, both are fantastic. The fleece lined are especially wonderful if you live in a chilly party of the country or for outdoor holiday activities.

Both styles run small so go up one if you are in between sizes when ordering.

I have owned mine for years and they have not stretched out. 

You can see a full review of the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings here.

I thought it would be helpful to share what to wear with leather leggings, with or without the fleece lining, including tips for styling faux leather leggings for upcoming events you might have on your calendar using items we’ve recently featured as well as some new finds.

And take your time with this one because there are so many good, wearable items and leather leggings outfit ideas in this post.

How to Wear Faux Leather Leggings Three Ways 

Outfit 1: Sneakers, $175 | Sweatshirt, $21.99|Tee Shirt, $8.99 | Sunglasses, $14| Bag, $89 // Outfit 2: Blazer, $248 | Loafers, $158 | Earrings, $13.98| Tote, $28 // Outfit 3: Coat: $199.99 | Earrings, $24.99| Boots, $240 | Bag: $78

For today’s looks I created three easy way faux leather leggings outfits to show you how to wear these leggings in your real life.

You’ll recognize some of these pieces from past posts (remember, we’re trying to build a mix and match wardrobe over time), others are new and worth taking a peek at. 

With Sneakers 

Sneakers, $175 | Sweatshirt, $21.99|Tee Shirt, $8.99 | Sunglasses, $14| Bag, $89

Let’s start with a casual look. Take your usual outfit you’d wear with regular leggings, swap them for faux leather, and instantly elevate your style with that added texture.

By now, most of us have a pair of Veja sneakers. If you don’t, now’s the time to grab them—they’re fully stocked in all sizes. I live in these and their neutral counterpart. It may sound simple, but the black accents on the sneakers paired with black leggings and matching accessories effortlessly pull the whole look together.

Next, layer a basic gray sweatshirt over a white tee. Let the white crew neck peek out from under the sweatshirt for a bit of added dimension without any bulk.

Here, I’m using a popular Old Navy sweatshirt, but you could easily swap it for this one from Amazon—I have multiples because I wear them so often.

The tee is also from Old Navy, but if you’re willing to spend a little more ($48), I recommend this fitted option from Lululemon. It hugs the body just right, so it doesn’t feel bulky, and the close-cut underarm creates a more comfortable fit. Plus, it washes like a dream.

Top it off with a pair of inexpensive sunglasses (I’m a big fan of SOJOS on Amazon—my tortoise pair is a favorite) and a reader-favorite quilted chain crossbody.

And just like that, you’re ready for the school run—easy peasy!

Ankle Boots

Blazer, $248 | Loafers, $158 | Earrings, $13.98| Tote, $28

Now, let’s shift to a work-ready look. Of course, you know your office dress code and culture best, but if you’re lucky enough to have some flexibility with your style, give this a try.

Start with an oversized blazer—not one that swallows you, but not a traditional cut either. This wool blazer from Everlane is perfect and comes in sizes 00–16. I’ve skipped recommending an underlayer because the choice is yours—just remember the blazer is the statement, so you’ll likely keep it on.

For the base layer, anything from a tank, long sleeve tee, or even a turtleneck works, depending on your climate and how warm you run. 😉

Next, try these chunky loafers from Madewell. Since we’re playing with proportions—an oversized blazer paired with slim bottoms—you need something substantial to balance the look.

Wondering about socks? A visible pair of sock will disrupt the flow so opt for a pair of no-show socks or peds.

Worried about being too cold? Swap the loafers for tall boots—see below for options or opt for a different outfit. Don’t try to “make it work.”

Finish the look with sleek silver earrings (these from Amazon are longtime bestsellers) and an affordable tote to carry all your essentials to work.

Knee Boots

Coat: $199.99 | Earrings, $24.99| Boots, $240 | Bag: $78

When putting this look together, I imagined where I’d wear it, and my first thought was New York. Visiting the city—especially during the holidays—is always exciting, but you need an outfit that incorporates your coat since you’ll be wearing it most of the day.

The coat is the outfit, so I started with this faux fur coat from Mango. I’ve never met a statement coat I didn’t love, and I’m mildly obsessed with this one.

Similar to the outfit above, you can layer underneath with simple pieces. A black or ivory cashmere sweater or turtleneck would be perfect—just keep it neutral and avoid anything that competes with the coat’s collar.

For shoes, we’re loving the Piper Boots from J.Crew. I bought these last year (and so did many of you), and they’re fabulous—definitely pull them out of your closet to keep in rotation this season.

Initially, I envisioned this look with a big, oversized slouchy fold-over clutch (very specific, I know), but since that’s not the most practical choice for walking around the city, I was thrilled to find this crossbody version at Anthropologie for $88—it has the same vibe but with more function. Win-win!

Finally, you don’t need a ton of accessories—there’s real beauty in letting the coat’s details and textures take center stage. I did add a pair of CZ emerald-cut studs, which are both classic and just a little unexpected, from Amazon for $25.

How to Wear Faux Leather Leggings
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Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Amy

Thursday 17th of October 2024

Am I right in thinking that if you’re not trying to elevate the look, each of the 3 options could also be worn with regular black leggings, not just the faux leather leggings pictured or is that teetering on dated? Thanks Megan!

Megan Kristel

Friday 18th of October 2024

I would ABSOLUTELY wear any of these with basic leggings, especially if the faux leather aren't your thing. :)

Amanda

Thursday 9th of November 2023

Is it still the "rule" to wear tops that cover your assets when wearing leggings, or am I dating myself? Thank you!

Anne Henderson

Tuesday 13th of October 2020

Can these faux leather leggings be worn with black suede boots or should we stick with just a smooth leather boot? Thankful for your website and blog - this has been tremendously helpful building my wardrobe!!

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 13th of October 2020

Absolutely!! You can wear the ankle version or a knee hight :)