19 Stylish Tops And Shirts To Wear With Leggings

Leggings are simple and versatile attire that can be paired with anything for any occasion.

Reviewed by Raluca Oita, Fashion Designer Raluca Oita Raluca OitaFashion Designer facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc Pratima Ati MSc linkedin_icon
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature) Madhumati Chowdhury MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Leggings are a girl’s best friend. Even Marilyn Monroe cannot convince me otherwise. Leggings have been a wardrobe essential for decades that are gaining more popularity day by day. It’s no wonder why: comfortable, flattering, and easy to style. These are undergoing a major style shift, one in which they adapt depending if you dress up or down. I guess it’s because we live such a hybrid lifestyle following the lockdown, but it’s good to have fashion meet comfort. Today, I am here to talk about different shirts to wear with leggings.

From animal prints to solid colors – there is no design that I have not tried by now. My obsession with leggings has enabled me to experiment with different styles. So, I can confidently say that leggings paired with shirts are a mind-blowing combination.

Putting together these versatile and minimal clothing items can offer you a chic look. Pair them with the right accessories, and voila! Your fashion game will be up by several notches. So, scroll down to check out the cool ideas I have put together.

Ace The Look
  • Top Length: Wear longer tops and tunics with sheer leggings to cover probable camel toes.
  • Legging Length: Go for legging that hit right above the ankle for an illusion of longer legs. Avoid leggings that bunch up at the ankles.
  • Patterns: Avoid pairing patterned tops and leggings. Ensure only one of them is patterned to avoid a jarring look.
  • Washing Frequency: Wash your leggings after 1-2 wears as they stretch out, wrinkling unflatteringly at the knees. Frequent washing will prevent the stretch.

19 Shirts That Go Well With Your Leggings

Gone are the days when leggings were just black and long, and only worn with baggy T-shirts. Today leggings can be of varied types — leather, printed, lace, fleece, capris…the list goes on. You can wear them with shirts, crop tops, leather jackets, hoodies, and sweaters to create amazing outfits for casual and semi-casual occasions! So, leggings are not just ideal for lounging and workouts, they are suitable for other events as well. To help style your outfit, we have put together a list of tops that look incredibly cute with leggings. Take a look!

1. Long Georgette Top With Black Leggings

Long blue georgette top to wear with black leggings
Image: Shutterstock

If your natural pick for this top is black skinny jeans, hold on and try it with a pair of leggings. Since they don’t bunch around your waist the way denim does, they keep the fit of the top intact and create a flattering silhouette. Add a thick waist belt, pumps, and a cross body bag to get party-ready!

2. High-Rise Colored Leggings With A Hoodie

High-rise hoodie shirt to wear with leggings
Image: asos.com

We have learned a thing or two from Kendal Jenner and Gigi Hadid, haven’t we? They practically live in leggings and hoodies, and you can too. Choose colors that pop instead of the usual neutrals.

3. Monochromatic Look With Leggings

Monochromatic look with leggings
Image: Shutterstock

Try the effortless but chic monochrome look with black leggings. Break the narrow silhouette with tan combat boots and get ready for people stealing glances at you.

4. Silk Blouse With Leather Leggings

Blouse top to wear with leather leggings
Image: asos.com

Leggings are probably not the first thing you reach for when you walk around your closet with a silk blouse in hand. But a flattering top like this deserves nothing less than these ultra-hot leather leggings. Wear ankle length booties and a black side body bag, put on a pair of hoops, and style your hair in beachy waves.

5. Crop Top And Leggings

Crop top to wear with leggings
Image: asos.com

I think we can all agree that the only acceptable bottoms in summer are leggings. I’m talking about the soft and breathable kind that come with a thick waistband, don’t ride up, and can be paired with racer back or tank tops.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also wear a cropped cami top and throw over a linen shrug for a more put-together look in summers while driving around town or heading for a pool party. Try bold and fun colors for your topwear such as yellow, orange, pink, and electric blue.

6. Bomber Jacket And Fleece Leggings

Bomber jacket with fleece leggings
Image: Shutterstock

Tame the puffiness of a bomber jacket with the svelte silhouette of leggings. Add ankle-length boots to this equation to balance out the contrasting pieces perfectly.

7. Denim Jacket And Black Leggings

Denim jacket with black leggings
Image: asos.com

You can deal with a denim jacket in two ways. One is, of course, by throwing it on over a tank top and black leggings. It looks great. The second way is to create layers and raise the oomph with a crop top. Trust me, it makes quite a difference. A white crop top, a cropped denim jacket (sleeveless or otherwise), and white sneakers are the way to go.

8. Checkered Jersey Leggings And Leather Jacket

Leather jacket with checkered jersey leggings
Image: boohoo.com

Checks have made their way into leggings too. This androgynous pattern is an interesting choice to look stylish with almost no effort. Put the jeggings on the scaffold and throw on either a black T-shirt, a tube, or even a bralette. Finish it off with a leather jacket to create an edgy look. Ankle boots will look great with this outfit.

9. Abstract Leggings And Tie Top

Tie top with abstract leggings
Image: asos.com

Abstract print leggings are a level above your usual floral printed ones. They are usually pretty mellow and not too over the top. So, stick to the print and keep the top simple. Try a plain black top that ties in the front to amp it up a bit. Layer with a leather jacket to add style and depth to your outfit. You may also choose blazers in vibrant hues with unique patterns all over to create a striking look.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also pick a dark hue from the abstract print on your legging and wear a top in that color to create a harmonic yet interesting look. However, if the abstract prints on your leggings are in dark shades, opt for a lighter top to maintain good contrast.

10. Sculpted High-Waisted Leggings And Sweater

Sweater with sculpted high-waisted leggings
Image: asos.com

Sculpted high-waisted leggings let you show off your calves, butt, curves, and everything else you have worked on, even in winter. Pick oversized, embellished, high-low, or fuzzy long sweaters to wear with leggings to achieve an elegant look. Boots of all lengths go well with this outfit.

11. Animal Print Leggings And Crew Neck Top

Crew neck top with animal print leggings
Image: asos.com

Channel your inner fashionista with these animal print leggings and crew neck top. A sleeveless or halter top will also look great with these leggings. Wear sneakers, put your hair up in a bun, throw on a pair of hoops, and put on some brown lipstick to complete this look.

12. Flannel Shirt And Leggings

Flannel shirt with leggings
Image: Shutterstock

Flannel or plaid shirts with leggings are a big trend. It started in the ‘90s, and we have not looked back ever since. You can tie the flannel at your waist or wear it as a layer. It can be worn by itself over leggings as well.

13. Printed Leggings And Graphic T-Shirt

Graphic T-shirt with printed leggings
Image: asos.com

We have seen abstract prints, animal prints, and some bold colors. These leggings bring them all together. Wear them with a graphic T-shirt, tuck it in, and put on a pair of kitten heels and angular glasses to channel your inner badass.

14. High-Low Top And Leather Leggings

High-low top with leather leggings
Image: asos.com

The fashion police are paranoid about visible panty lines and resist the idea of wearing short tops with leggings. A high-low top is a perfect way to beat that. Also, you don’t have to worry about panty lines with leather, jersey, and fleece leggings. Be wary of the camel toe, though!

15. Long sleeve Shirt And Leggings

Long sleeve shirt with leggings
Image: asos.com

Loosely tuck a long-sleeved linen or cotton shirt into your leggings, put on a pair of ankle-strap sandals, and strut around like you own the world. If you carry this look off confidently, you probably do!

16. Maternity Leggings And Flowy Top

Flowy top with maternity leggings
Image: asos.com

Hello there, baby mama! We know that, at this point, leggings are all that you live in. Ditch your usual oversized shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and boyfriend T-shirts for flowy tops like these. Flaunt that bump!

17. All-Black Party Wear Leggings And Shirt

Black shirt with black party wear leggings
Image: asos.com

Who said you can’t go to a party in leggings? Take a good look at this outfit to see how wrong they are. This tie-up top and leggings look is especially great for clubbing.

18. Kimono Dress With A Top And Leggings

 Kimono Dress with leggings
Image: Shutterstock

The kimono dress, paired with a top and leggings, creates a stylish fusion of traditional and modern fashion. This ensemble seamlessly blends the timeless allure of a kimono with contemporary comfort. The flowing elegance of the dress, combined with the versatility, delivers a fashion-forward look that is both chic and comfortable.

19. White Peplum Top With Mid-Length Leggings

Peplum top with leggings
Image: Shutterstock

The white peplum top, paired with mid-length leggings, epitomizes casual sophistication. This ensemble effortlessly combines a tailored silhouette with comfort, as the peplum adds a touch of femininity. The crisp white hue exudes freshness, creating a versatile and chic look suitable for various occasions and striking the perfect balance between style and ease.

Infographic: 7 Trendy Ways To Style Tops With Leggings

Leggings are a go-to option for many women who are constantly on the move. They are comfortable, cost-effective, and easy to put on and take off. Unfortunately, many women find themselves having to choose between comfort and style quite often. However, we have seen some really amazing ways in which certain tops can be paired with leggings for an effortlessly stylish look. We have presented seven styles that bridge the gap between comfort and style in the infographic below. Take a look!

7 trendy ways to style tops with leggings (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Following the tips on this post about shirts to wear with leggings can help you style up the shirts and tops you have got lying around in your wardrobe. Leggings are the ultimate loungewear, but if you thought that they only pair well with baggy tops, this is your chance to reconsider your fashion ideas. Like shirts are not only meant for trousers, leggings are not only for crop tops or extra-large tees. You can pair shirts and leggings to create stylish outfits and amp up your look with the right accessories such as statement or dainty jewelry pieces, colorful scarves, or structured hats. Complete your look with the right pair of shoes that match the aesthetics of your outfit such as sneakers for a sporty vibe while ankle boots or chic loafers for an elegant touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wear long shirts with leggings?

Yes. You can pair a long shirt, like a tunic, with your leggings. You try edgier, unique-designed leggings or wear ankle-length boots to accentuate your outfit.

Is it weird to wear shorts over leggings?

No. While wearing shorts over leggings leans more towards a conservative look, you can make it trendy by pairing denim shorts over black leggings.

How to dress classy with leggings?

You can pair faux leather leggings with a long tunic, chic blazer, and high heels to create an elegant and classy look for work or a night out with your friends.

Do girls wear underwear with leggings?

This depends on an individual’s personal preferences and fashion.

What type of neckline is best for shirts to wear with leggings?

You can wear round or v-neck shirts and pair them with a beautiful necklace and makeup to complete the look. Remember to keep your body type and personal style in mind when choosing a shirt.

Can I wear a turtleneck with leggings?

Yes, you can pair an oversized turtleneck with a pair of leggings, jacket, and boots or loafers to create a quick, stylish, and quirky look.

Key Takeaways

  • You can wear a pair of leggings with a shirt for a chic yet comfortable look.
  • This versatile and mind-blowing combination can be worn out to work or to a casual outing.
  • You can wear colored leggings with a hood, black leggings with a denim jacket, or high-waisted leggings with a sweater to up your style quotient.

Illustration: Stylish Tops And Shirts To Wear With Leggings

19 Stylish Tops And Shirts To Wear With Leggings

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Get creative and make your outfit stand out with these easy tips. Check out this video to learn how to style leggings in 7 different ways!

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Raluca Oita
Raluca OitaFashion Designer
Raluca Oita is a fashion designer with an experience of over 8 years. She has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster University, London. After graduating, she started working as a fashion designer for various brands. It was during this time that she realized that there was a lack of high-quality sewing patterns available on the market, so she co-founded Georgette Patterns, a sewing patterns boutique, to bridge the gap between high fashion and dressmaking.

Read full bio of Raluca Oita
Pratima Ati
Pratima AtiFashion & Lifestyle Writer
Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.

Read full bio of Pratima Ati
Madhumati Chowdhury
Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
AFS