This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle.

I’ve been living in Zella leggings for years. We all have. They’re tried and true — comfortable, flattering, they wash and wear easily. Perfect price point. I have quite the collection — and, thanks to the year we’ve had, it’s been getting a heckuva workout. And since they’re available exclusively at Nordstrom, they’re super-easy to shop. Free shipping, free returns. Excellent customer service that extends to their curbside pickup program. The Nordy Club program that makes earning points and perks quite the addictive little game. You know the drill, gang. It’s all just so convenient. Twist my arm.

So I recently loaded up my cart with a few new picks: I’m mildly obsessed with this particular cinnamon shade at the moment; I love the idea of this longer, ruched tank for when you want a little more coverage with your leggings; and two sweatshirts that I instantly knew would be in heavy rotation (the marbling on this one!!) — why not? And then, because I liked the British spelling in the name (totally straight-shooting here), I threw in a pair of these black High Waist Cosy Tech Leggings at the last minute (note: they are interchangeably called Cozy Winter Pocket High Waist Ankle Leggings on the site, but the specs are the same). And, well, friends. The rest is history.

tank (TTS, XS) | bra (TTS, S) | leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (size down one, XXS) | shoes (size down half)

The Best Black Leggings I’ve Put On My Body: Zella High Waist Cosy Tech Leggings

Below, exactly what makes these leggings the best black leggings I’ve put on my body. (To be extremely clear: that’s not click-bait. These are legit.) And, of course, a peek at some of the other Zella pieces getting me through this holiday-at-home season.

OK, first of all, I can already hear S saying “seriously? we’re doing a post on black leggings?” — but hear me out. I, like many of us, own a lot of black leggings. I, like many of us, find most of them to be…predictably reliable. They’re versatile. Flattering. The unofficial lower half of the mom uniform. (As proof: I drove by the park today, and while stopped at the corner I counted no less than five moms all sporting black leggings. And masks! Go mamas!) So I get it, Shana. A typical pair of black leggings? Been there, done that.

leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (size down one, XXS) | shoes (size down half)

Except…these are not your typical black leggings. These are, in fact, the only cool weather leggings I might ever need. They are:

• Buttery soft. As in, I couldn’t stop stroking my own legs while I was wearing them. I know it’s been a while since we’ve had contact with, like, people, so maybe it’s 60% leggings, 40% COVID talking here, but they are delightful to the touch.
• Super flattering. Slimming, bum accentuating, no awkward riding up the crotch situation. Not even a little bit see-through. Just really good looking
• Seriously comfortable. I wore them every day last week. I even threw them in with a couple loads of Lana’s laundry just so they’d be ready to go. Not at all constricting.
• Thoughtfully designed! Pockets on both sides — and *gasp!* they’re where pockets actually should be! Seriously, pocket placement on these is KEY. It’s high up, closer to the hip — so high that I almost didn’t realize there were pockets at first — so there’s no weird mid-thigh bulge if you tote your phone along with you. And the little things that look like perforations in the ankle? They’re reflective. So handy.
• And finally — they’re COZY. While not technically lined, they’re knit in such a way that the inside almost feels fleece-y. Moisture-wicking warmth without the bulk of lined leggings. I am one very pleased, black-legging-wearing mama.

I’ve worn them for running. I’ve worn them for yoga. I’ve worn them for lounging. (And, yes. I’ve worn them to the park.) Clearly, I’m not the only one to realize what a gem these are, either, because sizes are going fast. I’ll be keeping an eye out for restocks, but if your size is in stock now, I’d say go for it. (I may or may not have snagged a second pair for myself…)

leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (size down one, XXS) | shoes (size down half)

The tank and sweatshirt here are easy staples, too. The Work For It Tank is the perfect shade of red — and it hits just at the hip (on my slightly long-torsoed 5’5″ frame), so it’s not too long nor too cropped. And the High/Low Sweatshirt is just the right weight for post-workout or indoor hangs — cozy without being stifling, and the crewneck is generously cut so it doesn’t feel like it’s creeping up. I sized down one, and it was still plenty roomy and slouchy. Classic ribbing at the hem and cuffs, interesting seaming, and the ivory heather is more nuanced than it looks in photos — super pretty.

leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (size down one, XXS) | shoes (size down half)

tank (TTS, XS) | leggings (TTS, XS)

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Dang, These Cranberry Leggings Are Flattering, Too!
(And A Modern Take On The Graphic Sweatshirt)

Despite my best efforts, one can’t live exclusively in black leggings, so I snapped up these gorgeous cinnamon leggings, too. Zella’s Live-In Leggings are an absolute closet staple, and this is the perfect color for fall and winter. I know it’s called cinnamon, but it gives me all the seasonal, cranberry vibes (I’ve been secretly stalking anything this color for the better part of a month, so these leggings were just meant to be). Super-stretchy, never sagging — I’ve slipped into these for pilates the past few mornings and then proceeded to wear them the whole rest of the day. Something about the hue makes it feel more like I’m getting dressed with intention, which is a welcome change of pace now that I’ve retreated even more into hermit mode than I usually do this time of year.

tank (TTS, XS) | leggings (TTS, XS)

The Shirred Tank is a workhorse of a top. It’s super soft and moves well through workouts, but it’s long enough to nearly cover your bum — especially lovely if you want those leggings to feel even more like pants. I chose it in black because it’s just so easy to reach for (I’d even be able to dress it up with black leggings or skinnies and boots), but there’s the faintest pink that‘s so pretty, and the heathered plum is kinda my jam. (Get it? Plum…jam? Oy.)

And friends, how cool is the marble veining effect on this Ink Print Sweatshirt? It’s like the best of a graphic sweatshirt (I always gravitate toward washed black versions), but more muted and modern. The roomy fit is perfect for lounging, but I would absolutely put it with washed black straight leg jeans, high tops and a fluffy plaid blanket scarf for some chilly fall errand running. Easy.

tank (TTS, XS) | leggings (TTS, XS)

tank (TTS, XS) | leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (TTS, XS)

tank (TTS, XS) | leggings (TTS, XS) | sweatshirt (TTS, XS)

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Shop All My Zella Loungewear & Workout Picks

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So many better-than-basics from Zella — so much time for wearing alllll the comfy clothes. Black leggings, included. (Sorry, S, they’re just too good.)

Cheers!
Em

Tremendous thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post. Little known fact: Zella leggings were my first-ever Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase, and I haven’t looked back since. There’s genuinely a reason they’re such a best-seller, and I can’t imagine mom’ing without them. And always, big thanks to our readers for visiting our space and supporting the brands that allow us to continue creating content (and, uh, put dinner on the table). We so appreciate you!

Guys! Follow me on Instagram for more peeks into our life on the Northern California coast. And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my personal food + lifestyle blog, The Pig & Quill, where I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and home life. Byeeeeee!