How To Wear Leggings as Pants (YES, I went there)

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I know, dangerous dangerous territory, but it’s only because I found the raddest leggings everrrrr. MOTO LEGGINGS, ya’ll. I’m serious.

When I saw them it was like the heavens opening up and God said from above, “My child, I see you on that daily early morning struggle bus…trying to find something cool to put on. Do not fear. I give you moto leggings (that can be worn as pants). PEACE BE WITH YOU”.

Yep. Exactly like that.

I’ve found a ridiculously easy way to wear them successfully, too…without having my sweet, untoned derierre hanging out. That would be yikes, is all I’m going to say.

The Formula

#1 Moto Leggings

What’s cool about these moto leggings is that they have some texture to them – lines, stitching and panels. They are pretty much pants then, right?? I mean, almost…sort of. It all comes down to what they’re worn with.

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#2 Long, Loose Top

I try to always go with a longer top when wearing leggings, because…hello…that mom BUM-age. If I was actually working out (ha ha that’s funny), I wouldn’t bother with it, but since I am trying to actually wear leggings as pants (which are usually a bit thinner than a yoga pant), this is an important thing to incorporate into the outfit. FYI: I love the FP thermal tunic tops.

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3. An Interesting Layer

I have this lightweight anorak/utility jacket that does a fantastic job of adding a cool layer. It’s also a bit longer in the back, so it helps with giving the leggings a more pant-like look. That’s the BIG objective here, ladies. Must. make. leggings. look. like. pants. Ya know, this may just be one of my greatest achievements in life.

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4. Euro-inspired Sneakers

Aaaaaa yes. These shoes make me so happy. Maybe it’s because I have ties to the UK (my dad lives in England) or maybe it’s just because I have big feet, but I love a good european-style sneaker. I have never been able to jive with big, clunky sneaks. A nice, lighter and more simple sneaker has always been my go-to…and that’s why I’ve been wearing New Balance almost as long as I have been sporting Converse. Also, S just covered this particular shoe and she is spot on. This is THE SHOE, friends. I’ve been wearing it with everything this Fall.

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Wearing it Out:

Recently I’ve been able to get out BY MYSELF for a couple of hours on Saturday (it’s so incredible when the baby doesn’t have to nurse every 5 sec. Ya know??). I grab a coffee, get my eyebrows waxed, run an errand…or just literally sit in the car…in the peace and quiet. I’ve been wearing this outfit out (literally wearing. it. out.). It’s incredibly comfortable, easy and yet makes me feel like a cool person. Hellz yeh! Rock on, moto leggings. I lub you.

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outfit details

earrings: Nickel & Suede Leather Earrings – as a non-jewelry person, I highly recommend these earrings. They are lightweight and can be thrown on with most anything. I’m wearing the medium size, btw.

top: Free People Thermal – awesome top for the Fall and Winter. I think I may have to get the berry color, too…becaaaause…I’ve been wearing this one almost as much as the leggings. eeeeeee.

leggings: BP. Stretch Cotton Moto Legging – a moto style with cool lines and edges. I got a size Medium, thinking they would run small…but they actually run pretty true to size. These faux suede moto leggings are also so cool!

jacket: Levi’s Lightweight Utility Jacket – I got this last year and it has served me well. I love it.

shoes: New Balance 410 Prep Lifestyle Sneaker – so euro-cool. They make my big feet (size 9.5) look smaller. BTW: go up a half size. They do run a tad small. I am wearing a size 10.

bag: Lily Jade Madeline Diaper Bag – I take it everywhere when the kids are with me. Also, I just saw that they are coming out with a new design – handles on the washable/removable insert…as well as a few other updates. I am so excited! The company is awesome and I have really appreciated their diaper bags.

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So, yeh. Don’t tell me leggings aren’t pants. I WON’T LISTEN ANYMORE.

Cheers,

Cams

>> Follow me on Instagram to see what else I’m wearing this Fall (or just the leggings styled different ways?)… @camilledipaola

All photos by the incredibly talented (and cool) Ariana Clare. She’s a mom, too, and totally gets it. If you’re in the NC/SC area, hit her up for some amazing pictures.

23 COMMENTS

  1. Oh that’s too funny as it has been my go-to outfit too! Black leggings (maternity, for a reason), FP thermal top from last year (but yours/new looks great, now want that too :), military jacket and awesome sneaks. Highly recommend – Onitsuka EDR 78 in black leather. Retro, cool and clean looking, comfy, practically waterproof, and… tadaa… won’t make feet look bigger! Tall and skinny with big feet myself, sister! Pictures don’t do those sneaks justice – got them from amazon for silly $70 and they are amazing in real life! Just play around with sizing as some Onitsuka sneaks are listed in men’s sizing and i found that going half size up (in women equivalent) worked. Love your style and cheers to more Saturdays like that one!

  2. I got the ALO moto leggings in the higher waisted style and they are great! So many compliments when I wore them last week. Definitely more fashion than yoga!

  3. I had those BP leggings bookmarked but then wasn’t sure – after your glowing recommendation I will try them!! Also checking out loads of your other links….thanks!

  4. I have to admit to being dubious about the Euro claims of that sneaker. Not seeing much of it in Amsterdam (where I live) nor on a recent trip to Paris. Is this just on street style blogs or something?

    • Well, not having been to Europe in yeeeears, I can’t really say. haha. However, they remind me completely of the styles found there – more simple, classic, lighter…if that makes sense. Pumas used to be huge in England – would see them everywhere (no idea if they still are)…and they are similar.

  5. I love leggings. I just bought some at the Saks Fifth outlet and they are amazing. I like the long jacket to hide the backside! Usually i wear them under a dress or around the house but i am still trying to find that outfit that will make it acceptable for work. Fingers crossed!!

    http://www.ebatotes.com

  6. Oh how I wish I could wear these leggings! Super comfy but alas my athletic calves are just too bog for them and they just don’t fit right. 🙁 Stupid stair mill! 🙂 Looks great on you tho!

  7. I don’t own moto leggings, but I wear my faux leather Spanx leggings everywhere! They are amazing. High waisted, super comfy, and look more stylish/put together than just standard black leggings. I actually rocked mine with a non-bum covering sweater today and my sneakers and still felt totally appropriate…also look great with booties.

  8. You look incredible, Cams! I love those NB sneakers and have been wanting a pair for the last year or two. Maybe I’ll finally take the plunge thanks to you and Shana? Congrats on your baby free Saturday morning, that’s quite an accomplishment. 🙂

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