This post is sponsored by adidas.
I’ve shared this “hack” of sorts before, and I’m going to share it again now: anytime you want your basic black leggings outfit to feel fresher, more interesting and way more intentional — swap those leggings for running tights.
That’s it. That’s the hack.
For travel season, it’s especially handy. In fact, We’re heading to Chicago next weekend, and you can bet I’ll be wearing this exact outfit on the plane. And probably for our morning riverwalk coffee runs, too.
sweatshirt (tts, s) | leggings (tts, s) | shoes (size down half) | weekender tote
Running Tights For Travel? Yep. Here’s How They Outperform Leggings
So here’s the deal. I unapologetically love a black legging. I wear them weekly. But for travel, especially, good running tights are generally sleeker and more compressive (yay, contouring and improved blood flow!). They’re moisture wicking + stink-proof (ewwww long days sitting in allllll the public spaces). They’re usually made of a sleek performance material that is far less likely to attract lint and hair and all the other things that make black leggings look kinda sloppy by the end of the day.
And honestly, they just look cooler.
sweatshirt (tts, s) | leggings (tts, s) | shoes (size down half) | weekender tote
Unsurprisingly, these Hyperglam Emboss Leggings from adidas are absolutely ideal for just such a swap with their repeating logo pattern and glossy details. The seaming is flattering and comfortable, too, and the flat, wide elastic waistband stays in place and is all-day comfy. Travel day requirements for sure.
And because they’re from adidas, they wash and wear like true performance wear. Which means when you get where you’re going, you can hand wash them and hang them to quickly dry, and you’ll have a fresh n’ ready pair of black “leggings” to wear either on the way home or for the actual athletic endeavors you might have planned during your trip.
I’m telling you, there are so many wins here, friends.
Which brings me to yet another win.
This adidas Essentials 1/2 Zip Fleece Sweatshirt. Might it be my new favorite sweatshirt? It’s up there, for sure.
The swingy cropped shape. The drop-shoulders. The color. It’s like a deep, raisiny burgundy that reads almost chocolatey in low light and is so very pretty. And it looks decidedly elevated with these slim running tights and low profile sneakers. (It’s also really, really great with high-waisted denim, which is how I wore it to the park and Girl Scouts this afternoon.)
Seeking An Alternative to Sambas or Gazelles? Try the SL 72 OGs
Oh, and I’m sorry, did you mention you wanted a slim, low-profile sneaker with plenty of support and subtly retro vibes? These adidas SL 72 OGs are as cool as Sambas or Gazelles while being just different enough.
The textured off-white leather with the collegiate green accents feel especially vintage, but there are 16 more (!!) colorways to choose from. The jacquard Shadow Red + Gold is next on my list. It’s downright gorgeous.
Shop All My Favorite SL 72 OG Colorways (There are SO many good ones)
And if you need a gift idea for someone on your holiday list, this ultra-roomy, easy-to-clean adidas by Stella McCartney tote surprised me with its generous weekender size, handy outer zip pocket (perfect for quickly accessing your phone/ID/earbuds) and padded laptop compartment. There are dual handles so you can carry it by hand or comfortably on your shoulder. Just smartly designed.
It’s going to be my carry-on item next weekend since it holds SO much stuff but still crushes down nicely to fit in tight spaces. Kinda complements my faux-athletic aesthetic, too.

sweatshirt (tts, s) | leggings (tts, s) | weekender tote
Truly, friends. If you’re traveling this season — or, heck, if you’re just interested in mixing things up at drop-off or for errand running — I can’t recommend this running tights + elevated sweatshirt combo enough.
It gives I didn’t just default to black leggings…again.
It gives I chose to get dressed with intent today. (Ha, the fools.)
And I always figure, at the very least, people might just assume I either came from working out or have plans to do so later.
Which, I mean…
I’ll take it.
xo,
Em
Thank you so much to adidas for sponsoring this post. I mopped floors at the local deli to earn money to buy my first pair of secondhand shell toes in high school and have been sporting three stripes since, so every opportunity to work with the brand is a dream. And thanks, friends, for hanging out with us here on The Mom Edit and supporting our partner brands so we can keep doing our thing. We truly appreciate you.
Friends! Follow me on Instagram for accessible, easily adaptable recipes; sneak peeks of The Mom Edit content (and sales!); and more snippets of 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!
Photos by the lovely Carolyn Stockman.













