Few things are as infinitely debatable as the term “business casual” — except perhaps, the definition of its close relative, “smart casual.” The waters become murkier when it comes to women’s fashion and murkier still when it comes to items like leggings.
Granted, leggings have been a standard clothing item since Audrey Hepburn popularized them in the mid-1950s. The next important chapter in modern leggings was the invention of Lycra in 1958, which democratized stylish leggings or even plus size leggings for women forever.
But until the 1980s, they were more often seen in artsy mod circles, among the jet set, and as women on the bleeding edge of style. The 1980s saw leggings being used in more of an athleisure context, and then they kind of went away in the 1990s. In all this time, they were not considered by most people to be fit for the office.
During these times, leggings were rarely — if ever — seen incorporated into serious business wear. While leggings became passé in the 1990s, the decade also brought about a monumental change that would bring them to the forefront of office wear in the next two decades: the popularization of business casual.
However, even with looser clothing standards, leggings did meet some resistance. The pushback even continues to this day, when there are still plenty of offices that specifically warn against leggings in their business casual policies. Many more, however, choose to be more lenient with leggings.
Do you want to use leggings at work? If your workplace is on the more forgiving side, the tips below will help you use them in a way that looks professional enough for any given workday.
Use Them with a Dress
If you have leggings that are closer to tights than they are to skinny jeans or yoga pants, chances are they can be easily matched with a dress. This look can be exceptionally smart if the dress is somewhat on the short side but still covers the important bits. The key to a more professional look is to use leggings that are opaque yet tight-fitting.
Use a Smart Blazer or Jacket
This trick also works when wearing jeans or sneakers in a business casual setting. Using a smart-looking coat or blazer can offset the more casual look of whatever else you’re wearing. This can work well with a range of tops, including less dressy blouses and even t-shirts.
Wear a Looser, Longer Top Than You Would Normally
A top that can cover your backside will appease many of the more conservative folks calling the shots on your office’s business casual policy. A less form-fitting top will also draw less negative attention to you, which some may count as a partial success when it comes to professional attire. Oversized sweaters are also a good option, especially during fall or winter.
Consider Your Leggings to Be Your “Most Casual” Piece
If you choose to use leggings, it’s easier to have a professional look if everything else you wear is firmly in the realm of professional clothing.
Of course, this is only a guideline, not a rule. As we mentioned earlier, you could probably get away with a lot if you have a good blazer. But by keeping your leggings as the only casual piece, you will find that it’s much easier to come up with combinations that safely meet your workplace’s nebulous business casual guidelines.
Use Killer Kicks
Jumping off the previous point, using professional-looking shoes or boots can make people completely forget that the leggings you’re pairing with your footwear are completely casual. Boots with heels are especially useful for removing the casualness of leggings, though a solid pair of flats can do that as well.
Solid Colors Tend to Be Safer
That isn’t to say that patterned leggings can’t work. But in a professional setting, patterned leggings are usually only accepted in the most chill workplaces. In any case, it usually takes less mental energy to make solid leggings get with most outfits, which is always a plus when you’re rushing to work in the morning.
Not All Leggings Can Work for the Office
This depends on your workplace but fewer people are willing to accept fluorescent pink or zebra-patterned leggings as appropriate business casual attire. The same goes for yoga pants and most things that could be classified as “athleisure”.
The fact is, even with pieces considered to be casual, there is a sliding scale of acceptability when it comes to business casual or smart casual dress codes. Try to gauge attitudes in your workplace as well as the qualities of a specific piece before wearing them to the office.
Use Accessories
Jewelry and makeup are some of the most powerful ways to firmly assert the “business” end of a business casual ensemble. Subtle professional-looking makeup and tasteful business-appropriate jewelry will do a lot to cover up the casualness of your leggings. Using a nice business-appropriate bag or briefcase can further reinforce your work-ready look. With the right accessories, you can turn your use of a normally laid-back piece into an office power move.
Business casual standards are constantly evolving, and with time, it’s possible no one will question leggings at the office. Until then, following these tips will help you use leggings in a way that still look professional in today’s context.
Do you wear leggings at work? What other tips can you share? We’d love to hear from you!
