How to Style Leggings for a Girls’ Night Out: Fun and Flirty

by

Your Ultimate Guide to Styling Leggings for a Fun and Flirty Girls’ Night Out

Leggings: a wardrobe staple synonymous with comfort, workouts, and lazy Sundays. But what if we told you they could be the foundation of your next head-turning girls’ night out look? It’s time to ditch the jeans and embrace the sleek, versatile power of leggings. This isn’t about looking like you just left the gym; it’s about transforming a casual piece into a chic, confident, and undeniably flirty ensemble. This guide will walk you through the definitive strategies, from foundational choices to intricate styling details, ensuring you feel amazing and look unforgettable.

The Foundation: Choosing the Right Leggings

Before you even think about tops or shoes, the leggings themselves are the most critical component. The wrong pair can take your look from “effortlessly chic” to “casually underdressed.”

Material Matters:

  • Faux Leather/Coated Leggings: This is your number one choice for a night out. The sheen and texture instantly elevate the look, adding a touch of edgy glamour. They mimic the look of leather pants without the stiffness, offering all-night comfort.

  • Velvet Leggings: For a luxurious, soft, and slightly vintage feel, velvet is a fantastic option. The plush texture catches the light beautifully, making them perfect for a winter or holiday-themed night out.

  • Scuba or Ponte Leggings: These are thicker, more structured fabrics that offer a smoother silhouette. They don’t have the “athletic” look of jersey leggings and hold their shape well, preventing any sagging. Look for pairs with a subtle sheen or intricate seaming details.

  • Avoid Jersey or Cotton Leggings: Save your classic black cotton leggings for your morning coffee run. Their matte finish and thin material read as casual and can appear sloppy under the wrong lighting.

Fit and Detail:

  • High-Waisted is Non-Negotiable: A high-waisted fit is more flattering, providing a smooth line and the perfect base for tucking in tops or wearing cropped styles. It also offers a more secure and comfortable fit, so you’re not constantly pulling them up.

  • Look for Special Details: Elevate your leggings with subtle design elements. Think zippers at the ankle, lace-up details on the sides, or intricate seaming that creates a more tailored look. These details instantly make your leggings look more intentional and less like a basic athleisure piece.

Practical Example: For a cocktail bar outing, opt for a pair of high-waisted black faux leather leggings. The glossy finish and structured fit provide a sophisticated, cool-girl vibe. For a cozy wine night at a friend’s place, dark burgundy velvet leggings paired with a chunky knit would be both stylish and comfortable.

Tops: Balancing Volume, Texture, and Shine

The top is where you truly define the vibe of your outfit. With the sleek, form-fitting nature of leggings, you have the freedom to play with different silhouettes and textures on top. The key is to create a harmonious balance.

The “Flirty and Fun” Top Styles:

  • Bodysuits: This is the ultimate pairing for leggings. A well-fitting bodysuit creates a seamless, tucked-in look without any bunching or creasing.
    • Lace Bodysuit: A delicate lace bodysuit with a cami-style top and thin straps adds an undeniable touch of femininity and allure.

    • Plunging V-Neck Bodysuit: This creates a dramatic, confident silhouette, especially when paired with a simple pair of leggings.

    • Metallic or Sequin Bodysuit: For a high-energy night out, a sparkly bodysuit is an instant party starter.

  • Crop Tops: High-waisted leggings and a crop top are a match made in heaven. This combination showcases your waist and creates a long, lean silhouette.

    • Ribbed Knit Crop Top: This offers a casual-cool texture and is perfect for a more laid-back bar or pub.

    • Satin or Silk Cropped Cami: The luxurious sheen of satin elevates the entire outfit.

    • Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top: A subtle way to show a little skin while remaining chic.

  • Oversized Shirts and Tunics: While it seems counterintuitive, an oversized, billowy top can look incredibly chic and effortless with leggings.

    • Silk or Satin Button-Down: Wear it partially unbuttoned and tied at the waist for a structured yet relaxed look.

    • Sheer Blouse: A sheer blouse over a simple cami adds a layer of mystery and sophistication.

    • Oversized Blazer: A blazer draped over a simple top provides a powerful, boss-babe vibe.

Practical Example: For a lively dance club, pair black coated leggings with a metallic silver crop top and a long, open-front black blazer. The blazer adds a layer of sophistication, while the crop top is fun and practical for dancing. For a low-key cocktail bar, try a black lace-up bodysuit with a pair of sleek, high-waisted faux leather leggings.

The Third Piece: Elevating Your Look with Layers

A simple top and leggings can feel unfinished. The “third piece” is the secret weapon that takes your outfit from “good” to “great.” It adds depth, dimension, and a polished finish.

The Power of Outerwear:

  • The Leather Jacket: An absolute classic. A well-fitting leather or faux leather moto jacket instantly adds an edgy, cool-girl vibe to any leggings outfit. The contrast of the structured jacket with the soft leggings is a winning combination.

  • The Duster Cardigan or Coat: For a long, elegant line, a duster is a beautiful choice. It adds a bohemian, effortless feel. Opt for one in a soft knit or a luxurious velvet for extra texture.

  • The Blazer: A structured blazer is a foolproof way to make leggings look more formal and intentional. Whether it’s a classic black, a statement plaid, or a vibrant color, a blazer adds polish and authority. Try a boyfriend-style blazer for a relaxed, modern silhouette.

  • The Denim Jacket: While often casual, a dark-wash, well-fitting denim jacket can work wonders, especially for a casual pub or concert night.

Practical Example: For a dinner and movie night, layer a structured black blazer over a silky camisole, pairing it with your favorite faux leather leggings. For a more bohemian vibe at a live music venue, throw on a long, flowing velvet duster over a ribbed knit crop top.

Footwear: The Crucial Element

The shoes you choose can completely alter the direction of your outfit. With leggings, you have a unique opportunity to showcase your footwear. The sleek silhouette of the leggings allows your shoes to take center stage.

Flirty and Fun Footwear Choices:

  • Heels are Your Best Friend:
    • Strappy Heels: A delicate, strappy heel in black or a metallic color adds a touch of sexiness and elegance.

    • Pumps: A classic pointed-toe pump elongates the leg and adds a sophisticated, powerful look.

    • Heeled Booties: A heeled ankle bootie is a versatile and stylish choice, especially for fall and winter. Look for pairs with a block heel for comfort and stability.

  • Boots for an Edgy Vibe:

    • Over-the-Knee Boots: This is a bold and dramatic choice. Paired with a mini-dress-length top or a long tunic, over-the-knee boots create an incredibly chic and confident silhouette.

    • Combat Boots: For a grunge-inspired, edgy look, a pair of platform combat boots with a dressier top creates a fantastic juxtaposition.

  • Avoid Sneakers: While some fashion-forward sneaker styles can work, for a fun and flirty girls’ night out, it’s best to steer clear. Sneakers almost always pull the outfit into a casual, daytime aesthetic.

Practical Example: With a pair of faux leather leggings and a sheer blouse, opt for a simple pair of black pointed-toe pumps for a classic and elegant look. If you’re wearing an oversized knit tunic, a pair of black suede over-the-knee boots will create a stunning, elongating silhouette.

Accessories: The Final Touches

Accessories are the details that tie everything together, adding personality and shine. Don’t underestimate their power to transform your leggings look.

Statement-Making Accessories:

  • Jewelry:
    • Statement Earrings: With a sleek hairstyle, a pair of dramatic chandelier earrings or bold hoops can be the focal point of your outfit.

    • Layered Necklaces: A stack of delicate gold or silver necklaces adds a subtle, bohemian sparkle.

    • Cuffs or Bracelets: A bold cuff bracelet or a stack of bangles can add a finishing touch to a short-sleeved or sleeveless top.

  • Bags:

    • The Clutch: A sleek clutch in a metallic, beaded, or velvet finish is the perfect, sophisticated choice.

    • The Crossbody Bag: A small, structured crossbody bag keeps your hands free for holding drinks and dancing.

  • Belts: A chic belt can define your waist and add a polished touch, especially when wearing a longer top or an oversized blazer.

Practical Example: You’ve chosen a black lace bodysuit, black faux leather leggings, and heeled booties. Add a pop of color and texture with a velvet burgundy clutch. For jewelry, skip the necklace and go for a pair of large gold hoop earrings. This keeps the focus on the lace of the bodysuit while adding a touch of glamour.

Putting It All Together: Three Sample Looks

Let’s combine all these elements into concrete, actionable outfits for different girls’ night out scenarios.

Look 1: The Cocktail Bar Queen

  • Leggings: Black high-waisted faux leather leggings.

  • Top: A sleek, white satin camisole bodysuit.

  • Third Piece: A tailored black boyfriend blazer, worn open.

  • Footwear: Black pointed-toe pumps.

  • Accessories: A delicate gold layered necklace, small gold hoop earrings, and a metallic silver clutch.

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, confident, and effortlessly chic.

Look 2: The Dance Club Diva

  • Leggings: Black coated leggings with zipper details at the ankle.

  • Top: A black sequined crop top with thin straps.

  • Third Piece: A black leather moto jacket.

  • Footwear: Black heeled ankle boots with a block heel.

  • Accessories: A chunky silver cuff bracelet, simple stud earrings, and a small, functional black crossbody bag.

  • Vibe: Edgy, energetic, and ready to party.

Look 3: The Cozy Wine Night

  • Leggings: Dark emerald green velvet leggings.

  • Top: A cream-colored, chunky turtleneck sweater that hits mid-thigh.

  • Third Piece: None needed – the oversized sweater is the star.

  • Footwear: Black suede over-the-knee boots.

  • Accessories: A pair of oversized, circular drop earrings and a small, burgundy velvet clutch.

  • Vibe: Luxurious, warm, and casually elegant.

The Final Word

Leggings are no longer just for the gym. By focusing on the right materials, strategic layering, and purposeful accessories, you can transform them into a versatile and undeniably stylish foundation for any girls’ night out. The key is to think of them as a sleek alternative to pants, not a casual substitute. Embrace the comfort, play with different textures, and have fun creating a look that is uniquely you.