9 Best Tops to Wear with Leggings

Leggings are one of the most versatile, comfortable wardrobe staples around. And since current fashion trends are leaning towards comfort, outfits with cute tops and leggings are definitely in. Celebrities and models from Kaia Gerber to J.Lo are leading the way, and this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

If you’re anything like us, you have a stack of leggings in your closet just waiting to be a part of a cute outfit. It's all about creating stylish layers of texture and color, and we're here to help.

In this guide, we've highlighted some of the best tops to wear with leggings, along with some tips to help you put together outfits you love. And the best part is that you probably have most of these styles in your closet already! So keep reading to find your latest outfit inspo.

Start with a Base

These are some of the best tops to wear with leggings as a base layer. You might wear these tops while you're sweating through your workout, heading to yoga class, or streaming shows with your besties. And if you’re a fan of athleisure fashion, they’re must-haves for your closet.

These base layers are also some of the best tops to wear with leggings for Instagram pics, TikTok videos, and anything where you want to show off your figure. For casual wear, they work well with layers and accessories.

1. Tank Top

A tank top with leggings creates an instant model style, especially if you pair it with heels. Whether your tank top has a relaxed or tight fit, you can create two different looks by tucking it in or letting it hang over your leggings. And if you're building out your wardrobe, tanks are some of the best tops for leggings because they're versatile enough to create a base layer for almost anything.

Tank tops go well with hoodies, sweaters, cardigans, and jackets for a layered appeal. They’re casual and can be used to cover up a sports bra before or after the gym, with or without extra layers.

2. Tight Crop Tops

Tight crop tops are some of the best tops to wear with leggings because they give you an athletic, active look while giving you a solid foundation to build on. In addition, tight crop tops work particularly well with high-waisted leggings, creating a perfect at-the-gym outfit that you can modify for more athleisure or street style with layers. When layered over a tight crop top, cardigans, hoodies, jackets, and sweaters all look super stylish.

Need a new crop top to pull this look off? Our Naked Racerback Crop should do the trick! And if you don't plan to add layers, consider pairing your tight crop top with joggers instead of body-hugging leggings for less of a mid-workout look.

3. Boxy T-Shirt

A slightly oversized t-shirt is one of the most laid-back pieces to pair with leggings. Whether you go for a simple silhouette or a fun graphic tee, you'll capture a relaxed vibe that can go almost anywhere. And you can do nearly anything with it – you might dress it up with a jacket, make it cozier with a cardigan, or go for a baddie look with combat boots.

If you're a fan of graphic tees, you'll quickly notice what a difference they make on your overall look. A vintage AC/DC graphic tee, for example, can create a rocker chic style, while a fun Mona Lisa print will look artsier.

Add Layers

These are some of the best tops to wear with leggings to add layers or move beyond the base looks. They’ll work well over any of the base tops we highlighted above, as well as sports bras and other workout gear.

Layers look stunning with leggings because they create a contrast with the sleek fit, so have fun with it! We’ve even highlighted a few opportunities for adding multiple layers to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.

4. Oversized Hoodies and Sweatshirts

An oversized hoodie or sweatshirt pairs flawlessly with leggings, creating a sporty vibe. It’s perfect for a chill, off-duty look and easy to put together on your way to or from a workout. A jumbo hoodie with leggings works great for everyday errands, lunch dates, and other casual settings.  

You can layer a blazer or trench coat over the hoodie for some serious model vibes and an extra layering opportunity. And if you add some knee-high boots, you’ll have an understated chic look that you can take almost anywhere.  

5. Cropped Hoodies

Crop hoodies are having a moment right now, and it’s largely because of how amazing they look with high-waisted leggings. This look is sporty, casual, and works well as a sports bra coverup, and it’s surprisingly flattering on bodies of all shapes and sizes.

This pairing is popular with stars such as Sofia Richie. And if you want to layer it, try wearing a tight-fitting tank top tucked into your leggings underneath.

6. Knit Cardigans

Knit cardigans lean into the popular “granny chic” trend, adding a cozy touch to leggings. Cropped cardigans are on-trend, but longer-length cardigans pair more effortlessly with tees and tanks. An outfit with leggings and a cardigan will feel so comfy that you won't want to leave the house, but it's stylish enough for any casual setting.  

If a knit texture isn't your thing, try another material or opt for a zippered hoodie instead. An oversized, zippered hoodie will create a similar look with an athletic appeal when worn open. 

7. Button-Down Top

A button-down top adds polish to leggings, creating an effortlessly chic appeal. It's an outfit that you'd expect to see in a fashion hub like Paris or NYC, but it's quick and easy enough for anyone to put together. A slightly oversized fit works best to contrast slim-fitting leggings, especially if you’re wearing it over a workout bra or crop top.

For a cool-girl style, you can unbutton the bottom half of your shirt and leave it loose or tie it off. And if you add heels and jewelry to this look, you can wear it to a date, a semi-formal restaurant, or an office meeting.

8. Denim Jacket

Adding a denim jacket to a leggings outfit can refresh the look, especially if you’re wearing black leggings. The denim trend is popular right now, and you don’t need faux leather leggings to pull it off! Denim jackets have a way of making legging outfits feel both polished and relaxed, and they’re perfect for grunge and baddie looks.

Try adding a baseball cap and t-shirt to the outfit for a more casual look. And if you want a simple Friday night style, try a tight crop top and strappy heels instead.

9. Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is an instant classic, and you can’t go wrong with it. Pair it with sleek black leggings, a loud pattern, or an understated print – this jacket will complete the look no matter what you choose. Look for a biker cut for an edgy silhouette, and don't be afraid to go bold.  

For example, you might add a leather handbag and ankle boots for an elegant vibe or bust out your leopard print leggings for a fun and funky look.

BONUS: Styling Tips

Putting outfits together is tough, but we’re here to make it easier. Below, we’ve highlighted some tips that will make it easier to find the right tops to wear with leggings for any occasion.

Do:

• Choose comfortable leggings of the right length
• Stick to tight, dark-colored leggings to make styling easier
• Wear nice and stylish shoes to compliment your outfit
• Layer your tops if the outfit looks unbalanced
• Opt for solid-colored leggings for formal and classy looks

Don’t:

• Wear thin or see-through leggings
• Wear white leggings without a long shirt or tunic
• Wear faded or ripped leggings
• Wear leggings to the office without dressing them up

These tips should help you find the best tops to wear with leggings, no matter you’re your style is. But there are no firm rules in fashion, and trend-setters usually work outside the box. So don’t be afraid to experiment!

Putting It All Together

It takes time and experience to master the art of designing outfits. But the beauty of the process is that once you've found an outfit you love, you can wear it forever! And with so many fit pics throughout social media, you’re never really on your own.

We recommend that you take pictures of the outfits you like and note the colors that look best on you. In time, this will help you create a personal lookbook and color guide that you can use for any of your favorite tops to wear with leggings. And if you need new leggings and tops to make these outfits happen, check out our complete catalog for some inspiration.