Fashion

Go Ahead And Wear Leggings To Work With These 10 Pairs That Look Like Pants

Once upon a time, leggings were reserved for yoga and running. But today, every woman's favorite athleisure pant can be seen on high-fashion runways and even in the office. Some of the best leggings for work can be easily disguised as pants, and even come with zippers and pockets.

IMO, choosing between leggings and pants is a no-brainer. Leggings are more comfortable, they don’t need to be dry-cleaned, and they can basically be worn with anything. Plus, they tend to be cheaper than trousers — even the leggings that look like pants.

The key to finding a pair of professional-looking leggings all starts with the fabric, and you're going to want something thicker than the standard spandex blend. One of the main reasons heavier fabrics are more appropriate for the office is because they'll show off minimum butt cleavage. (Though, as a former bartender, I can say there are some workplaces where butt cleave is respected.) Corduroy, suede, faux-leather, and wool are all great options to consider.

Whether you work somewhere with a casual dress code and are looking for the most comfortable pair of leggings to get you through the day, or are trying to trick your boss into thinking you're wearing pants, the professional-looking pairs of leggings, below, cater to every size, style, and need.

1

Faux-Suede "Pencil Pants" With A High Waist

WearLove Womens Faux Suede High Waist Ankle Length Pencil Pants, $10-$21, Amazon

For those who love the high-waisted look but find trousers and jeans too uncomfortable to wear for eight hours a day, these "pencil pants" are going to become your new obsession. The polyester, spandex, and faux-suede blend creates the illusion that you’re wearing a very pricey pair of pants. They come tons of colors, like army green and grey, and also offer a variation with metallic buttons on the front.

2

Slim-Fitting Corduroys With Faux And Real Pockets

MeMoi Royal Plush Thin-Rib Corduroy Leggings, $18-$25, Amazon

There’s nothing basic about these ribbed corduroys with their classic legging fit. They come in thirteen different colors, ranging from very funky (metallic pink and teal) to neutral gray and black. Made with comfort in mind, they have faux pockets in the front, so they look like pants, and real functioning pockets in the back. Reviewers say these high-quality cords are long enough for tall folks and, even better, they don't shrink in the wash.

3

Budget-Friendly Leggings With A Chic Design

No Nonsense Women’s Window Pane Cotton Legging, $13-$15, Amazon

These are a great pair of leggings for more formal office environments, and they pair perfectly with a white blouse. They're machine-washable, super affordable, and aren't see-through. Reviewers say they fit true to size and don't stretch out after multiple wears. Plus, they really do look like trousers.

4

Comfy "Dress Pants" With Zip Pockets And A Vertical Seam

Rafaella Women’s Slim Ponte Comfort Pant, $30, Amazon

These leggings are perfect for business-casual environments, as they feel like leggings but look like dress pants. They may be a bit pricier than the rest on this list, but the sleek front seams and zipper pocket details are worth it, according to reviewers. They're machine-washable and super comfortable and will retain their shape without getting stretched out after a few wears. Plus, they’re nice and warm, so they're perfect for cooler temperatures.

5

Faux Leather Plus-Size Leggings With A High Waist

7th Element Plus Size Faux Leather Leggings, $15, Amazon

These leggings are versatile enough to wear at the office, for a fancy evening out, or to run errands in style. Pair with any type of top to show off your beautiful shape — they look good with everything. They may look suffocating, but they're actually super stretchy, as they’re made with polyester. Other perks include that they don't shrink or wrinkle, and are super affordable.

6

Stretchy Jeggings With Pleats And Zipper Details

LAINAB Womens Biker Skinny Pencil Pants, $25, Amazon

These pants may look like a cool pair of biker jeans — but they're actually mostly-cotton leggings. Reviewers say they're stretchy, and not too tight or restrictive, despite their look. The zipper detail at the ankles and pleats along the thighs are super stylish, perfect for both casual office environments and nights out. They come in six cute colors and are a quarter of the price of similar-looking jeans.

7

Business Casual Leggings With Elastic Side Panels

Suko Jeans Womens Pull On Ponte Pants Skinny Legging, $12-$30, Amazon

These leggings are super easy to dress up or down, depending on the type of office you work in. The thick fabric blend stays opaque and they come in a wide array of plus-size sizes, as well as two colors (wine and black). "They are the perfect combination of comfort and office style," writes one reviewer. "The stitched line down the front makes [them] a bit more business-like, but the material is fairly stretchy, and the panels of elastic around the waist/hips are awesome!"

8

Comfy Ripped Jeggings With Functioning Pockets

Hue Women’s Ripped Knee Denim Leggings, $43-48, Amazon

For those of us that have the freedom of wearing more casual attire at the office, these ripped leggings are both stylish and trendy. Available in black, white, and blue denim, they're stretchy, comfortable, and maintain their ripped design even after multiple washes. Plus, these leggings get bonus points for having functional back-pockets, in addition to faux front pockets.

9

Leather & Denim Biker Jeggings With Zip Detailing

PU Leather Denim Stretchy Rider Leggings, $28 -$38, Amazon

These leggings are great for folks working in creative fields that walk the line between self-expression and office-appropriate. The intricate detailing of zippers along the legs and down the front give the appearance of a pair of pants, and they have feature cool pleating at the knee, too. Made from stretchy denim and faux-leather, these jeggings will keep you feeling comfortable — but looking cool — throughout the day.

10

Ultra-Comfortable Plus-Size Leggings That Are Perfect For Everyday Wear

Torrid Premium Leggings, $30, Amazon

If you need a basic black pair of leggings to pair under dresses, tunics, and big sweaters, these leggings will do the trick. They're made of cotton and spandex, so they're a bit thicker than your average pair, and are also super stretchy. Described as flattering to the midline with a 28-inch inseam, they're also great for taller folks that need a little extra length. You probably don't want to wear these as pants, per se, but everyone needs a solid pair of everyday leggings to layer with, and these are just that.

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