Outfits With Lace up Leggings And 20 Ways To Style Them

Written by

Caz Jones

Fashion & Textiles Writer

Reviewed by

Olivia Davis

Content Director & Senior Editor

Updated Apr 14, 2026

Lace-up leggings are the most misunderstood piece in any activewear wardrobe. I see women treating them like regular leggings — throwing on oversized hoodies and calling it athleisure — when they actually require the same thought as leather pants or statement jeans.

I bought my first pair three years ago for a yoga retreat and quickly learned they’re not just leggings with decorative laces. The side ties create visual interest that demands balance, and the fitted silhouette needs strategic layering to avoid looking too exposed. But when you get the proportions right, they transform basic outfits into something that looks intentionally styled.

The tricky part isn’t wearing them — it’s understanding that every other piece in your outfit needs to work harder. A regular tank top suddenly looks unfinished. Your usual sneakers might clash with the feminine details. Even your bag choice matters more than usual.

Styling Tips

Balance the fitted bottom with structured tops. The skin-revealing lace-up details create a body-conscious silhouette that needs counterbalancing on top. I reach for blazers, fitted button-down shirts, or cropped jackets rather than loose tops. The contrast between the edgy leggings and polished upper half prevents the look from reading as pure workout wear.

Choose your underlayers carefully. Unlike regular leggings, the side cutouts mean your underwear choice becomes part of the outfit. Seamless styles in matching or contrasting colours work best — I’ve learned this the hard way when visible panty lines destroyed an otherwise great look. Some women go commando, but that only works if the fabric quality is substantial enough.

Mind the shoe proportion. Heavy boots overwhelm the delicate lace details, while flimsy sandals get lost against the structured legging silhouette. I stick to ankle boots with moderate heels, sleek sneakers, or pointed-toe flats. The shoe needs to hold its own visually without competing with the side lacing.

Dos & Don’ts

Do this

Adjust the lacing tension properly — loose enough for comfort but tight enough that the eyelets don’t gap awkwardly. The laces should create clean lines, not bunched fabric.

Pair with fitted tops in structured fabrics — cotton poplin, ponte knits, or fitted blazers create the right balance against the leggings’ body-conscious fit.

Choose shoes that complement the feminine details — ankle boots with moderate heels, sleek sneakers, or pointed flats that echo the leggings’ intentional styling.

Avoid this

Wearing oversized hoodies or baggy tops — they make the fitted leggings look like an afterthought rather than a deliberate style choice.

Treating them like regular workout gear — the decorative lacing elevates them beyond basic athletic wear and they need outfit planning accordingly.

Ignoring the underwear factor — visible lines or inappropriate undergarments through the side cutouts can ruin the entire look’s polish.

Stylish Ways to Wear Lace-Up Leggings

Beige Tunic with Side Slits

A long beige tunic with dramatic side slits creates the perfect balance for black lace-up leggings. The neutral top grounds the edgy bottoms while the side splits add movement without competing with the leg detailing. This works brilliantly for women who want to try the trend but feel overwhelmed by too much texture in one outfit.

White Ribbed Tank and Lace-Up Details

The simplest approach is often the most effective — a crisp white ribbed tank lets lace-up leggings be the star. Keeping the top minimal means the eye travels straight to the interesting leg details without distraction. Perfect for anyone who’s nervous about this trend but wants to experiment.

Black Crop Top and White Sneakers

Pairing lace-up leggings with a matching black crop top creates a coordinated athleisure look that works for everything from errands to coffee dates. The white sneakers break up the all-black palette and keep it from looking too intense. This combination suits anyone who lives in activewear but wants something more interesting than plain leggings.

Oversized Leather Jacket and Lace Leggings

An oversized black leather jacket transforms lace-up leggings into proper street style. The structured outerwear balances the fitted bottoms while white sneakers keep the whole look from taking itself too seriously. This works for women who want to incorporate edgy pieces without looking like they’re trying too hard.

Quick tip

Balance edgy lace-up leggings with structured neutral tops to avoid looking too busy.

Off-Shoulder Top with Statement Sunglasses

The off-shoulder black top adds a feminine touch that softens the bold lace-up leggings underneath. Mixing romantic and edgy elements creates more visual interest than sticking to one aesthetic. The white sunglasses add a retro twist that makes the whole outfit feel more playful than aggressive.

Graphic Tee and Ankle Boots

A vintage band tee gives lace-up leggings a grunge-inspired edge that feels authentic rather than costume-y. The cropped length shows off ankle boots which echo the lacing details in the leggings. This combination works for women who want to channel ’90s style without looking dated.

Denim Shirt and Pointed Boots

A classic denim shirt transforms lace-up leggings into something surprisingly wearable for everyday. The structured shirt provides coverage while the black ankle boots with pointed toes add sophistication. This proves you can wear statement leggings to places other than the gym or music festivals.

Quick tip

Choose pointed-toe boots over chunky sneakers to maintain sleek proportions.

Sheer Embroidered Blouse

The embroidered mesh top adds a feminine counterpoint to the tough-girl lace-up leggings. Mixing textures prevents the outfit from feeling flat — the soft blouse against structured leggings creates visual tension that’s more interesting than matching pieces. Nude pointed heels elongate the legs and make the whole look more polished.

Sports Bra and Yoga Pose

These lace-up leggings work brilliantly for actual workouts, not just the aesthetic. The strategic cutouts provide ventilation while the lacing adds support where you need it most. This shows that statement activewear doesn’t have to sacrifice function for style — you can look interesting while actually exercising.

Key takeaways

Balance bold bottoms with simple, neutral tops to avoid overwhelming your frame
Choose structured outerwear like denim shirts or leather jackets to ground edgy leggings
Mix textures deliberately — pair hard edges with soft fabrics for more visual interest
Keep footwear sleek with pointed boots or clean sneakers to maintain the modern aesthetic
Use neutral colors in your tops when the leggings have busy lacing details
Consider the crop length carefully — it affects how the lacing details are displayed