Officewear: Leggings or Jeans?

[jeezaluiza]

I’ve recently moved from a a senior role in a creative design studio, (where I could wear pretty much whatever I liked, within reason!) to a more corporate organisation.

Dress code seems to vary dramatically depending on who you look at - from jeans and a baggy jumper to men in full suits. Most people are somewhere in between.

My go-to easy office wear is black leggings, black top, and blazer, with black leather trainers. My only slight doubt is how appropriate the leggings are in this scenario. Are a dark wash indigo (or black!) slim / skinny jean better? I HATE the waistband of tailored trousers, though have seen some lately with drawstrings…

Hard to gauge which is smartest / most acceptable.

I don't think leggings are ok in most offices, but lots of smart trousers now have elastic waists, so no need for tailored trousers if you don't like them.

Leggings and jeans are only allowed on dress down days in my office and it's no trainers generally. I'm really struggling to find winter trousers right now that aren't too boring and work with boots for a probably rainy walk to work. I think dark jeans could work if they don't look too much like jeans.

Is anybody still wearing leggings these days?

@LhudeSingCuccuHope that snark makes you feel good!

@RaininSummerThanks - some others are in light / ripped jeans(!) which I feel is an odd choice when others are so smart! It’s the range that’s throwing me. Know what you mean about the trousers / boots combo 🙈

@hexsnidgettthanks. I’ve tried a couple - mainly wide leg ones? Which are nice, but I feel like I’m more suited to a tight trouser / looser top look. Appreciate that’s probably dated!

Watching with interest - I do still wear leggings, mainly with long wool dresses in winter and long boots (for the warmth factor - handy and toasty on public transport).

I do also wear my dark boy or black skinny jeans with a smart tee and a blazer and usually pop in ankle boots. I keep heels under my desk in case I need to be smarter. I can no longer walk very far in them.

nope
the many, many shops still selling them do so purely because they enjoy wasting stock and making a financial loss.

OP I think if other people are wearing baggy ripped jeans then black leggings (as long as they are thick enough) are fine.

fwiw the main people wearing leggings (in fact they tend to wear all black outfits pretty much exactly as you've described minus the blazer, but with a big jumper even in the middle of summer which I found a bit odd) in my workplace are the Gen Zs, 19-23 year olds, so not exactly as outdated as suggested.

I work in a corporate law firm. It is much more casual post covid and - I’d say jeans and a blazer is ok but leggings not so much. But it depends on the individual work place.

What about jersey cords like this? Comfortable but looks smart enough

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su623603/h23885

I think in a casual office your previous ‘uniform’ is absolutely fine and probably looks quite smart with the blazer

What about some culottes?https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E479698-000/00?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21281051743&gbraid=0AAAAADM0H6jUcfMCq_TiX7BhbdMGM6tSi&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIufeEzsO5jwMVlZdQBh168AXEEAQYAiABEgIV7_D_BwE&colorDisplayCode=08&sizeDisplayCode=003 I think these have an elasticated waist. You could dress them up or down.

I say yes you can but legging threads always get heated! People have very strong opinions on both sides!

Thanks all. @rockstarshoes- that’s exactly the look I try to channel! Leggings are extra thick, basically fitted trousers.

I did also fancy these, but I feel like they are more suited to someone without a tummy? As they surely need styled with a fitted / tucked in top?!

https://mintvelvet.com/products/neutral-check-wide-trouser?variant=62085725356191

These are really nice - though I fear I’d look like I was in pyjamas? 😂🙈 I did try loose fitting black jersey palazzo pants and felt the same, like it was actually less dressy than the thick leggings. Not sure if that’s just me / psychological though… showing my age probably but it’s taken a lot to coax me out of my skinny jeans at the weekend too.