Leggings Are All I Want to Wear Right Now—These 5 Tops Make Them Look Intentional

Leggings may have started life as a humble loungewear item or a piece worn strictly for sport, but they've quietly—okay, not that quietly—earned their place as a real trousers alternative. We can thank the rise of casualwear during lockdown circa 2020, the ongoing shift towards comfort-first dressing and the fact that so many designers have nodded to the athleisure aesthetic in recent runway collections, such as Wales Bonner and Loewe, for their continued relevance. For better or worse, the question is no longer if leggings are appropriate for everyday wear—it's how to wear them well. And let's be honest: nailing the tops to wear with leggings is really what makes or breaks the look.

Still, even though the cultural conversation has shifted to accept these second-skin styles as daywear (and, in some cases, even evening wear), there's one important element that hasn't changed: if you don't choose the right top, leggings can veer into pyjama-adjacent territory. And while I'm all for comfort, there's a fine line between "off-duty model" and "just rolled out of bed". Getting the tops to wear with leggings right is the key to giving the look intentionality. It's how you signal that this is a fashion choice, not an afterthought.

Of course, that doesn’t mean sacrificing ease altogether. Here in the UK, we're currently in that frustrating transitional period where you might be caught in a shower one minute and squinting at the sun the next, which makes layered dressing crucial. The beauty of leggings is their versatility, and the right top can carry them from the sweaty Tube to a breezy coffee stop, and even into the early days of autumn.

Think rugby shirts shrugged over shoulders, boxy T-shirts borrowed from your boyfriend (or just the menswear section), and sharply cut blouses that feel smart without being stuffy. The point is: leggings can work, as long as the top half is considered. And after trialling more than I care to admit, there are five tops to wear with leggings that I come back to again and again.

From borrowed-from-rugby staples to the simplest tank, these are the silhouettes that always work—happy reading.

Shop Five Chic Tops To Wear With Leggings:

1. Blouse

Style Notes: If you thought blouses were too polished for leggings, think again. A lightweight button-up adds a bit of structure and the slight sheerness of silk or cotton voile works well against the stretch of leggings. Whether you go for a boxy poplin or a softly draped version, the blouse can bring an intentional feel to even the most casual leggings look. I love how Olivia Grace Herring has styled her capri leggings with flip flops above to keep the look grounded.

Shop Blouses:

Free People

You're My Thrill Top

This cami would look so cute paired with some capri leggings and a clutch.

The Frankie Shop

Peri Georgette Shirt

A street-style favourite. The sheer material is so chic, and it wears well unbuttoned over a black vest.

ZARA

Zw Collection Lace Ruffle Blouse

This one's cut long, making it perfect for leggings. I love how delicate and pretty it is, and it'll balance out the casualness of leggings.

Paired with some sir-up leggings, kitten heels, and a clutch bag, gives you a very chic outfit.

2. Rugby Shirt

Style Notes: Rugby shirts have quietly slipped back into fashion's good books. With their boxy shape and typically thick cotton fabric, they offer the ideal structure to counterbalance sleek stretch leggings. Brands like Wales Bonner and Loewe reworked them into elevated basics, but the high street has followed suit with equally strong options. Slightly cropped styles or oversized cuts layered over leggings give a nod to Princess Diana’s iconic Sloane sporty look without feeling too try-hard. Try half-tucking a rugby shirt into high-waisted leggings and finishing with loafers or sleek trainers. Add a trench or boxy blazer on cooler days to make the whole outfit feel considered.

Shop Rugby Shirts:

Reformation

Anna Rugby Shirt

The collar and wide cuffs feel classic, but the slightly boxy cut is what makes it easy to style with leggings. I saw someone in Soho wearing this with Adidas Sambas and black leggings, and it instantly made me want the whole outfit.

Not technically a named a rugby shirt, but the structured fabric and generous proportions tick all the same boxes. It also comes in a very rich navy that works year-round.

Anthropologie

4th & Reckless Alba Rugby Top

Slimmer than a traditional rugby, but with a similar effect. Perfect for pairing with off-black or grey leggings.

SPORTY & RICH

Serif Rugby Logo-Embroidered Striped Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt

Sporty & Rich's version comes in bright red with just the right amount of retro flair. It feels archival, but wearable—think vintage sportswear, reimagined.

3. Oversized T-Shirt

Style Notes: When in doubt, throw on an oversized tee. There's something effortlessly cool about the contrast between a slouchy, oversized top and fitted leggings. And because this combo leans casual, it's perfect for experimenting with colour or graphics. Whether it's a vintage-feel logo tee or something plain in thick cotton, the oversized tee has become a go-to in the tops to wear with leggings category. If you want to take it out of athleisure territory, wear with capri or even lace leggings.

Shop Oversized T-Shirts:

COS

Oversized Cotton T-Shirt

A high-street win if you like your tees with some colour. The cotton isn't the thickest, but at this price point, it's ideal for layering under knits or jackets.

TOTEME

Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

Toteme's tee is a bit of an industry favourite. The fabric is thick and hangs perfectly without clinging—exactly what you want when offsetting body-skimming leggings.

Uniqlo

Airism Cotton Oversized Crew Neck T-Shirt

An under-£20 gem that holds its shape and comes in muted, wearable tones. The XXL size makes for an excellent T-shirt dress situation over black leggings.

JIL SANDER

Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

For those who like their basics with a designer touch. I love wearing this under a pinstripe blazer, and always get compliments on it.

4. Tank Top

Style Notes: Sleeveless doesn't mean shapeless. A high-neck tank with wide straps offers balance to the fitted bottom half, and it's the kind of basic that works hard across your wardrobe. Whether cotton ribbed or stretch jersey, tanks are the simplest way to make leggings feel deliberate—and more "off-duty model" than "gym-bound". Add a leather bomber over your tank and leggings for an easy transitional outfit. Chunky jewellery helps make it feel styled.

Shop Tank Tops:

SKIMS

Ribbed Scoop-Neck Cotton-Jersey Tank Top

Holds you in and feels more elevated than your average high-street tank. The neckline is flattering on so many body shapes, and the colour options are surprisingly good.

Ninetypercent

Signature Lightweight Tank in Black

Sustainable and impressively thick. I've washed mine dozens of times and it still looks fresh. A subtle scoop at the hem makes it perfect for leggings.

MANGO

Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top

The wider racerback cut is super flattering with hair up or tucked into a cap. I'd wear this with zip-hem leggings and a denim jacket.

H&M

Boxy-Style Sports Vest Top With Drymove™

Slightly more casual thanks to the boxy fit. Great if you want something more sporty.

5. Turtleneck

Style Notes: Whether it's fine knit or ribbed jersey, the turtleneck is the grown-up counterpart to casual leggings. Slim silhouettes are best here—they skim the body without competing with the tight fit below. I've seen plenty of roll-necks peeking out from under waistcoats and structured tailoring, and this works especially well with stretch leggings as a base. Try a thin turtleneck under a denim shirt or overshirt. You can also wear it solo with leggings, ankle boots and a crossbody bag for a minimal look.

Shop Turtlenecks:

& Other Stories

Merino Turtleneck Jumper

Soft, light and cut close to the body—this is my default for layering. It comes in black, beige and a beautiful chesnet brown if you want a richer neutral.

The Row

Stepny Turtleneck in Wool and Cashmere

If you're investing, The Row always gets the silhouette right. It's long in the body, so it won't ride up—a detail that matters more than you'd think when wearing leggings.

ARKET

Sheer Merino Wool Roll-Neck

I've worn this on flights and never felt too hot or too cold.

ZARA

Wool Blend Sweater 50th Anniversary

A good base layer, ideal for tucking into your waistband or layering under boxy jackets.