Yoga pants have undoubtedly become a wardrobe essential for many women. Their stretchy and comfortable fabric makes them an ideal choice for yoga classes, workout sessions, or even casual day-to-day wear. However, given their versatility, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out how to style them to create a chic look. That’s why this article provides you with a comprehensive guide, complete with tips and inspiration to help you rock your yoga pants effortlessly for any occasion. From the best tops to pair with yoga pants to the right footwear, we have got you covered. So, read on to learn what to wear with yoga pants, how to style your favorite yoga pants and create an amazing look that will turn heads!
Dress Up Yoga Pants for Work
While yoga pants may seem too casual for the office, they can work for business casual workplaces if appropriately styled. The key is choosing thick, opaque leggings in dark colors like black, navy, or gray. Then pair them with pieces you’d typically wear with dress pants:
Blazers
Throwing on a blazer instantly dresses up a pair of yoga pants. Choose structured blazers in materials like ponte or crisp cotton that will hold their shape. Solid colors or subtle patterns both work well. Ensure the blazer hits hip level or below to cover your backside.
For colder weather, try a thick wool blazer. Go for one in gray, black, or camel. Pair it with black or navy yoga pants, loafers, or booties for a pulled-together, cold-weather look.
Button-down shirts
A crisp, solid, or subtly patterned button-down shirt adds a professional touch when paired with yoga pants. Tuck the shirt in or leave it out over a fitted t-shirt. This helps hide the elastic waistband of the pants.
Long-sleeved button-downs work year-round. In warmer weather, go for short-sleeved button-downs or sleeveless blouses. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Loafers, booties, or flats
Complete your work look with close-toed shoes like loafers, smoking slippers, ankle booties, or flats. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops. Stick to leather, suede, or fabric shoes in neutral colors. Heels are optional but best kept under 2 inches for comfort.
Knee-high boots worn over yoga pants also work for winter months. Pair with a sweater or jacket to stay warm.
Style Yoga Pants for a Night Out
Don’t want to give up the comfort of your yoga pants but need to transition to a night out? Try these tips for creating fashionable evening looks with yoga pants:
Add heels
Adding some heels is one of the best ways to dress up yoga pants for a night out. Choose heels over flats to instantly elevate the look. Depending on the event’s formality, go for strappy sandals, wedges, or stilettos.
Heels that lace up the ankle add a sexy touch. Just make sure the pant cut doesn’t bunch at the ankle. Wearing bootcut or flare yoga pants can help avoid this.
Try dressier tops
Swap out your casual daytime tops for dressier going-out options. Look for tops in silk, satin, lace, or chiffon. Opt for solid colors or dark prints over bright patterns.
Going sleeveless is an easy way to make a top look dressy. Try a sleeveless blouse tucked into high-waisted yoga pants. A wrap top or drapey tank in luxe fabrics also elevates the look. Add a moto jacket on top if you need some extra coverage.
For cooler weather, pair a sweater dress or tunic sweater with leggings. Top it with a longline duster cardigan or coatigan. This creates a dressier layered look.
Add some sparkle
Don’t be afraid to add sparkle when dressing in yoga pants for the night. Look for tops with sequins, beading, or metallic accents. Or choose jewelry like chandelier earrings, layered necklaces, and sparkly hair clips.
You can also find yoga pants with a subtle sheen or metallic fabrics like gold, silver, bronze, and rose gold. These instantly dress up a pair of basic black yoga pants. Just swap your old top for something more formal.
Style Yoga Pants for Travel Days
Yoga pants are comfortable travel attire. But you may want to elevate your look when passing through airports or exploring a new city. Try these ideas for travel day outfits:
Wrap cardigan
A long wrap cardigan adds polish while keeping you cozy on chilly airplanes. Look for ones that hit mid-thigh or below to verify your backside completely. Wrap it over a basic tee and yoga pants.
Opt for a lightweight duster cardigan or kimono-style coverup for warmer weather. This still provides coverage while preventing overheating in transit.
Tennis shoes
Leave your flip-flops at home and opt for functional tennis shoes instead. They provide arch support for long days of walking. Popular options like Allbirds, Adidas Stan Smiths, and Supergas have stylish, minimalist designs.
Stick to neutral or white sneakers, which pair well with yoga pants. Add socks if it’s chilly out.
Scarves
A colorful scarf adds visual interest and a touch of style to any travel outfit. Drape one through your handbag strap or loosely around your neck. Large blanket scarves can even be wrapped as a shawl or cape.
Look for soft, lightweight scarves in cotton, modal, or rayon. These tend to be the most comfortable for wrapping up in transit.
Crossbody bag
A hands-free crossbody bag allows you to quickly access necessities while navigating airports and trains. Look for leather or lightweight nylon with multiple interior pockets to stay organized.
Stick to solids or subtle prints that pair well with yoga pants. Go for medium-sized bags that fit essentials without adding bulk.
Create Casual Daytime Outfits
Yoga pants pair well with casual tops and layers for running errands and relaxed weekends. Stay comfy while still looking put-together with these ideas:
Hoodies and sweatshirts
An oversized hoodie or sweatshirt balances the slim fit of leggings. Choose soft cotton or fleece styles for optimal comfort—neutral colors like black, gray, or olive make for easy pairings.
Crop your sweatshirt a few inches above your hips to show off the waistband details on high-waisted yoga pants. Or size up and wear an extra-long hoodie untucked to cover your backside.
Jean or leather jackets
Layer a denim or leather jacket over a tee and yoga pants for crisp weather. This adds a bit of structure and edginess to balance out the stretchy leggings.
A classic moto jacket looks stylish over high-waisted black leggings and a crop top. On the other hand, oversized denim jackets work with everything from tunics to tanks.
Sneakers or booties
Finish your casual looks with sneakers like Converse, Vans, or New Balance. Opt for leather or suede ankle booties for transitional weather. Both options are comfortable and pair well with laidback yoga pant outfits.
In colder months, try lug-sole boots or slip-on booties. Chelsea boots and combat boots also work for relaxed weekend outfits.
Beanies and baseball caps
Add accessories like beanies and baseball caps if your outfit needs an extra layer against cold weather. These also help disguise post-workout hair.
Opt for cuffed beanies in soft knit fabrics. Pair with an oversized hoodie and sneakers for a sporty vibe. Baseball caps lend a relaxed, athletic touch.
What to Wear With Cropped & Capri Yoga Pants
Cropped and Capri-length yoga pants showing a bit of ankle or calf offer styling opportunities. Regular leggings don’t. Take advantage of these tips:
Ankle booties
Ankle booties perfectly complement the cropped length of these yoga pants. Look for styles with high or block heels to elongate your frame. Pointy toes or almond shapes flatter most feet.
Try booties in leather or suede, which pair well with athletic fabrics. Go for neutral colors like black, brown, or taupe for versatility.
Knee-high and tall boots
Pair cropped yoga pants with tall boots above the knee for colder weather. The slight peek of skin prevents the proportions from looking off. Styles like riding, slouchy, and over-the-knee boots all work well.
Similarly, knee-high boots keep you warm while accentuating calf muscles. Opt for minimalist leather or suede flat boots for daytime looks. Or try a low-block heel for the night.
Crop tops and bodysuits
Cropped yoga pants are the perfect opportunity to show some skin up top. Pair with a coordinating sports bra or tight crop top for the gym. Try an off-the-s, shoulder bodysuit, lace bralette, cropped band, or tee for casual looks.
High-necked bodysuits create a streamlined silhouette. At the same time, wrap styles and plunging necklines add drama. Play with sleeve lengths and alternate between tight and loose-fitting tops.
Kimonos and dusters
Counterbalance the cropped cut on the bottom with an elongated cardigan or duster on top. Lightweight kimonos and dusters in chiffon or lace add feminine flair. At the same time, oversized woven blankets style provide cozy warmth.
Leave the layer unbuttoned and open for easy throw-on-and-go outfits. Allow the longline silhouette to disguise wider hips and bottoms if desired.
What Shoes to Wear With Yoga Pants
The shoes you choose can make or break your yoga pant outfit. Keep these tips in mind:
Opt for minimalist sneakers in neutral hues
Stick to low-profile tennis shoes that won’t attract attention from your leggings. Popular options include Keds, Superga, Converse, and Adidas Stan Smiths. White and nude shades elongate the leg.
Designs like slip-on Vans, laceless Converse, and knit sneakers work well with the sleekness of yoga pants. Avoid anything too bulky or bright in color.
Skip obvious workout shoes.
Leave athleisure sneakers with thick soles and neon colors for the gym. They look out of place when styled casually. The same goes for running shoes, which read overly sporty.
If your outfit is for working out, obvious active shoes are fine. But change into more minimal options when running errands post-gym.
Choose structured flats or low wedges for dressier looks
Flats and low wedges provide comfort with a bit of lift for formal occasions. Look for pointed toes, d’orsay cuts, and slim straps that lengthen the leg. Metallic leather, suede, and snakeskin all work for dressing up.
Kitten heels and chunky heeled Chelsea boots also pair well with dressier yoga pants outfits. Just limit heel height to 2-3 inches for walkability.
Save flip-flops for the beach or pool only.
It’s tempting to slip on flip-flops for their comfort. But they tend to look sloppy and detract from yoga pants. Reserve rubber shower shoes for the gym, beach, and poolside only.
If you need a backless slide, opt for a leather version. Or try more stylish thong sandals with bohemian embellishments. But avoid wearing either for all-day use.
Styling Tips for Different Body Types
Certain styles and shapes can be more flattering with yoga pants, depending on your body type. Here are some tips:
Pear shaped
Balancing out wider hips and thighs:
- Wear darker colors on the bottom, like black, navy, or gray
- Choose thick, non-compressive yoga pants to avoid highlighting curves
- Pair with flowy or boxy tops ending above the widest part of the hip
- Add layers like blazers, kimonos, and longer shirts to camouflage problem areas
Apple shaped
Slimming the midsection:
- Opt for high-waisted yoga pants to cinch in the waist
- Wear fitted tops that skim your shape without clinging
- Layer long vests, cardigans, and blazers over tees or tanks to create shape
- Choose outer layers that hit at the hip or below to disguise the midriff
Athletic or straight-shaped
Creating more curves:
- Try yoga pants with side mesh panels, contouring seams, or ankle details to add shape
- Pair with tighter crop tops and bodysuits to show off your figure
- Look for tops with ruffles, off-the-shoulder details, and wraps to add a feminine silhouette
- Add shape with belts, structured blazers, and fitted outerwear
Plus sized
Flattering areas you love:
- Embrace high-waisted yoga pants to accentuate your waist
- Look for thick, quality fabrics with enough stretch and recovery to smooth lumps and prevent sagging
- Choose dark, solid colors to create a slimming effect
- Wear longer tops and layers that skim your shape without hugging every curve
Petite
Making you appear taller:
- Find yoga pants with ankle detailing to elongate your frame
- Wear heels or wedges to add height whenever possible
- Opt for higher-waisted yoga pants to make legs appear longer
- Pair with cropped tops to highlight the waist and avoid cutting your body in half visually
How to Pick the Best Yoga Pants for Your Body
Choosing yoga pants that fit your body type makes a difference in comfort, fit, and style. Follow these tips when shopping:
Focus on fabric with stretch and recovery
The best yoga pants contain spandex and polyester or nylon. This gives them stretch to move with your body, while the recovery prevents sagging and bagging. At least 15% spandex is ideal for maintaining shape.
Avoid 100% cotton, which loses its shape quickly. Ensure the fabric is thick enough not to be seen through if you opt for lighter colors.
Get the proper rise
Choose high-waisted yoga pants if you have a shorter torso or want to conceal a tummy pooch. Mid or low-rise works best for longer torsos or athletic builds. High-waisted is also great for petite frames, making legs appear longer.
Ensure the waistband lays flat and doesn’t dig in or cause muffin topping. The best bands are wide, compressive, and rise fully up to your natural waist.
Look for contouring elements
Opt for yoga pants with contouring if you want to add shape to narrow hips and butts. Side paneling, mesh inserts, and seamed details help create the look of curves.
Avoid these shaping elements if you are bottom or hourglass-shaped. Stick to clean, solid lines instead. Compressive fabrics provide hold while minimizing bumps and ridges.
Find the right length
Choose 7/8 pants that hit mid-calf if you are petite. The cropped style keeps the legs looking long. For taller or athletic builds, full-length pants typically work best.
Capri length hitting just below the knee works well for curvy bodies since it cuts your frame in half less than full-length pants. Just be sure to pair with proper shoes to elongate.
Pick dark, solid hues
Black, navy, and dark gray are universally flattering and slimming yoga pants colors. They create clean, streamlined silhouettes. Lighter shades show lumps and cling to rippled areas more easily.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with shades like olive, burgundy, and hunter green. Just make sure the color looks good with your skin tone. Bold prints and swirling patterns also draw the eye in unflattering ways.
5 Tips for Styling Yoga Pants Appropriately
When wearing yoga pants, you want an elevated athleisure look – not a sloppy gym outfit. Keep these tips in mind:
Choose opaque, non-sheer fabrics
You never want to be revealing underwear or body contours unintentionally. Ensure you can’t see through the pants, even when stretched or squatting.
Stick to solids and minimalist prints
Swirling patterns or bright colors look distracting and messy. Opt for solid black, navy, gray, and jewel tones instead. Subtle micro-prints or tone-on-tone looks are fine as well.
Style with non-gym footwear
Save athletic sneakers for the gym. Street shoes like loafers, sandals, flats, and booties make yoga pants appropriate for everyday wear.
Watch out for excessive camel toe
Make sure your yoga pants aren’t too tight across the front. This creates an unflattering definition that you want to avoid. Boyshort style underwear prevents camel toe.
Ditch old, over-worn leggings
Yoga pants lose their shape and sheerness over time. It’s time to replace them when they look faded, thin, or saggy. Well-fitting, opaque leggings look modern and stylish.
5 Yoga Pant Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make poor styling choices with yoga pants that can cheapen your look. Steer clear of these common mistakes:
Wearing see-through leggings
Sheer, thin fabrics look sloppy, clingy, and inappropriate. Always opt for pants with adequate opacity and lining. Darker washes also help decrease see-through potential.
Pairing with messy shoes
Dirty old sneakers, worn-out flip-flops, and Uggs bring the whole outfit down. Keep shoes clean, minimal, and tailored to avoid looking lazy.
Showing underwear lines
Visible panty lines, waistbands, and seams break the clean look of yoga pants. Choose nude seamless thongs or boyshorts when wearing tighter pants.
Letting fabric bag out
Fabric bunching at the knees or losing shape throughout the day appears unkempt. Ensure your leggings contain enough spandex and compressive power to retain their structure.
Wearing pants with holes
While artfully distressed jeans work for casual looks, ripped or damaged yoga pants read as sloppy and worn out. Save anything with holes or tears for a rag pile, and buy new leggings instead.
Conclusion
Yoga pants are the ultimate versatile clothing item. With an understanding of fit, rise, color, fabric, and shape, you can choose flattering leggings for your body type. Then style them appropriately for the occasion by pairing them with heels, flats, booties, button-downs, blazers, sweatshirts, crop tops, and more.
Use layering to dress up or down for everything from workouts to nights out. Accessorize with scarves, jewelry, and handbags to pull looks together. Stick to solids or subtle prints in black, gray, navy, and jewel tones for timeless style.
Complete your outfits with shoes that match the formality of the event. Sneakers, sandals, and slippers work for casual affairs, while structured flats, booties, and pumps elevate for professional settings and events.
Finally, take care of your yoga pants by washing them in cold water and line drying. Among the 10 reasons why yoga is ideal for overweight people is the importance of comfort and confidence in practice, which is why replacing old, worn-out leggings regularly ensures you always look stylish and put-together while embracing yoga’s transformative journey.
FAQs
Q: Can you wear yoga pants to work?
A: Yes, as long as your workplace has a casual or business casual dress code. Choose thick, opaque leggings in dark colors. Pair them with blazers, button-downs, loafers, or smoking slippers for a professional look. Save heavily patterned, tight, or cropped leggings for the gym.
Q: What shoes look best with yoga pants?
A: For a tailored look, wear leather or suede flats, loafers, ankle booties, and low wedges. Minimal white or nude sneakers also work well. Avoid bulky athletic shoes, rubber flip-flops, Uggs, and worn-out shoes.
Q: What tops look good with yoga pants?
A: Fitted tees, tanks, sweatshirts, button-downs, blouses, and bodysuits pair nicely with leggings. Look for cropped lengths that hit at the hip bone to show off high-waisted pants. Drapey camisoles, long tunics, and oversized tops work, too.
Q: Can I wear yoga pants on a night out?
A: Yes! Swap out casual sneakers for heels and add some sparkly jewelry. Opt for dressier tops like satin camis, wrap blouses, or sweater dresses. Go for dark solids or metallics over bright prints. Finish with a moto jacket or long duster.
Q: Are yoga pants inappropriate to wear in public?
A: Not at all – yoga pants are very commonplace today. Just avoid over-worn, sheer leggings with holes. Make sure underwear lines aren’t visible. Pair with more excellent shoes and tops instead of sloppy gym clothes to look put-together. Following the tips in this article will help you style yoga pants appropriately.
Tags: activewear, casual wear, comfortable fashion, fashion tips, mixing and matching, outfit ideas, street style, style guide, wardrobe essentials, yoga pants
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