Leggings are a wardrobe staple for women of all ages.
They are comfortable, versatile, and can be dressed up or down effortlessly.
Finding the right tops to pair with leggings can seem tricky.
The key is to find tops that provide enough coverage and visual balance.
Today, I will explore 13 flattering, stylish tops that are ideal for pairing with leggings.
From casual t-shirts to dressy tunics, I’ve got you covered!
Read on for tips, suggestions, and complete outfits that will have you looking and feeling your best in leggings.
Tunic Tops
Tunic tops are one of the most universally flattering pairings with leggings.
Tunics are slightly longer and looser fitting than a typical shirt, hitting at mid-thigh or below.
The extra length helps provide ample coverage for your rear when wearing fitted leggings.
Tunic tops made of flowy, drapey fabrics like jersey knit or chiffon move beautifully and hide any imperfections or lines. Look for tunics with fun details like embroidery, contrasting colors or prints to add visual interest.
Pair a solid color tunic with a patterned legging or vice versa.
For casual wear, try a soft knit tunic with faux leather or ponte leggings and booties.
Dress up a sequined tunic top with black leggings and heels for a night out.
The styling options are endless with this classic pairing!
Sweatshirts
A sweatshirt may seem too casual for leggings, but it can actually be a very chic pairing when done right.
Look for structured sweatshirts in refined fabrics like thick jersey rather than old fleece.
An oversized, cropped boxy crewneck sweatshirt balances the slimness of leggings beautifully.
Tuck the front into the waistband of high-waisted leggings to define your shape.
For extra coverage, try a longer sweatshirt dress or tunic.
Pair with white leggings or leggings in fun prints like tie-dye. Finish the outfit with sneakers for weekend wear or ankle boots for the office. A sweatshirt with leggings is the ultimate comfortable, stylish outfit!
Kimono Cardigans
Kimono style cardigans are flowing, open front toppers with dolman sleeves that create an effortlessly chic look over leggings.
The drapey silhouette balances fitted leggings beautifully. Look for kimono cardigans made of soft jersey knits or woven fabrics with:
- Hip or mid-thigh length for rear coverage
- Open front with no closure for ease of styling
- Dolman sleeves or cascading sleeves that drape rather than cling
- Floral prints, geometric patterns, or artful abstract designs that complement leggings
- Rich colors like jewel tones, neutrals, or bright hues that pop against leggings
Pair solids with printed leggings or prints with solid leggings for a coordinated look.
Cinch in the waist with a belt. Layer over tanks and tees to fully utilize the open front.
Keep accessories minimal to let the kimono shape shine.
Complete the outfit with flats, sandals or booties. The billowy kimono cardigan provides the perfect pop of style and coverage to balance any leggings look.
Long Cardigans
Long, open front cardigans create a sleek elongated silhouette when worn over leggings.
Solid color cardigans in neutral hues like black, gray, navy or beige work well with colorful patterned leggings.
Look for lightweight knit cardigans that hit at mid-thigh or longer.
Belt the cardigan to cinch in your waist. Layer pretty camisoles or tanks underneath.
For winter, try a cozy oversized cardigan with cable knit details.
Pair with fleece lined or wool leggings and knee high boots for a chic cold weather ensemble. Cardigans add instant polish and versatility to leggings.
Tunics with Leggings
Long, flowy tunics are designed to be paired with leggings.
A tunic covers your backside and hips to balance the form-fitting leggings. When shopping for tunic tops, look for:
Soft, drapey fabrics like jersey, modal or rayon that move with you and conceal lumps and bumps. Stretchy knits work better than stiff wovens.
Tunic length – the longest part of the top should hit mid-thigh or longer for ample coverage.
Details like embellishments, unique necklines and sleeves make plain leggings pop.
Solid color tunics in shades like black, navy or maroon look sharp with patterned leggings. An animal print or tie-dye legging paired with a black tunic is a go-to outfit.
For prints, match the color palette of your tunic and leggings rather than the exact print. Layer tunics over plain camisoles for extra coverage and dimension.
Add boots, ballet flats or sneakers to finish the foolproof look.
Polished blouse
For a dressier take on the leggings outfit, pair with a polished blouse. Silky blouses add an instantly luxe feel and work for both day and night looks.
Pair a silky camisole blouse with leggings, heels and earrings for date night elegance.
Try an oversized billowy blouse over leggings with booties for an effortless daytime style.
Look for blouses with:
- Luxe fabrics – silks, satins and chiffons
- Feminine details – ruffles, bows, lace accents
- Drapery, flowy fits – not too tight or stiff
- Versatile solids – black, white, nude and metallic
Stick to solids rather than prints, which can be distracting over busy leggings. Tuck a silky camisole into high waisted leggings to define your shape.
Layer an unbuttoned boyfriend blouse over a fitted tank and leggings for a model-off-duty vibe.
Elevate your weekend leggings by pairing them with a silky tie-neck blouse and heels. Blouses bring instant polish to casual leggings.
Denim Jackets
A denim jacket instantly elevates a basic leggings outfit. Denim jackets are casual and comfortable yet polished and put-together.
A medium wash denim jacket looks crisp and provides a nice contrast over black leggings. For warmer weather, try rolling the sleeves and pairing with a cropped tank or tee.
Layer over gray leggings and add booties for an effortless fall outfit. If you want to highlight print leggings, keep your denim jacket dark – black or indigo.
A faded denim jacket with cut-off shorts is perfect for showcasing funky print leggings on summer days.
Stay classic with a traditional denim jacket or try a modern oversized, distressed boyfriend style. Finish with sneakers or boots for an easy day-to-night look.
Oversized basic tee 
The basic tee is a go-to for leggings. But not just any old tee will work. Follow these tips for picking tees that perfectly complement your leggings:
- Darker colors – black, navy, gray – elongate your legs.
- Fitted is better – avoid boxy shirts that overwhelm your frame.
- Longer is more flattering – hip or tunic length provides coverage.
- Tailored touches – seaming, side slits and snug ribbed hems polish the look.
- Interesting details – neckline cut outs, knotted or raw edge hems, stripes.
Aside from solids, small-scale feminine prints like polka dots, florals and graphic hearts keep the focus on leggings. Scoop and v-neck styles are universally flattering.
For untucked tees, curved shirt hems are most flattering. With the right tee, you can easily dress up everyday leggings for work or date night.
Tank Tops
A well-fitting tank top provides the perfect foundation for any leggings outfit.
Tanks balance the slimness of leggings while showcasing your shape. Look for tailored tanks with:
- Stretchy fabrics that hug curves rather than gape – modal, lycra, spandex blends
- Built-in shelf bras or bra-friendly straps and necklines
- Longer lengths – hip length or tunic styles prevent exposed rears!
- Flattering details – racerback, back twisted, A-line shapes
- Range of colors – neutrals like black, white, nude plus brights
Layer tanks under blazers, cardigans or plaid shirts. Select a neutral tank that matches a patterned legging for a cohesive look.
For the office, pair a crisp white tank with tailored ponte leggings and pumps.
A lace racerback tank transforms basic black leggings into date night material. With a well-fitted tank, your leggings possibilities are endless!
Cropped Sweatshirts
Cropped sweatshirts are sporty and stylish with leggings. The shorter cut keeps your look balanced and elongates your legs.
Look for structured sweatshirts with:
- Cropped hem that hits at hips
- Fitted silhouette hugs curves
- Thicker performance fabric holds shape
- Higher necklines – crew, funnel, mock neck
- Cute details – knotted hems, zippers, mesh inserts
Stick with solid colors in darker hues – black, navy, olive, gray.
Tuck just the front into high waisted leggings to define your waist while keeping the back covered.
Pair with white leggings for a sporty vibe or printed leggings for an edgy contrast.
Finish with sneakers or booties. The cropped sweatshirt nails the balance between sporty and chic.
Plaid Button Downs
Crisp plaid button downs add polish to casual leggings when styled the right way.
Look for oversized styles in soft flannel or lightweight oxford cloth. Add it by:
- Rolling up the sleeves
- Tying at the waist over leggings
- -Leaving unbuttoned and open over tank or tee
Monochromatic palettes keep looks streamlined – black on black, navy on navy. Pop the plaid with a bright colored legging.
Plaids with hints of the leggings’ color schemes integrate nicely. Pair with booties and a beanie for an effortlessly cool fall look.
For warmer days, knot the shirttails and pair with sneakers. Plaid button downs upgrade your leggings game in a snap.
Hybrid Pieces – Shirt Jackets & Joggers
Hybrid pieces like shackets and joggers merge the ease of athleticwear with tailored style.
These coatigan and sweatpants alternatives bring an elevated look to leggings.
What to look for:
- Shackets – oversized button down shirts in woven fabrics like chambray or denim. Epaulets, chest pockets and utilitarian details popular. Wear open over tanks and tees or closed as a shirt.
- Joggers – structured silhouette with a drawstring waist, front seaming and cuffed hems. Often with side zippers and reflective detailing. Made of performance fabrics like jersey, ponte knit and fleece. Dress up with heels and drapey blouse.
Shackets and joggers styled right look chic, not sloppy. Stick with neutral solids and muted prints/patterns to let colorful leggings stand out.
The modern versatility of hybrid pieces makes leggings work for any occasion.
Leggings paired with the right top can take you from lounging at home to nights out in style.
With so many options from tunics to blouses to sweatshirts, you can build endless outfits that flatter your shape and showcase your personal style.
Use these suggestions to pick tops with the right fabrics, fits, lengths and silhouettes to perfectly complement your leggings.
Accessorize with layers, jackets and shoes to polish off chic legging looks.
With the guidelines provided here, you’ll look and feel fabulous rocking leggings any day!
