Making Yoga Pants Work for the Workplace

Leggings and yoga pants have increased in popularity in the last few years to the point of being a staple in the wardrobe of many women.  The absolute comfort they provide makes it easy to see why leggings and yoga pants are an instant go-to when working out or even putting together an absolutely comfy outfit.  What if I told you that you could bring that comfort to the work place?

The beauty of yoga pants, and especially leggings, is in how versatile they are. They come in different styles, colors, patterns and materials so there is an option for everybody.  The use of stretchy materials also makes leggings and yoga pants comfortable for every body type.  This versatility also expands to how they can be worn.  We have already established how common it is to dress down in leggings but let’s talk about how simple it can be to dress up leggings and yoga pants!

Leggings were a lifesaver for me when I was pregnant, for obvious reasons.  Working in an office I am required to wear business professional clothing.  I think we can all agree that this is not always an easy feat for a woman in their third trimester of pregnancy.  I found myself at that pivotal moment of no longer fitting into my dress pants but also not wanting to purchase new pants, especially when I would only be able to wear them for a few months.  I began to wear leggings on a regular basis and was surprised at how comfortable I could be while looking professional at the same time.

Here are just a few simple tips to dressing up leggings for work.

Cardigans/Blazer

A good cardigan can make almost any outfit have a professional vibe. Most cardigans can be buttoned or left open, allowing you to throw it over any type of shirt, whether it’s a tee or a tank top.  The added benefit is that cardigans and blazers can make almost any shirt meet dress code guidelines.  My favorite way to wear a cardigan with leggings is with a basic tank top underneath.   Cardigans with tee shirt cut sleeves are great for the warmer seasons and the classic long-sleeve can be used any time.

Dresses/Over-sized Shirts

Do you have a super cute dress you bought that is just a tiny bit too short to wear at work?  Pair it with some leggings and give that dress some use!  Another great essential is an oversized shirt over leggings.  Add a chunky belt to the shirt to add a little more professional flair.  Wearing leggings under a dress or oversized shirt also helps to overcome one of the biggest struggles with leggings, making sure your bottom is covered.  Unfortunately, most leggings are not forgiving when it comes to being a bit transparent in the back so it is important to make sure that whatever you pair the leggings with will cover your bottom.  Dresses are perfect for this!

Footwear

Footwear can play a major role in the presentation of an outfit.  As leggings are traditionally viewed as casual wear, the shoes you choose to wear can make or break the outfit.  Wearing tennis shoes should definitely be avoided.  Fashion boots of any length add a sleek look to an outfit.  I prefer to wear booties or calf length boots as they are both fashionable and professional.  A pair of simple flats can also add a professional tone to an outfit and work well with the slim cut of leggings.  If you are feeling adventurous, you can also wear a pair of high heels to complete the business professional look.

Accessories

As with any outfit, accessories are essential to completing the look.  Long or chunky necklaces add a touch of vibrancy to a seemingly basic or ordinary outfit.  A tasteful scarf can also bring an outfit comprised of mostly solid colors together.  A bulky bracelet, watch or layered bracelets also make an outfit pop in a subtle way.

Leggings and yoga pants are the best kept secret of staying comfortable while wearing a professional style.  There are so many options available that your new favorite outfit may just be waiting to be mixed and matched with some leggings or yoga pants.  Dare to be adventurous with the combinations and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what you can come up with!