A Guide to Dressing up Black Leggings for a Night Out

When you’re planning a night on the town, you want everything to be effortless so you can focus on having fun. From baseball games to cocktails with friends, your nights out are sacred times when you can be yourself and shed the stress of the rest of your week. The one thing you don’t want to worry about? Finding something to wear that checks all the boxes for your next night out. It has to be cute, it has to be flattering, and, you better believe, it has to be comfy!

What’s the perfect item of clothing to add a bit of sophistication and a bit of comfort to your next night out? Black leggings! They are form-fitting without being constricting, and you don’t have to worry about splitting a seam or flashing your date when you get out of the car.

Maybe you’re planning a special night out, like a first date or birthday celebration. Or maybe you’re just looking forward to your next Friday night when you can let down your hair and dance all night long. No matter the occasion, black leggings are the key to your next night out. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out how to dress them up and get ready for a night you won’t soon forget.

Choose Your Leggings Wisely

The most important thing to decide when you’re adding leggings into your going-out rotation? The type of leggings you choose. Every legging style (even in black) doesn't fit every occasion. You can’t swap your black pants for a pair of black leggings with every outfit. You will have to choose your cut, material, and style wisely.

Our favorite black styles for a night on the town include ever-so-versatile high-waisted leggings. You can pair them with a boxy crop or a tunic with ease. Pleather offers edginess — you can add a bit of “cool factor” to any outfit with these shiny leggings. For winter, we love black corduroy leggings to add a bit of texture.

If you’re hoping to look dressy enough for a night out, you'll want to avoid certain legging styles. Steer clear of workout leggings, capris, and bike shorts. Say no to mesh or cutouts. Move away from distracting patterns like florals and polka dots. Those are best for daytime errands or yoga sessions.

Balance Leggings With a Dressy Top or Dress

When you’re rocking leggings for a night on the town, you’ll want to balance the more casual bottoms with a dressier top. Thankfully, black leggings go with pretty much everything. You’ll want to consider texture when choosing your top.

For example, if you choose a pair of black corduroy leggings, balance them with a lighter fabric on top, like cotton or cashmere. With spandex leggings, opt for a collared shirt under a tunic top for a layered look. When your outfit is more daring, as with pleather leggings, try pairing them with a cozy sweater dress for a playful and edgy look. When you slide into a comfy and formfitting pair of leggings for your next night out, you’ll look and feel more confident.

Layer Leggings With Dressy Outerwear

No matter the time of year, you should always be prepared with a jacket or coat for variable temperatures on your night out. Choose a dressy jacket or coat to pull your whole look together. In the summertime, a jean jacket is your most versatile option. It will come in handy when you find yourself in a restaurant or movie theater where the air conditioning is blasting. In the fall, a quilted black barn coat or leather moto jacket will keep you cozy. In the winter, throw on a long wool coat.

Add a Personal Touch With Accessories

Nothing is more fun on a night out than getting compliments on your outfit! Okay, it might be more fun to go bowling or try a hot new restaurant, but compliments are nice, too. Make your outfit all your own with special accessories that dress up your look and get you ready to strut your stuff. Glittery jewelry is the perfect nighttime accessory. Crystal chandelier earrings or a diamond tennis bracelet will catch the light and draw the eye back to you, even in candlelit restaurants or dimly lit clubs. If you prefer simpler jewelry, silver hoops go with everything. In the winter, throw on a women’s scarf in ruby red or jade green to bring attention to your lovely smile.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Pull your entire look together with the right shoes for the occasion. Even the most casual black leggings will look great tucked into a pair of heeled booties or paired with strappy black sandals. Or, add contrast by choosing a footwear color — such as like red, pink, or metallic — that will pop against the rest of your outfit.