Instead of Jeans, Fashion People in L.A. are Wearing Sandals With This Chic Leggings Trend
Our take
The shift away from ubiquitous denim towards sleek leggings, particularly when styled with sandals, signals a subtle but significant recalibration within the fashion landscape. It's a move away from the casual comfort that has defined recent years, embracing a more polished and intentional aesthetic. While jeans remain an iconic pairing – as demonstrated by the enduring appeal of From Paris to London, Here's How Chic European Women Are Wearing a Blouse and Jeans This Summer – the Los Angeles trend highlights a desire for elevated simplicity, a streamlined elegance that prioritizes form and silhouette. This isn’t about rejecting denim entirely; rather, it’s about diversifying our wardrobes and recognizing that sometimes, less is more. The choice of leggings, often perceived as workout wear, elevates when paired with the right footwear and outerwear, demonstrating a clever understanding of how to repurpose and redefine existing pieces. Further, the L.A. focus is noteworthy; the city’s prevailing style often sets the tone for broader trends, influencing everything from retail to red carpets.
The beauty of this trend lies in its effortless execution. It’s a rejection of overt styling, embracing a “bare minimum energy” approach – structured blazer optional, of course. The pairing of leggings and sandals necessitates a focus on quality and fit. The leggings themselves should be flawlessly tailored, sculpting the leg without being restrictive. The sandals, conversely, should possess a timeless appeal, avoiding fleeting trends in favor of classic shapes and premium materials. This echoes the broader movement towards considered consumption, prioritizing investment pieces that transcend seasonal shifts. It’s a sensibility reflected in the enduring popularity of classic skirt styles, as evidenced by Not a Knee-Length—I've Spotted So Many Londoners Wear This Timeless Skirt Trend Instead. This isn’t about chasing the ‘new’; it’s about refining the ‘essential.’
What makes this shift particularly interesting is its resonance with a broader cultural mood. After years of prioritizing comfort and practicality, there's a growing desire for a return to sophistication, a craving for polished silhouettes and refined details. This doesn't necessitate a drastic overhaul of one's wardrobe; it’s about making intentional choices, elevating everyday pieces through thoughtful styling. The success of H&M’s recent shoe trend curation – H&M Just Perfected the 5 Shoe Trends That Will Make Any Summer Outfit Look More Expensive – further underscores this sentiment. Consumers are actively seeking ways to achieve a luxury aesthetic without the luxury price tag, and this trend provides a clear pathway to doing so.
Ultimately, the rise of leggings and sandals as a chic alternative to jeans isn’t just about a change in footwear; it’s indicative of a larger shift in fashion priorities. It represents a move towards intentionality, a celebration of understated elegance, and a renewed appreciation for timeless silhouettes. As we move further into the summer season, it will be intriguing to observe whether this trend gains widespread adoption beyond the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles, and more importantly, how designers will interpret and evolve this newfound emphasis on minimalist chic for the seasons to come. Will we see a further blurring of lines between leisurewear and everyday style, or will this trend serve as a springboard for a more overtly polished and sophisticated aesthetic?
If you're less of a skirts-and-dresses person and, like me, reach for trousers and jeans far more often, you might be wondering what to wear on your bottom half now that sandal season is in full swing. For answers, it pays to look to L.A.'s best dressed, who have long understood the art of warm-weather styling.
Taking my cues from one of the city's chicest, naturally, I headed to Hailey Bieber's Instagram this week in search of some outfit inspiration. Luckily, it didn't take long until the model and entrepreneur demonstrated the leggings trend that works best with sandals.
Skipping the capri leggings she's long loved, instead, Hailey opted for a sleek pair of flared leggings. Skimming over the top of her sandals, the flared silhouette balances the bareness of an open-toe shoe, creating a more considered finish. Whilst slim-fitting leggings can sometimes feel a little stark when paired with barely-there sandals, the extra volume through the hem lends the outfit a better sense of proportion.
In a very L.A.-inspired styling move, Hailey wore the leggings with an oversized black hoodie and wore her hair swept back into a neat bun. Relaxed, but not scruffy, it's a combination I'll be recreating throughout the rest of summer. If you're also inspired, keep scrolling to shop the best flared leggings below.
Shop Flared Leggings:
These come up a little small, so consider sizing up.
Wear these with trainers or dress them up with sandals.
These come in sizes XXS—XXL, as well as three different leg lengths.
The flared leggings have a sleek, elongating effect.
Whilst I love these in the black, they also come in six other shades.
Wear these with a matching sports bra or style with a simple tee.
With a sleek blouse and heels, they leggings are so easy to dress up.
From yoga to brunch, these are perfect for all-day styling.
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