Black Leggings are the new Little Black Dress.

Now before you charge me with fashion blasphemy, hear me out!

The prolific Little Black Dress (also known as LBD) has been a fashion staple that’s stood the test of time. Since 1926, when Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel published a picture of a simple, black dress in Vogue, the iconic dress captured the imagination of women everywhere. The original LBD was calf-length, simple, and made to be the Model T of fashion, often dubbed “Chanel’s Ford.”

Since then, it’s crowned fashion list after list, decade after decade, as the quintessential piece of clothing to every real woman’s closet. And of course it has! It’s an incredibly versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up, down, and any way around. Depending on the fabric and cut, the dress becomes a chameleon of fabric that allows its wearer the versatility and clean sharpness only this fine cloak could provide.

. . .

Fast forward to 2020, it’s a pandemic. People went from strutting their stuff on the streets to stuffing their feet into comfy socks. We weren’t allowed to use the sidewalks as our runway anymore. Not like before. Now distanced 6+ feet away for the sake of living, it became harder and harder for people to find places to rock their favorite clothing items. Jeans dusted over, heels grew cobwebs on their straps, and going out clothes became grocery store armor, more chosen for its comfort than it’s fierceness.

But you know who is still there for us? The Black Legging. A great black legging is a thing of beauty. It can lift, swoop and scoop you through yoga, a long day at work, and a night out with ease. She can be dressed up or dressed all the way down and doesn’t need the streets to be seen. She can also cuddle up next you after a hard week to watch Netflix and drink wine. Queen 👑 can do it all!

Two of my FAVORITE leggings are ones that I love for their comfort and aesthetic. I like black leggings that pop—whether it’s the color tone or how it makes my booty look like it’s singing 🎼.

My current favorites are Balance Athletica’s Cloud Pant in Midnight and Carbon 38’s High Waisted Takara Leggings in Black. I love them both for different very different reasons.

The Cloud Pant is one of the SOFTEST leggings I have EVER worn — FULL STOP. It felt like butter. I was truly surprised by how well the compression fit and still made my booty look super cute. These were an instant favorite for me because of their comfort and how well they fit my body.

I also STAN Balance Athletica as a brand, hard body karate. I remember my first purchase from the line was a red snake print high waisted legging and matching bra set that I STILL have and get compliments on to this day. Over the years, they’ve evolved and dropped new lines and styles based on feedback from their customers—yes! Also LOVE how body inclusive the brand is and how it celebrates beauty at all shapes and sizes.

My Takara leggings were actually a real stroke of luck— I won them on a contest on Instagram. Carbon 38 and Kelsey from Pilates with Kelsey did a giveaway and I was lucky enough to be chosen! I was super excited because I had been eyeing these bad boys forever and I was going to finally get to try them out!

They asked if I wanted red or black, and I opted for black because I wanted something that could go from workout to living with no transition time in between. These leggings did not disappoint! They had a subtle sheen and the fit was so flattering.

The great thing about black leggings is how versatile they are, so I decided to throw them on and put together a few styles that are perfect as we get ready for Spring.

Style It Fly Look 1: Balance Athletica Cloud Pant

Look 1: Maker Hoodie in Cyclone and Gold Nike Air Force 1’s

Look 2: Linear Racer Top in Glow, Free People Cashmere Duster and Stuart Weitzman boots

⭐️ Check out the looks in the try-on video below (no music) or the original reel on Instagram (with music).

Style it Fly Look 2: Carbon 38’s High Waisted Takara Legging in Black

Look 1: Outdoor Voices Move Free Crop Top in Light Blue, Alo Yoga’s Bae Hoodie in Lavendar Smoke, and Gold Nike Air Force 1s

Look 2: 1. State Strapless tube top, Lululemon Cashlu Wrap, Urban Outfitters Flat Brim Fedora, Stuart Weitzman boots

⭐️ Scroll through to check out the looks below!

No matter the look, a good pair of black leggings always have your back…side.

⭐️ Inspired by any of these looks? Drop it down low in the comments.

With lots of love and flyness,

Mairys