The Internet Is Saying Leggings Are Done, But WTF Do You Wear Instead?

I know 2026 just started, but I want to check in with you all on your New Year’s resolutions. Are we committing to a workout routine? Trying to figure out if the Tracy Anderson Method is worth it? Traveling more? Or just attempting to leave the house looking like a person who has plans, even if those plans are just a Trader Joe’s run?

For years, leggings have been the go-to for all of the above. They’re reliable, comfortable, and easy to style, even if you need to book it from Solidcore to happy hour. Leggings are a great building block for a variety of outfits. (I always think about this video of Amy Smilovic, the Founder and Creative Director of Tibi, styling hers with a cool pair of mules, oversized blazer, and a shirt worn as a scarf.) But lately, it feels like even the most creative styling can’t save leggings from feeling a little boring, and even—dare I say—basic. Sometimes I’ll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and see a living, breathing advertisement for Alo, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but that look is less representative of who I am and more a reflection of the trends that have influenced activewear and loungewear over the past decade.

If you’ve been sensing that leggings don’t quite hit the way they used to, you’re not imagining it. Last spring, The Wall Street Journal controversially proclaimed “you’re a boomer if you wear leggings.” Over on TikTok, the workout girls are asking each other for alternatives to leggings and stretchy bike shorts. While shopping with a friend in Soho a couple of weeks ago, I noticed the return of Zumba-style pants and baggy, low-slung sweats in stores like Free People and Aritzia.

I love my leggings, especially the fleece-lined ones I wear whenever I want to go for my emotional support walks in the winter, but lately I’ve been craving a little variety. Not a total overhaul (it’s important to work with what you already have!), but just a few easy swaps that feel fresh and are practical. And because I firmly believe that you must look back in order to move forward, I’ve been searching celebrity airport and gym fits from the ‘90s and 2000s, reminiscing about Gabrielle Solis’s candy-colored matching track suits on Desperate Housewives and watching old dance videos for post-leggings outfit inspiration. I even became obsessed with Nuala, the short-lived but way ahead of its time yogawear line by Puma in collaboration with supermodel Christy Turlington.

During my search, I kept coming back to Britney Spears in her red track pants in the “...Baby One More Time” music video. Track pants are just as comfortable as leggings and have the same athletic vibe, and with the right accessories, can be worn well beyond the gym or studio. Ayo Edebiri wore hers with a black button-down and Chanel quilted hobo bag while Jennifer Lawrence paired her bright red track pants with flats and a plaid shirt tied around her waist. I love this wide-leg pair from Athleta, but if you’re interested in a more classic look, you can never go wrong with Adidas. This indigo pair with red and white stripes is fun, but still versatile enough to wear with all the existing sweaters and sweatshirts in your wardrobe.

Similarly, you can always swap your leggings for a pair of parachute or dance pants. I love these paired with double-layered camisoles or a vintage T-shirt. I have my eye on this pair from Under Armour (look at the side snap panels!), but if you want something really unique, these parachute pants from Anthropologie have adorable little ties at the sides.

For those of you who want to be as comfortable as possible, you can never go wrong with a pair of baggy straight-leg sweats, like these from Aritzia. Size up if you want to be extra cozy, and pair them with a statement coat and baseball cap for a glamorous but just-rolled-out-of-bed look. Even if you’re just working from home, you can still style your sweats in a way that keeps them from feeling sloppy. I love how this TikToker tucked hers into her socks, which is a simple way to have fun with an otherwise typical outfit (one comment reads, “this is lacrosse high school white boy activities,” but hey—cute is cute).

If you’re not quite ready to give up the stretchiness of your leggings but you’re interested in trying a different silhouette, you can always revive your flare yoga pants. I love how Bella Hadid leaned into the 2000s vibes and paired her super low-rise pair with a red Von Dutch bag and black sunglasses. I also like how this TikTok user styled her yoga pants with Tabi ballet flats and an off-the-shoulder black top for a more office appropriate look.

Exploring options outside of leggings gives us the opportunity to have fun with our closets and embrace our personal style in our activewear and loungewear. I love a matching set, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard to express myself when I’m limited to a pair of leggings and a tight-fitting top with thumbholes. Playing with options outside of leggings allows us to loosen our grip on the idea that comfort and style has to look one specific way.

So if you’re busy prepping for spring break or looking for an outfit that makes grocery shopping feel less bleh, consider giving your high school track pants or favorite sweats a second life. But don’t stop there—steal your boyfriend’s basketball shorts. Search vintage yoga outfits on eBay. Ask your mom if she still has her Zumba pants. Chances are, she has a ton of cute styles waiting to see the inside of a studio (or airplane, or bodega… whatever comes first).

shop here