Swapping Your Black Leggings for This More Sophisticated Color Trend Is So 2026
Cocoa-colored and totally crave-worthy.
Wandering through SoHo, I was on a mission to find one thing—but it wasn’t the viral Miu Miu glasses or the coveted Aritzia Slouch Coat. Instead, I was hunting down a pair of chocolate brown leggings (which, yes, would look fabulous with the aforementioned pieces). My obsession with the cozy, mousse-hued essential all started while scrolling through Instagram, stumbling on countless It girls wearing the legging trend. Even Kendall Jenner, Elsa Hosk, and Gwyneth Paltrow joined the espresso-pants movement, wearing lustrous, second-skin, and high-waisted iterations. That’s when I realized: Classic black leggings were so last year.
I’m not saying black leggings are completely out (could they really ever be?), but this fudgy shade is a fresh take on a neutral, wear-everywhere legging that proves you’re in the fashion know. And these cacao-hued pants aren’t just for the gym. Sure, they make a great workout buddy, but the elevated color and polished finish mean they pair just as effortlessly with heels, blazers, trench coats, and cozy boots. In other words, they're a sophisticated addition to anyone's wardrobe.
Join me in discovering the 15 chocolate brown leggings that will significantly upgrade your athleisure collection. You won't regret it.
A pair of New Balance x Miu Miu suede sneakers take the trend to new heights.
Get cozy with slouchy socks, a fluffy scarf, and a roomy jacket.
Styling flats with a baseball cap is the definition of sporty-chic.
When in doubt, reach for chunky sneakers and a matching top.
At home? No problem—a pullover is your leggings' best friend.
2026: the year leggings meet pumps.
Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.