After a summer dominated by capri pants, it should come as no surprise that their longer-legged cousins are right at the top of the trend cycle for the colder months ahead. We are, of course, talking about leggings, the long-standing autumn staple that were seen far and wide across the autumn/winter 2026 season.Styled with everything from pointed-toe pumps and over-the-knee sock boots to loafers and heeled Mary Janes, opaque, form-fitting legwear proved its versatility on the runways of Celine, Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten, whose autumn/winter collections are now arriving in stores.

Because ehere better to start than with a classic? At Balenciaga, the house swapped its high-stretch Lycra pantaboots for classic matte-black leggings, cropped just above the ankle – a great option for anyone sad to be retiring their capris. Cosy, elegant and easy to style, create a high-impact look with a sculptural, high collar wool coat and a pair of knife-point pumps.

Balenciaga autumn/winter 2026.

Isidore Montag / Gorunway.

Given its equestrian heritage, it’s hardly surprising that Hermès has long been an advocate of a legging – or, technically, the jodhpur, though the sleek and slender effect is much the same – in everything from sporty technical knits to supple leather. For autumn/winter 2026, Nadège Vanhée offered up some briliant high-waisted options, styled with over-the-knee boots and severe, nipped-in tailoring. The result? A put-together look that instantly evokes elegance with just a hint of something spicier

Hermès autumn/winter 2026.

Isidore Montag / Gorunway.

On the Loewe runway, sturdy ribbed-knit leggings brought a hint of cosiness, which were then offset by oversized leather coats whose inflated proportions recalled technical rainwear. Styled with heeled sandals, the result was a directional clash of registers, with no concessions on either style or comfort.

Loewe autumn/winter 2026.

Isidore Montag / Gorunway.

Look, while we’d all love a pair of leather leggings, the budget can’t always stretch that far – not to speak of the leggings themselves. Thankfully, this season saw a number of brands throw it back to the mid-2010s party-girl heyday of Miley Cyrus and Kesha, reviving slick, faux-leather styles worn with heeled boots or even open-toe sandals. Perfect for adding a rebellious, rock ‘n’ roll edge to your outfit for party season.

Ottolinger autumn/winter 2026.

Filippo Fior / Gorunway.

If there’s one brand that spearheaded the legging revival, it’s Mugler, with the brand bringing sheer leggings with graphic, body-contouring outlines to the forefront of the fashion conversation during Casey Cadwallader’s tenure at the house. For autumn/winter 2026, Mugler reimagined its staple in beige, complete with a visible gusset and a centre seam running down each leg. Offset the severity with a pair of brightly coloured heels.

Mugler autumn/winter 2026.

Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.

Okay, you don’t have to retire your favourite capris – not if Isabel Marant, a brand with a perennially summery spirit, has anything to do with it. This season, the house fielded a subtly sheer, glossy-black pair, styled with a slightly oversized leather bomber and leopard-print heeled mules. A little rebellious, a little seductive, it’s the insouciant It-girl spirit of Marant distilled for the festive season.

Isabel Marant autumn/winter 2026.

Filippo Fior / Gorunway.