It was around this time last year when Katie Holmes made an unexpected fashion choice that took me by surprise: The actress stepped out in a pair of stirrup leggings with a cinched denim jacket, a designer bag, and peep-toe heels. In doing so, she made the case for the controversial equestrian-inspired style, demonstrating how it can function well beyond the stable.
At the time, I wrote off stirrup leggings as a fleeting fad. In hindsight, I’m mature enough to admit that I was totally wrong: Stirrups are here to stay, and the proof is on the Fall 2025 runways.
Balmain gave the stirrup leggings an upscale treatment, demonstrating that these pants aren’t just for horse girls.
According to Dries Van Noten, stirrup leggings look best with a statement jacket and glove-like shoes.
Designers like Balmain and Dries Van Noten elevated the look alongside sculptural outerwear and sophisticated shoes in their autumnal collections. It didn't take long for stirrup leggings to make their way into the closets of fashion insiders. In her latest column for Marie Claire’s contributor series “Style at Large,” Danielle Prescod shares that Gap’s High Rise Double Knit Stirrup Pants have earned a prime spot in her winter capsule wardrobe, alongside snug sweaters and pointy kitten heels.
While I was initially a stirrup skeptic, I’ve been convinced to give the trend a ride. If you’d like to do the same, scroll on for a handpicked edit of my favorite options. You’ll discover chic pieces from brands like Reformation, Banana Republic, and more.
Shop the Best Stirrup Leggings
Drenched in a wintry white hue, Reformation’s Needle Leggings will set you apart from the rest.
After reading about stirrup leggings in Prescod’s latest "Style at Large" story, I’ve decided to follow her lead with this pair from Gap. Crafted with a knit fabric, I know these pants will keep me nice and warm.
As the name suggests, Banana Republic’s Everywhere Ponte Stirrup Leggings can indeed be worn everywhere. During the week, I’d style these pants with a chunky cardigan and boots, then dress them up with a deep-V blazer and slingbacks for the weekend.
Seroya co-signs the chocolate brown color trend with these slim-fitting bottoms.
Theory’s stretchy stirrups are so comfortable, they’ll rival your favorite pair of cozy sweatpants.
Play into winter’s lace trend with these sultry stirrups from Wardrobe.NYC. They’ll go well with satin dresses and slip skirts.
Splits59’s River High Waist Airweight Stirrup Leggings are super breathable, so they’re great for those on-the-go moments. Slip into these for your next errand run.
These aren’t your ordinary pair of stirrups: Look closely, and you’ll notice Guest in Residence's Speed Skate pants are stitched with charming buttons.
If you’re searching for a high-waisted pair of stirrup leggings, Skims has you covered in sizes XS to 4X.
Not in the mood to pay a pretty penny for stirrups? Consider this $40 pair from Zara.
I can totally see myself wearing Helsa’s Hayleigh pants with a denim jacket and trendy heels, à la Katie Holmes.
Round out your rotation of going-out outfits with these leather leggings. Complete the look with a collarless coat and pointy pumps for a polished getup that you’ll want to wear on repeat.
For your next athleisure outfit, swap your regular old leggings for Athleta’s cool-girl pair.
Tibi’s Compact Ultra Stretch Knit Stirrup Leggings debuted on the brand’s Spring 2025 runway. Since then, these designer pants have been in high demand. Snag them now, before it’s too late!
