How Barbara Palvin styled the leggings-and-heels trend
Barbara Palvin turned heads on the French Riviera with a look that effortlessly blended comfort and high fashion. She opted for a pair of sleek, black leggings with a subtle sheen, offering a polished base that hugged her silhouette. The leggings featured a high-waisted cut, elongating her frame and adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise casual staple.
To elevate the ensemble, Barbara paired the leggings with pointed-toe stiletto heels in a neutral beige tone, creating a seamless line from hip to toe. The heels added height and sophistication, proving that leggings can be just as refined as tailored trousers when styled with intention.
On top, she wore a structured blazer in a soft cream hue, left slightly open to reveal a fitted crop top underneath. The contrast between the sharp tailoring of the blazer and the relaxed fit of the leggings created a balanced, fashion-forward silhouette. Her accessories were minimal but impactful—a pair of gold hoop earrings and a small clutch in a matching neutral tone completed the look.
Barbara’s hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup was kept fresh and dewy, allowing the outfit to take centre stage. The overall effect was effortlessly chic, making a strong case for the leggings-and-heels trend as a go-to option for both day and evening wear.
Why leggings and heels are the season’s must-try combo
Leggings and heels have emerged as one of the most versatile and flattering combinations this season, and it’s easy to see why. The pairing strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making it ideal for everything from brunch dates to evening events. With the rise of elevated athleisure and the ongoing demand for wardrobe pieces that transition seamlessly from casual to dressy, this trend ticks all the right boxes.
One of the key reasons this combo works so well is the way it enhances the silhouette. High-waisted leggings elongate the legs and define the waist, while heels add height and poise. Together, they create a streamlined look that flatters a wide range of body types. Whether you opt for classic black leggings or experiment with textured or leather-look styles, the addition of heels instantly elevates the outfit.
Another reason for the trend’s popularity is its adaptability. You can dress it up with a blazer and statement jewellery for a polished look, or keep it casual with an oversized knit and block heels. The versatility means you can wear the same pair of leggings across multiple occasions simply by switching up your footwear and accessories.
From a practical standpoint, leggings offer unmatched comfort, especially for those who are constantly on the go. When paired with heels, they provide a chic alternative to jeans or trousers without sacrificing ease of movement. This makes the trend particularly appealing for Australian women navigating busy schedules and varied climates.
Fashion insiders and street style stars alike have embraced the leggings-and-heels look, often seen pairing them with trench coats, cropped jackets, or even bold prints for added flair. The trend also aligns with the growing focus on capsule wardrobes, where versatile staples like leggings can be styled in multiple ways to maximise wearability.
Ultimately, the leggings-and-heels trend is more than just a fleeting fashion moment—it’s a modern styling solution that combines the best of both worlds: comfort and elegance. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop bar in Sydney or a gallery opening in Melbourne, this look ensures you’ll arrive in style.
Where to shop Barbara-inspired leggings and heels
If you’re ready to channel Barbara Palvin’s effortlessly chic look, there are plenty of places across Australia—both online and in-store—where you can find similar leggings and heels to recreate the ensemble.
For leggings that mirror Barbara’s sleek, high-waisted style, look to Australian favourites like PE Nation and Nimble Activewear. Both brands offer leggings with a polished finish and flattering cuts that transition easily from daywear to evening. If you’re after a more luxe, leather-look option, Witchery and Country Road have elevated styles that pair beautifully with heels for a more refined aesthetic.
When it comes to heels, pointed-toe stilettos in neutral tones are key to nailing the look. Tony Bianco and Wittner offer a wide range of sophisticated heels that echo the elegance of Barbara’s footwear choice. Look for styles in beige, taupe, or soft blush to maintain that seamless leg line. For a more budget-friendly option, Novo Shoes and Spendless have on-trend selections that don’t compromise on style.
To complete the outfit, consider adding a structured blazer and minimalist accessories. Seed Heritage and Forever New carry tailored blazers in soft neutrals that complement the leggings-and-heels combo perfectly. A small clutch and gold hoop earrings from Lovisa or Mejuri will add just the right amount of polish.
- PE Nation – High-performance leggings with a fashion-forward edge
- Witchery – Leather-look leggings and tailored outerwear
- Tony Bianco – Sleek stilettos in neutral tones
- Seed Heritage – Structured blazers and elevated basics
- Lovisa – Affordable, on-trend accessories
Whether you’re shopping online or heading into your local Westfield, these Australian retailers make it easy to embrace the leggings-and-heels trend with confidence and style.
How Barbara Palvin styled the leggings-and-heels trend
Barbara Palvin was recently spotted in the South of France turning heads with a look that effortlessly blends comfort and high fashion. She embraced the leggings-and-heels trend with a sleek, monochrome outfit that highlighted her model-off-duty aesthetic. Her choice of black, high-waisted leggings with a subtle sheen gave the ensemble a polished edge, while the tailored fit elongated her silhouette.
She paired the leggings with a structured blazer in a soft ivory tone, creating a sharp contrast that added dimension to the look. The blazer featured strong shoulders and a cinched waist, giving the outfit a refined, architectural feel. Underneath, she wore a minimalist black crop top, keeping the palette clean and cohesive.
What truly elevated the outfit were her pointed-toe stiletto heels in a glossy patent finish. The heels added a dose of glamour and sophistication, proving that leggings can be just as chic as tailored trousers when styled with intention. Her accessories were kept minimal—oversized sunglasses, a sleek leather clutch, and delicate gold jewellery—allowing the silhouette and textures to take centre stage.
This look is a masterclass in balancing casual and luxe elements, and it’s a perfect example of how to wear leggings beyond the gym or lounge. Barbara’s styling shows that with the right pieces, leggings can be a statement of modern elegance.
Where to shop similar leggings and heels
If you’re ready to channel Barbara Palvin’s effortlessly chic leggings-and-heels combo, there are plenty of stylish options available right here in Australia. Start with a pair of high-waisted leggings that offer both structure and stretch—look for styles with a slight sheen or leather-look finish to mirror Barbara’s polished aesthetic. Brands like PE Nation and Nimble Activewear offer elevated activewear that transitions seamlessly from daywear to evening looks.
For a luxe take, consider Camilla and Marc or Scanlan Theodore, both of which offer tailored leggings in premium fabrics that hold their shape and flatter the figure. Opt for a monochrome palette—black is always a safe bet—but don’t shy away from deep charcoals or navy for a subtle twist.
When it comes to heels, pointed-toe stilettos are key to achieving that sleek, leg-lengthening effect. Look to Australian labels like Tony Bianco and Wittner for patent leather options that echo Barbara’s glossy finish. A classic black or nude heel will give you maximum versatility, but a pop of colour—think oxblood or emerald—can add a bold, fashion-forward edge.
Pro tip: Choose heels with a slightly higher vamp or ankle strap for added support when pairing with leggings—this keeps the look refined and elongates the leg line.
To complete the ensemble, layer with a structured blazer or longline coat. Aje and Veronika Maine offer beautifully tailored outerwear that complements the streamlined silhouette of leggings. Keep accessories minimal and modern—think sculptural earrings or a sleek crossbody bag—to let the textures and tailoring shine.
- Leggings to try: PE Nation ‘Recalibrate Legging’, Camilla and Marc ‘Axel Legging’
- Heels to shop: Tony Bianco ‘Caprice’ Patent Pump, Wittner ‘Lior’ Pointed Heel
- Blazers to layer: Aje ‘Structure Blazer’, Veronika Maine ‘Double Breasted Jacket’