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13 Best Leg Warmers to Nail the Balletcore Aesthetic
Yes, the ’80s-inspired trend is cool again.
TikTok never ceases to amaze me with its ability to almost single-handedly bring a dead accessory back to life. Read: claw clips, platform Crocs, and numerous other niche accouterments from the 2000s.
The latest retro accessory to receive the TikTok treatment? Leg warmers. Long confined to ballet classes and costume parties, the quirky outfit addition is hitting the streets this spring thanks to emerging TikTok fashion trends like Balletcore and the Vanilla Girl aesthetic. The term “leg warmers” has already racked up over 273 million views on the platform, and thanks to celebs like Bella Hadid, Billie Eilish, and the Kar-Jenner crew, the accessory’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
Though the trend is most commonly associated with the ’80s jazzercise craze, its reappearance can be credited to Gen Z’s obsession with Y2K fashion. TikTok trendsetters may be sporting the same ribbed knit-style leg warmers as Jane Fonda, but they’re wearing them with Uggs or low-slung mini-skirts à la Paris Hilton.
Looking to dip your toe into the trend? From barre class-approved cashmere knits to splurge-worthy designer picks and affordable Amazon finds, we’ve rounded up the best leg warmers to shop below.
v28 Rib Knit Leg Warmers
Bella Hadid pulls her white rib-knit leg warmers down over the heel of her pumps for a fresh take on a sock boot. Try the supermodel-approved spring trend for yourself with these affordable Amazon leg warmers.
Santa Brands x REVOLVE Metallic Silver Socks
Santa Brands x REVOLVE Metallic Silver Socks
These statement-making crystal mesh leg warmers from Ukrainian label Santa Brands will instantly spice up any going-out look.
Los Angeles Apparel Acrylic Legwarmers
Lean into the Balletcore trend with a pair of pastel pink knit leg warmers that can be scrunched down around your ankles or pulled above your knees.
Lululemon Evolution Leg Warmers
Lululemon Evolution Leg Warmers
Knit from lightweight, itch-free merino wool, these luxe Lululemon leg warmers pair perfectly with mini skirts, spring dresses, and 50-something-degree weather.
Moncler Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers
Moncler Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers
Sleek and minimalist, these black, logo’ed leg warmers from Moncler can be styled with sneakers, loafers, and ankle boots, just like your favorite crew socks.
FYI, puffer leg warmers are a thing. And yes, all the cool girls in Brooklyn are wearing them. This affordable pair is made from quilted, water-resistant fabric with drawstrings, an elasticized foot strap, and a functional zipper at back.
Alo Goddess Leg Warmers
Alo Goddess Leg Warmers
Made from Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric, these thigh-high leg warmers give your casual spring outfits that I just left barre class look. The stirrups at the bottom are designed to be worn around the ankle or under the bottom of the foot, increasing both comfort and styling possibilities.
Cashmere in Love Lottie Ribbed Leg Warmers
Cashmere in Love Lottie Ribbed Leg Warmers
If you’re someone who prioritizes coziness, treat yourself to a pair like this that’s knit from luxurious cashmere. The thigh-high length and stretchy rib-knit fabric lend the look of over-the-knee socks without added bulk around the foot.
Arebesk Ruffle Leg Warmers
Arebesk Ruffle Leg Warmers
Ruffle trim adds a little something special to these scrunchable thigh-high leg warmers. Style them just as you would thigh-high socks.
Live Your Colour Chelsea Cable Leg Warmers
Live Your Colour Chelsea Cable Leg Warmers
The Cottagecore girlies love to layer slouchy, cable-knit leg warmers over sheer tights and ankle boots for added warmth on cold spring days. Rib-knit cuffs ensure the knee-high leg warmers stay in place however they’re scrunched, tucked, or styled.
Simone Rocha Black Open-Toe Socks
Simone Rocha Black Open-Toe Socks
Though Simone Rocha calls these open-toe socks, I’m calling them what they are: the best leg warmers for spring. The quirky knee-high socks have pointelle knit fabric and cut-outs at the sides that elevate them above your average dancewear.
Look from London Fluted Flare Leg Warmers
Look from London Fluted Flare Leg Warmers
Many a TikTok fashion trend—including leg warmers— draws inspiration from Harajuku, Tokyo street style. Pair these flared leg warmers with a schoolgirl skirt and chunky ankle boots to get the look.
Zando Ribbed Knitted ’80s Leg Warmers
Zando Ribbed Knitted ’80s Leg Warmers
Let your inner Jane Fonda run wild layering these retro leg warmers over tights and leggings. They come in a rainbow of fun neon colors.
Sarah Maberry is a Firstfinds Commerce Writer at Hearst Magazines, covering trending products in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and beyond. She’s obsessed with being the first to wear, try, watch and buy what’s going viral.
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