My review of the SPANX Faux Leather leggings

Happy Thursday!

I shared on Instagram earlier this week that I was testing out the SPANX faux leather leggings and received messages asking to share what I found.

wearing: J.Crew Factory Sweater Blazer // Old Navy Tunic // SPANX Faux Leather Leggings // Sam Edelman Mules // Kate Spade Backpack // Ray Ban Aviators

Over the past few years (and throughout the Nordstrom Anniversary Sales) these leggings have received a ton of hype. Admittedly I follow way too many bloggers on Instagram, but plenty of fashion forward women I know (and love) who aren’t bloggers have also been hearing about the leggings and are curious to see if they’re worth the $98 price tag.

In full disclosure, I work with ShopBop as a partner on my blog, and I used some of my credit from them to purchase these leggings (making my out of pocket cost $0) which is one of the reasons I decided to test them out.

So, let’s dive in:

1.) These are not actually faux leather leggings – they are coated leggings

This isn’t a deal breaker, it actually leads me to my second point, but I think that it should be stated. As someone who has been wearing faux leather leggings for years (see previous posts here, here, here and here). They have a completely different finish of any pair I’ve worn before.

2.) They are lightweight

One MAJOR benefit to them being coated leggings versus actual polyurethane fabric is that they are lightweight enough to wear when the weather isn’t cold. I get warm easily, so oftentimes I couldn’t wear my leather leggings to work at Loft last year because the store would get too hot. These are great to wear when the weather is more transitional.

3.) They are TIGHT

Yes, I know they are made by SPANX. I get it. I’m a fan of tight pants, so I’m on board, but I for the record wouldn’t recommend eating a large meal in these. Overall though, I was comfortable in them all day (while sitting at my desk, taking walks, running errands after work, etc). For reference I am wearing a size small.

4.) They need to be worn with a tunic

Now, this may be my opinion, but I wouldn’t wear them with anything that didn’t cover my bum. They do not have a normal waist band like pants (because they are leggings), and the rise is also quite high (above my belly button) so take that information as you will.

On the topic of tunics – this is my go-to Old Navy tunic. I bought two in 2016 and then another two in 2017 because I wore them so frequently. They’re awesome to layer with any type of jacket (leather, suede, moto, cargo, denim etc) and skinny pant or legging. Lucky for you they brought them back again this year! Shop it here – I’m wearing an XS and I wash and dry it haha.

5.)They can be dressed up or down (or in between)

I believe they have a TON of styling potential, and you best believe I’ll be wearing them a ton this winter. Below I’ve shared 4 potential ways to style the leggings and I’d be happy to create an entire post dedicated to styling them if you’re interested.

So, are the leggings worth $98?

My verdict = YES. And here is why:

I have a very flexible dress code at work (but still can’t wear jeans everyday), so I will probably end up wearing them at least one per week from October – April. If you break down the cost of wearing them once a week for 28 weeks you end up at $3.50 per wear (and that is just this year). Ideally the leggings will hold up well and I’ll be able to wear them the following year.

I’m also very comfortable styling and wearing leather leggings, as I have been for years. If you’re unsure about the entire idea in general I would recommend purchasing a cheaper pair first and seeing if you actually reach for them when getting dressed.

Lastly, if you’re on the fence with adding them to your wardrobe, here are a few ways I plan to style mine this fall:

1.) With an oversized white button down + leopard booties

2.) With a gray tunic, denim jacket + simple sneakers

3.) With a blouse, suede moto jacket and OTK black boots

4.)With a sweater blazer, tunic and leopard mules (as seen above)

Thanks for stopping by today. Hopefully this was helpful!

xo, Maddy