At a time when workout gear has become everyday attire, the humble pair of leggings has never been more noticed. Once dominated by classic black, contemporary wardrobe curation now leans into trendy workout wear with unexpected hues and colorful athleisure that feel modern and expressive. A recent celebrity moment illustrates the shift.

Jennifer Lopez was spotted on social media in a coordinated burgundy activewear set including high-waisted leggings, a long-sleeve top, and matching sports bra, paired with crisp white sneakers. The look immediately caught fashion watchers' eyes because it moved away from neutral staples toward a color that feels rich, intentional, and wearable beyond gym walls.

Legging color trends have been evolving steadily. Industry observers and fashion sites have highlighted six key non-black shades gaining ground for 2026 including chocolate brown, racing green, oatmeal, royal blue, slate gray, and midnight navy. These are hues that sit comfortably between classic and statement, often making outfits feel more considered without overpowering the rest of a look.


Why Burgundy and Other Shades Matter in 2026

The rise of burgundy and similarly deep tones fits into a broader color movement. Fashion directions for the mid-2020s emphasize expressive, feel-good dressing often called "dopamine dressing." Vibrant and saturated colors have reappeared across runway shows, street style posts, and celebrity closets alike.

Athleisure itself (originally a practical hybrid of athletic and everyday clothing) has matured into a category that embraces personality. Leggings weren't always seen this way. When yoga pants first emerged from niche studios in the late 1990s, they were purely functional garments. Today's iterations keep comfort but introduce richer color stories that suit both workout and daily life.

Shoppers who previously stuck to black for ease and versatility are now experimenting with colors that feel fresh. Deep burgundy adds warmth and depth to outfits and works harmoniously with many gym staples like white trainers or neutral hoodies. That makes it a natural choice for colorful athleisure that doesn't feel costume-like.

Trending Workout Wear You Can Shop Now

To help transition from monochrome black leggings to something with more personality, fashion editors have flagged several excellent alternatives that embrace both performance and style:

Alo Yoga Airlift Legging in 'Burgundy' – A flattering, high-waist style with compression that makes it ideal for workouts or daily errands; layered looks or tonal sets work especially well here. (similar to J.Lo's vibe)

Zella Cozy Tech Pocket Leggings – Practical with a soft hand feel, these deep-toned leggings perform while offering pocket storage for everyday convenience.

Aritzia Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise 26" Legging – A sleek silhouette in warm shades like burgundy or chocolate brown that bridges gym outfits and casual weekend looks.

Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Crossover Legging in Plum – A rich plum hue taps into colorful athleisure with luxury lean, ideal for pairing with neutral tops or contrasting hues.

Adanola Ultimate Leggings – Dark Cherry – A true pop of red-leaning color for those ready to make a bold but wearable statement.

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Pant 28" – Available in deep jewel tones, this cult favorite balances comfort and color versatility for active days or chill weekends.

These pieces represent a shift in trendy workout wear away from purely neutral palettes toward colors that feel intentional and expressive without sacrificing utility.

Styling Ideas for Colorful Athleisure

Wearing bold leggings requires just a bit of balancing. One easy formula is pairing a saturated bottom with a neutral top to let the color do the talking. For example, burgundy leggings with a cream or light gray sweatshirt reads chic on school runs or coffee meet-ups.

If contrast is more appealing, soft pastels like pale pink or icy blue complement richer tones and reflect the broader colorful athleisure movement seen in spring 2026 street style. While black remains practical and widely worn, the visual impact of color can elevate even the simplest outfit and signal that workout gear is now a full-time wardrobe contender.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez

How Legging Colors Influence Everyday Wear

That leggings have become an everyday fashion staple is no surprise. The trend toward hybrid clothing has blurred the lines between athletic clothing and daily attire. Leggings in flattering cuts and interesting hues fit seamlessly into casual office outfits, travel wardrobes, and weekend looks alongside sneakers, loafers, or even ballet flats.

Color plays into this versatility. A burgundy or deep green pair can be dressed up with an oversized blazer and sleek sneakers on cooler days. Or layered under a long coat with boots when temperatures dip. These shades retain practicality yet make outfits feel curated and current.

Embracing Expression in Your Activewear Drawer

Color in leggings signals more than a fashion choice. It reflects a broader shift in how people engage with their clothing. Workout wear that looks good in the gym, on the street, and in social settings represents a merging of comfort, function, and style.

From burgundy and chocolate to richer blues and greens, trendy workout wear now invites personality, letting wearers express themselves confidently. As wardrobes evolve, the rise of colorful athleisure points to a future where leggings are more than basics. They are key pieces that bridge realms of movement, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.

Originally published on Fashion Times