How to Make Crop Gym Leggings Look Chic Like Kim Kardashian

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Full-length leggings have long crossed over the sportswear to chicwear threshold, but its cropped, knee-length sister still can’t get past its “only for the gym” look. Until Kim Kardashian got her Internet-breaking butt in them, that is. The 34-year-old reality star has been spotted wearing cropped leggings numerous times the past few weeks that it seems she’s made it her mission to make cropped leggings a legit chic fashion trend.

Kim’s first attempt was to pair black cropped leggings with a black bodysuit and a black long blazer, because nothing says “chic” like head-to-toe black. She finished the look with celebrity-staple sunglasses and her go-to Alexander Wang “Antonia” sandals. Devoid of any other jewelry, Kim allowed her diamond engagement ring from Kanye to shine and stand out.

Kim's first attempt was to pair black cropped leggings with a black bodysuit and a black long blazerKim Kardashian arriving for sister Kourtney’s baby shower at the Montage Beverly Hills hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on November 12, 2014

Kim did monochromatic again for her second cropped leggings look, which she wore to watch “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” in a private theater in Australia last week. Choosing a delicate blush pink color this time, Kim went for a softer style with a cozy-looking fuzzy sweater, Alaia leggings, and her Alexander Wang sandals. Those leggings may look like they’re just flimsy pantyhose, but they cost a solid $625.

Kim Kardashian's Instagram picture from the private screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 she watched with friends while visiting Australia -- Posted on November 20, 2014Kim Kardashian’s Instagram picture from the private screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 she watched with friends while visiting Australia — Posted on November 20, 2014

Kim was most recently spotted rocking cropped leggings upon arriving at LAX from Dubai. The Shoedazzle founder had all her essentials out: dark oversized sunglasses, a tailored coat, a black top, a designer handbag, and shoes in nude color. A swipe of red lipstick and neatly tied-back hair made sure she was ready for the paparazzi despite coming off of a long-haul flight.

Kim was most recently spotted rocking cropped leggings upon arriving at LAX from DubaiKim Kardashian at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on November 25, 2014

Do you think Kim is onto something here with making cropped leggings look chic? Or do you think Kim wearing them makes her look like she just came from the gym?

Kim’s choice of cropped leggings are in the most basic styles and in black, nude, and neutral colors — grab a pair like hers among the selection from Shopbop below. But we couldn’t help including ones with laser cutouts, mesh panels, and leopard prints, which are designs that we think are too chic to just wear to the gym!

ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Cropped Micromodal Yoga Pants / SOLOW Cropped Spinning Pants / David Lerner Cropped LeggingsATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Cropped Micromodal Yoga Pants, $141 / SOLOW Cropped Spinning Pants, $66 / David Lerner Cropped Leggings, $80

Herve Leger Cropped Leggings / Blue Life Fit Laser-Cut Leggings / adidas by Stella McCartney Starter 3/4 Tight LeggingsHerve Leger Cropped Leggings, $880 / Blue Life Fit Laser-Cut Leggings, $165 / adidas by Stella McCartney Starter 3/4 Tight Leggings, $80

Credit: WENN / Kim Kardashian's Instagram