Jul 03, 25
Ways to Pair Kids’ Printed Leggings with Everyday Tops

When your kid's got more sass in her style than you do in your coffee order, you know you’re raising a mini fashion icon. And nothing says "cool girl comfort" like kids' printed leggings; they’re fun, stretchy, and pretty much the only bottoms our girls don’t argue about wearing. But here's the secret sauce: the right top can take those wild leggings from playdate cute to playdate chic.
And since we’re the mommas who know what’s up with unicorns, sparkles, and smiley emojis, we’ve got the go-to tips for pairing these leggings with everyday tops that’ll get your kid dressed and out the door faster than you can say “leggings again?!”
Are Patterned Leggings Flattering?
Absolutely, and especially on kids! Patterned leggings are fun and super flattering when styled right. The trick is choosing the right fit and pairing them with balanced tops. With kids' printed leggings, the bold designs actually help highlight your child’s energy and playful personality, while the stretchy fabric keeps things comfy and confident.
Look for:
- High-waisted styles that stay in place
- Patterns that elongate (think vertical designs or soft swirls)
- Prints that reflect your kid’s mood or interests, because confidence is the best fit
When your little one feels good in what she’s wearing, she’ll carry herself with the kind of sparkle that no plain outfit could match.
Leggings We’re Loving Right Now
Need a refresh on the cutest kids’ printed leggings we’ve got? These are the must-haves flying off our digital shelves at Lola and the Boys:
- Mermaid Leggings – Shimmering scales and fantasy flair? Yes, please.
- Eye Heart Doodle Leggings – Quirky, fun, and full of personality, just like her.
- Happy Emoji Unicorn Leggings – Because unicorns and emojis belong together.
- Emoji Checkered Leggings – A little edgy, a lot adorable.
- Unicorn Sky Leggings – Dreamy skies and flying unicorns, what more could a girl want?
- Metallic Foil Star Leggings – All the twinkle, none of the itch.
- Rainbow Smiley Leggings– Instant mood lifters.
- Sunny Rainbow Flash Leggings – Bright, happy, and ready to run.
Pair these with a basic tee and you’re golden.
The Best Everyday Pairings for Kids’ Printed Leggings
Styling bold bottoms doesn’t have to mean complicated outfits, especially when your little one lives in kids' printed leggings. Here are the best everyday top pairings that keep things comfy, cute, and totally mom-approved.
1. Keep It Chill with Solid Color Tees
There’s beauty in balance, and that goes double for dressing our kiddos. When leggings are loud (and oh yes, ours absolutely are), a simple solid-color tee can help calm things down while still looking fresh.
Pro Styling Tips:
- Pick a tee in one of the lighter shades from the leggings to tie the look together
- Front tuck it for added flair (plus, it shows off their waistband, cute!)
- Layer on a denim jacket for chilly mornings or breezy afternoons
2. Graphic Tees That Match the Mood
Sometimes our girls want a little more personality up top, and we’re here for it. Match the vibe of those kids' printed leggings with a graphic tee that brings it all together. Think unicorns, smiley faces, or something as cheeky as they are.
Our fave combos:
- Pair colorful leggings with a tee that features a similar motif or icon
- Go for positive quotes, fun characters, or anything that screams sass with class
- Mix graphic tees with sparkles or puffy paint for extra fun
Mom tip: Keep a few black or white tees with playful graphics on hand; they’ll match almost any leggings your kiddo pulls from the drawer.
3. Longline Tanks for an Athletic Twist
For those active days (read: basically every day), go with a longline tank or sleeveless top. They give that sporty-chic look our girls love, especially when paired with some of our bolder kids' printed leggings.
Style suggestions:
- Try a cropped tank or knotted muscle tee with sporty prints
- Pair pastel tanks with shimmer leggings for a fresh, girly vibe
- Great for layering under zip hoodies or cardigans when the weather shifts
And yes, they can wear this to gym class, dance class, or while scaling the monkey bars at warp speed.
4. Cozy Up with Oversized Sweatshirts
There’s something so effortlessly cute about leggings paired with an oversized sweatshirt. It’s the perfect combo of playful and cozy, and honestly? We wish it came in our size.
Pro Mom Styling Tips:
- Let the sweatshirt fall past the hips for that comfy-chic silhouette
- Scrunch up the sleeves to show off some sparkle or bracelet stacks
- Add a top knot with a fun scrunchie to round out the look
This look is a favorite for school drop-offs, post-playdate snacks, and couch snuggles that still count as “styled.”
5. The Button-Up Remix: Make It Fashion
Hear us out: a crisp button-up shirt can totally work for everyday style, too. When styled right, it adds an easy, cool-girl touch to kids' printed leggings, no effort required.
Why this works:
- It adds polish without being stuffy
- Ideal for unpredictable weather, layer it up or tie it around the waist
- Works great with almost any legging print when done in denim, flannel, or muted tones
Try this combo:
- A white tee under an open flannel shirt paired with printed leggings
- Chambray button-ups worn loose with bold or metallic prints
- Oversized plaid tops that bring a little cozy to any outfit
6. Dress It Up with Statement Outerwear
If leggings are the main act, a good jacket can be the encore. We’re not talking heavy coats, they’ll never wear those anyway. Think playful puffers, sequined bombers, or color-blocked layers, they actually want to put on.
Style Spotlight:
- Try a sparkly jacket over colorful leggings to amp up the drama
- Add a moto jacket to tone down the sweet prints with a little edge
- Layer denim or colorful utility jackets for a street-style vibe
Give your kid a say in their jacket choice, and watch how quickly they start reaching for it all on their own.
7. The Crop Top + Leggings Combo (Yes, Even for Littles)
No need to worry about midriff styles here. Think boxy-fit crop tops that hit right at the waistband of high-rise leggings, comfy, covered, and totally on-trend.
Style this combo with:
- Loose-fitting crop tees with high-waisted printed leggings
- Lightweight cropped hoodies for cooler mornings
- Tanks that hit right above the hips for an activewear-inspired look
This combo gives your kiddo just enough independence in their style without ever sacrificing comfort (or your mom seal of approval).
8. Layers That Work All Year Round
One thing we’ve learned? You need options, especially with the weather constantly flipping a coin. That’s where flexible layers come in to keep kids’ printed leggings outfits comfy and cute in every season.
Outfit inspo:
- Lightweight cardigans or sweater vests over tanks and tees
- Short-sleeved dresses worn as tunics with leggings underneath
- Zip-up hoodies and denim vests that add structure without the bulk
Toss in a fun backpack and their favorite sneakers, and you’ve got a style that works from spring through snow days.
9. Tops with Texture: Ruffles, Fringe, and Sparkle
When your kiddo’s leggings are already stealing the show, why not keep the fun going up top? Adding texture, think ruffles, fringe, or a bit of sparkle, takes the outfit from “cute” to “OMG adorable” in no time.
Here’s how to nail it:
- Ruffle-sleeve tees balance out bold prints with a little sweetness
- Fringe tops bring out that spunky side (especially with checkered or graphic leggings)
- Add shimmer or sequins to match the fun of glittery or metallic prints
Mom hack:Keep one textured or sparkly top in rotation for birthdays, school photos, or anytime your girl wants to feel extra fabulous.
10. Mixing Prints Like a Pro (Yes, It’s Possible!)
We know it sounds bold, but mixing prints is totally doable. The key is balance: pair one loud piece with another that plays nice, and suddenly your kid is setting playground trends.
Our go-to tips:
- Mix big patterns with smaller, more subtle ones
- Keep it all in the same color palette for harmony, not chaos
- Stripes and polka dots are neutral enough to work with almost any print
Need a visual? Try pairing star leggings with a mini-heart tee, rainbow stripes with galaxy prints, or doodle leggings with soft florals. When she’s confident in her outfit, it shows, and that’s what matters most.
11. Don’t Sleep on Matching Sets
If your morning routine needs a miracle, matching sets are basically fashion magic. When your kids' printed leggings already come with a coordinating top, it’s one less decision for you and a head-to-toe win for her.
Why we love them:
- Zero styling guesswork, just grab and go
- Perfect for travel, school, and all those random last-minute photo ops
- Easy to break apart and mix with other staples in her wardrobe
Even when you use sets separately, they still bring endless mix-and-match potential to the closet.
12. When in Doubt, Go With a Dress Topper
If you’ve got a dress-obsessed little one who also lives in leggings, meet your new best friend: the dress + leggings combo. It keeps things playful and pretty while adding a layer of comfort, coverage, and weather-readiness.
How to style it:
- Layer leggings under tunic-length sweatshirts or casual dresses
- Add color-blocked or metallic leggings under graphic tees worn dress-style
- Let printed leggings peek out from under a flowy high-low hem
This trick’s especially handy during in-between seasons when they still want to twirl, but mama knows better than bare legs at 60 degrees.
13. Add the Right Accessories
Sometimes it’s the extras that make the outfit feel special. Kids' printed leggings are already full of personality, so the right accessories just help tie it all together.
Think small, impactful touches:
- High-tops, sparkly sneakers, or color-pop boots
- Hair clips, headbands, or scrunchies that echo the colors of their leggings
- A kid-sized crossbody, charm necklace, or even playful sunglasses
Let your kiddo lead here, because when they put the finishing touches on their outfit, they’ll walk out the door feeling totally themselves. And that’s the best look of all.
Shop the Look at Lola and the Boys
Want your mini fashionista looking fabulous without the morning meltdowns? You’ll find all the sass, sparkle, and statement prints you need right here at Lola and the Boys. From unicorns to emojis, shimmer to sporty sets, our kids' printed leggings are built for style and movement. Perfect for school, playdates, and all those spontaneous twirls in the living room.
Head to Lola and the Boys now to shop leggings, tops, and all the cute extras your little trendsetter needs.