Even before launching a fashion label under her own name, Victoria Beckham had a very distinctive aesthetic. She shed her Posh Spice alter ego a few years ago, but her outfits have always remained true to that vibe. For decades, Beckham has drawn from a blueprint of surrealistic chic that has made her personal style utterly unwavering. That's why her current fashion obsession is so surprising.

When I think of Victoria Beckham's classic outfits, I immediately think of crisp button-downs, skin-tight leathers, tiny Gucci dresses (IYKYK), and fitted pencil skirts, modest but sexy. But I can't think of leggings as pants. And yet, that very look has become her fashion obsession.

In recent months, the star has developed a new love for Balenciaga's much-maligned pantyhose. She first wore the leggings/footwear hybrid in January (to the airport) and styled it with an olive army jacket. This week she wore the look again for a dinner date with her husband and children.

On September 3, the Beckhams (Victoria, David, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Harper) enjoyed dinner at Dorian's in London following Romeo's runway debut. He had walked in Balenciaga's Paris Fashion Week show earlier that week, so naturally Victoria wore that brand to his celebratory dinner. [He wore a pointed-toe spandex pantyhose boot with a cropped cardigan. Victoria partially unbuttoned her shrunken sweater, revealing just a hint of her mesh bra underneath.

Leggings were certainly not on my bingo card, but still, the Spice Girls alumna managed to give her signature look a sense of authenticity. She kept the “fit” monochromatic (her favorite styling trick) and leaned on accessories to up the glamour factor. She opted for a shiny crocoskin crossbody bag from her own brand and oversized cat-eye sunglasses.

I didn't think that was possible, but apparently it really can make leggings look fashionable.