I'm an Editor—This Is Where I Secretly Shop for the Best Leather Pieces

Leather is a key trend for autumn/winter 2022, but then, it almost always is. As soon as the leaves start to fall and the air gets crisp, there’s just something about the rich tones of buttery leather pieces that feels wholly appropriate. It makes for such an easy way to transition your wardrobe into the new season—simply switch your jeans for leather trousers or light linen blazer for a sturdier, smoother leather version and Bob’s your uncle. So as we launch into September headfirst, I thought it would be a good time to let you in on one of my fashion-editor secrets: I always find the best leather pieces on the high street. 

Of course, real leather is inherently a more premium fabric that comes with a matching price tag, so luxury pieces from designer labels can often start around the £700 mark. But on the Great British high street, you can still find some beautiful, top-quality (and even responsible) pieces from £100 and up. 

So who’s doing it best this season? Well, let’s start with Mango, who without question has the most premium-looking leather edit on the high street right now, including some pieces using material approved by the Leather Working Group. From that timeless trench to the perfect trousers, my fellow editors and I haven’t been able to stop talking about our favourite pieces from the collection. M&S and Arket, known for doing the classics so well, never let me down either. I've owned Arket's leather blazer for a few years now, and it's still a favourite piece that's just getting better with age. And for more trend-led pieces, I always rate H&M and & Other Stories. Of course, there’s plenty of more affordable faux pieces available too that passersby would never guess weren’t the real deal, so I’ve included those in the edit of the best high-street leather buys below too.

Whether you prefer vegan or real, leather pieces make for great autumn/winter wardrobe investments that simply never go out of style. Keep scrolling to see and shop the more affordable (in the grand scheme of things) pieces you'll be able to pull out year after year.

1. MANGO

2. M&S

3. ARKET

4. & OTHER STORIES

5. H&M

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week