Out of a lineup of fabrics, I'm not sure you'd ever pick leather as the most versatile option, but this season's trends beg to differ. While leather dresses might've had the upper hand last year, 2019 is all about the leather shirt. Not heavyweight enough to be categorised as a jacket, but certainly thick enough to be layered over a T-shirt, this is the ultimate in elevated staples.
Both high-street and high-end labels have gotten in on the action, making this seemingly premium trend an unexpectedly easy and inexpensive way to make your autumn outfits look more expensive. It might be August, but we've already spotted so many influencers in varying leather shirt styles, all bringing their own unique branding to the trend.
We're making sure anything we buy now can also be translated into the cooler months, and the leather shirt is undeniably suited to the tricky trans-seasonal period. While it's still warm, why not use a leather shirt to liven-up a white tee or cami dress for evening drinks? Then when autumn strikes, simply swap in a roll-neck and tailored trousers. Simples.
Scroll down to see our favourite leather-shirt looks and shop our edit.
1. Boxy Leather Shirt + Leather Shorts
Style Notes: Seeing as double denim can feel like a stretch for some people, double leather might be a look left to the more adventurous amongst us. However, if it takes your fancy, this pairing is sure to become a reliable between-season go-to.
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2. Brown Leather Shirt + Colour-Pop Skirt
Style Notes: Colour clashing is all the rage right now, and the key is to pick shades at either end of the colour wheel. We love how Nina has tucked her soft brown leather shirt into a vibrant turquoise skirt.
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3. Leather Shirt + Printed Maxi Dress
Style Notes: Lucy Williams brings her own unique brand of contemporary bohemianism to the leather shirt trend via a multicoloured maxi dress. Also, kudos to her for bringing a punk-inspired twist with a pair of chunky flat boots.
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Related: I Tried On Over 50 Pairs of High-Street Shoes—Here's What I Loved
4. Leather Shirt + Statement Top + Jeans
Style Notes: I bought this '70s shirt from a vintage shop last year and have worn it constantly. My favourite way to style it is with a statement blouse and high-waisted jeans, and then with a roll-neck and tailored trousers in winter.
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5. Knotted Leather Shirt + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Trust Nanushka to create such a stunning iteration on the trend (in vegan leather, no less). This buttery figure-hugging shirt was born to be worn with neutral separates for a luxe tonal autumn ensemble.
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Up Next, Autumn/Winter 2019 Trends: The Only New Fashion Looks You Need to Know