As a longstanding fan of leather, I couldn't be happier that it's the texture du jour. When you buy a new leather bag or a pair of boots, there's something about the feel of it that instantly brings a premium quality, no matter the price tag. And now as autumn/winter draws near, it's moving back into clothing, too.
I remember getting my first leather (okay, pleather—not that we call it that anymore) jacket from New Look as a teen: I never felt cooler when I wore it with my spray-on skinny jeans. My first designer bag purchase was a burgundy leather Céline bag around five years ago, and I still wear it most days. Add to this a pair of black faux-leather Zara trousers I bring out each autumn. I'm clearly quite the obsessive. Although imitation leather previously may not have had quite the same luxurious effect as the real deal, these days, the faux iterations are just as good.
With vegan and faux leather becoming the go-to for cult brands including Nanushka, Stand, House of Sunny and The Frankie Shop. Even renowned labels including the likes of Stella McCartney are choosing to go faux. Either way, I'm a fan of the glossy, luxe-looking style that real, faux and vegan leather pieces bring to any outfit. With this being said, there's a particular way to wear it to keep it looking more high fash than dominatrix! See below for the four ways to style trousers, jackets, shirts and dresses.
LEATHER TROUSERS + WHITE SHIRT
Name a chicer combination. Tine teams a puff-sleeved white shirt with glossy green leather strides and wins everything. Extra points for statement accessories too.
BELTED LEATHER JACKET + SLIP DRESS
Proving the slip dress works across all seasons—with a clever bit of layering—Lucy teams a mixed-print style with a belted leather jacket. Chunky Miu Miu boots are the ultimate cool-girl addition this season.
LEATHER SHIRT + MIDI SKIRT
Top to toe tonal is a look that'll turn heads any time of year. Go cream like Grece with a faux-leather button-up shirt and pair with a pleated midi skirt. White sandals are continuing into autumn/winter territory, embrace with a hint of Bottega.
LEATHER DRESS + CHUNKY SANDALS
The ASOS faux-leather dress Ellie is wearing sold out in record speed, but you can grab the last remaining sizes here if you're speedy. Team a tan midi style with chunky sandals for a look that'll slide into next season with socks—yes, really!
Next up, shop the timeless boots you'll want to wear for autumn/winter every year.