Historically, leather has never been considered the most versatile of fabrics, unless you count classics such as knee-high boots and biker jackets. Leather trousers? A little too biker gang. A leather dress? Dominatrix doom. It's been associated with both toughness and utility, sexiness and risqué, but rarely with neutrality. Until 2019.
Thanks to the likes of Nanushka, Khaite and Proenza Schouler, leather has been given a serious rebranding. Moulded and draped like wool or cotton, these new designs have a softness and subtlety to them that we haven't seen before. It's also become more accessible, with luxurious faux iterations cropping up both on the high street and in collections of high-end designers.
Many of the fashion crowd have been wearing their leather head to toe for instant impact—it's essentially 2019's answer to double denim. The key to keeping this trend from slipping into The Matrix territory? Stick to boxy silhouettes and avoid anything too high-shine, and if you do go full-on, take your cues from Babba Rivera and opt for muted shades of burgundy.
Trust us—come winter, you'll be happy you invested in these chic and insulating separates. Scroll down to see the key leather pieces we're shopping this season.
1. Leather Trousers
Style Notes: Leather trousers have been around for a while (in fashion terms anyway), and despite being a statement item, they've garnered "staple" status in our wardrobes. Treat them as you would black trousers—they'll go with everything from Breton tops to smart blouses.
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2. Leather Shirts
Style Notes: The leather shirt is one of the latest editions to the leather style cannon, and it's perfect for this in-between weather. Throw over a white tee or roll-neck when the mercury drops.
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3. Leather Skirts
Style Notes: While the other leather trends might feel a little edgy, the leather skirt has managed to acquire a more polished facade. Pencil silhouettes might have proliferated for the last few years, but for 2019, it's all about the A-line.
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4. Leather Dresses
Style Notes: The leather dress was a popular style in 2018, with countless brands creating sellout iterations. The look is sticking around for the new season in a variety of fits and colourways. We'll be mixing ours up by layering it over bootcut jeans.
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5. Leather Coats
Style Notes: If the above trends feel a little full-on, you really can't go wrong with a leather coat. Leather blazers are proving to be particularly popular thanks to their '90s appeal, as are leather trenches, which offer a more dramatic finish.
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