Man has been using leather to make clothes, gloves, shoes, and sandals for more than 7,000 years.
But, although it’s one of the human race’s earliest discoveries, our passion for leather clothing and accessories shows no signs of extinction. In fact, the global leather goods market is now worth more than US$250 billion.
Leather jackets have been a popular wardrobe staple for decades, while more and more people are embracing the chic yet edgy appeal of leather pants.
But, if you’re not sure how to pull off the leather look, check out our guide on how to wear leather pants, jackets, and accessories this year.
How to Wear Leather Pants
Fashion leather pants might seem like a tricky item to pull off but the rules for finding a great pair are actually pretty simple.
Our top tip is to keep them black. Colored leather works well for jackets and accessories, but it’s difficult to pull off colored leather pants. For the best fit, go for leather pants that feel snug but not tight. There isn’t much ‘give’ in real leather pants so this ensures you’ll feel comfortable throughout the day while also looking stylish.
For added interest, details like ribbed sections, zippered pockets or ankle zippers can also help to break up the black, creating the illusion of a more flattering fit.
Now comes the question of what to wear with your leather pants.
First off, don’t even think about combining leather pants with a leather jacket. We might just about be able to accept double denim, but double leather is a step too far. Unless you want to look like one of the Avengers that is…
Luckily, celebrities offer us lots of inspiration for leather pant fashion. For an effortless outfit, follow Kendall Jenner’s lead and top your leather pants off with a simple white t-shirt. Add a sweater like Blake Lively for a chic and cozy look, or emulate Kate Moss with leather pants and a faux fur jacket.
As for when to wear leather pants outfits, they make a great alternative to jeans for a night out. Dress them down for brunch or a shopping trip with a pair of sneakers and a sweater. And, depending on your office dress code, you could even wear leather pants to work with a blouse or tailored jacket.
How to Wear Leather Jackets and Coats
If you’re still not convinced about leather pants, leather jackets and coats are an easy way to tap into the trend.
If you haven’t already got one, invest in a black leather biker jacket. Not only will a good quality jacket last you years, but it’s also certain to never go out of fashion. And, a leather jacket is such a versatile piece that you’ll find yourself wearing it with all kinds of different outfits.
A leather biker is perfect for ‘toughening up’ a summer dress, and also ensures you don’t get cold when the temperature drops. Adding a leather jacket to simple jeans and tee combo is an easy way to pull your look together while draping a leather jacket over a party dress is both chic and cool.
Of course, if you want to expand your collection with a new leather jacket, consider a colored one. A leather jacket in nude, brown or grey is easy to wear and makes a change to black, while a red or blue leather jacket will really make you stand out.
For the more daring among you, long leather coats are a key trend right now. They’re also a great transitional item for spring, and make a fashion-forward alternative to the classic trench coat. But instead of classic black, follow the lead of influencer Monikh Dale and go for a soft, chocolate brown belted coat for a modern touch of 70s style.
How to Wear Leather Accessories
Accessories are by far the easiest way to wear leather. Which is why we’re sure that most of you will have several pairs of leather shoes and boots, as well as a collection of leather bags for every occasion.
Leather is also the ideal material for accessories as it’s durable, classic and stylish. But not all types of leather are equal. To find out why Saffiano leather is the ultimate choice for your cases and bags, you can check online on reliable sources.
As we head into warmer weather, you might want to consider investing in brown leather accessories as an alternative to black.
A black leather bag will always be classic, but it can look harsh next to the lighter colors of spring and summer. In contrast, a soft buttery leather bag in a warm shade of camel or tan will go just as well now with a jacket and jeans as it will in the summer with a light dress.
The same goes for leather shoes and sandals. Nude leather heels are great for creating the illusion of longer legs. And brown sandals look great with a tan in summer.
Statement leather belts are also a huge trend for 2019. Influencers like Doina Ciobanu, Anna Vitiello, and Bettina Looney made eye-catching belts the focal point of many of their fashion month looks. Whether you prefer a low-slung hip belt, a utility-style belt bag or a waist-cinching buckled belt, there are plenty of different styles to choose from.
Your Guide to Wearing Leather
Thanks to this guide on how to wear leather pants, jackets, and accessories, incorporating all things leather into your wardrobe should now be a whole lot easier.
And, although leather will never go out of fashion, this year’s latest leather trends make it a great time to invest in some new chic leather pieces.
For more up-to-date style inspiration, check out this guide to the hottest spring colors to buy now.
