Do you like the leather trend, but don't want to look like you ride a motorcycle? Then you're in luck - there's a huge selection of leather tops, skirts, leggings, jackets, and leather trim pieces this season - all in sophisticated colors and wearable shapes. Follow these simple tips for integrating leather into your day-to-day wardrobe, and no one will ask you for directions to the nearest biker bar.
1. To test the waters and add a little edge to your look, try a leather trim coat or sweater.
2. If you're more adventurous, grab a top completely made out of leather. And don't go for the traditional jacket - dive in (figuratively) with a leather t-shirt or tank.
3. To make your look a little less aggressive, stay away from black, and go for a subtler neutral or deeper hue. Pale grey, taupe and ivory leathers signal luxury, while burgundy and navy leathers are unexpected and chic.
4. When you're wearing a leather item in your look, keep other leathers to a minimum. If you're rocking that leather skirt, try some suede booties or textured pumps. Love that leather trim t-shirt? Then throw on your tweed blazer (not your leather blazer). With that black leather jacket, avoid black leather shoes altogether (or else they may be asking for those directions again!).
And the most important tip - quality leather styles can be pricey, so go for classic silhouettes in colors you love. Versatility is key to getting the best cost-per-wear out of your investment. And if you need inspiration, check out these phenomenal leather styles from Reiss, and see how to wear each of them two different ways.
Can't get enough? Click here to see our "Leather, light" Pinterest board for more super-versatile leather pieces.
(top image leather styles, clockwise from left - click to shop) Leather Trim Belted Wrap Coat by Menchi for Intermix, $625 | Studded Cuff by Mango, $19.99 | Leather Box T-Shirt by Topshop, $190 | Galaxy T-Shirt by Rebecca Minkoff, $325 | Top with Faux Leather Cuffs by Zara, $69.90 | Logo Wide Double Snap Cuff by Tory Burch, $125 | Leather Sleeveless Dress by Tibi, $575 | Leather Skirt by Coach, $898 | Olive Leather-Look Contrast Sleeveless Top by Bailey 44, $198 | Merino Leather-pocket Sweater by J. Crew, $158 | Cascade Leather Blazer by La Marque Inc, $390
LEATHER PEPLUM TOP: WORK & PLAY
A taupe leather top does double duty at the office or on the weekend. Paired with white crepe pants and a boxy blazer, you're all set for 9 to 5 - and then for drinks at 7, too. With camo pants and a denim jacket, you're more than ready for brunch, shopping or a casual movie date.
(click to shop) Leather Peplum Top by Reiss, $425
WORK: Crepe Suit Trousers by Mango, $59.99 | Boxy Cropped Blazer by Scotch & Soda, $195 | Theresa Haircalf Clutch by Banana Republic, $120 | April Embossed Snake Pump by Club Monaco, $298 | Band Ring by House of Harlow, from Piperlime, $50
PLAY: Camouflage Skinny Trousers by Zara, $59.90 | Jean Jacket by Madewell, $118 | Paden Boot by Dolce Vita, $119 | Luna Wrap Bracelet by Stella & Dot, $89 | Erika Sunglasses by Ray Ban, $115
LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT: DAY & NIGHT
Does this burgundy leather skirt have multiple personalities? You betcha! By day, beat the autumn chill with flat suede booties and a cozy sweater-jacket. By night, vamp it up with a fitted black blazer, eye-catching earrings and killer heels.
(click to shop) Burgundy Leather Pencil Skirt by Reiss, $360
DAY: Viewpoint Sweater Jacket by Madewell, $158 | Essential White Boyshirt by Madewell, $64.50 | Deyla Boots by Dolce Vita, $119 | Sanibel Necklace by Stella & Dot, $128 | Woven Cuff Bracelet by Rebecca Minkoff, from Piperlime, $128
NIGHT: Crepe and Lace jacket by Karen Millen, $475 | Suede High Heel Ankle Boots by Zara, $119 | Ashley Clutch by Club Monaco, $198.50 | Dangle Earrings by Lizzie Fortunato, from Shopbop, $208 | Faux Fur Scarf by Forever 21, $18.80
LEATHER JACKET: SERIOUS & FUN
If you decide to go for black leather but still want ultimate wearability, choose a classic cut without too many zippers or trims. Then wear it just like your favorite blazer - over a printed dress when you need to be dressed up, but not fancy. And wear it again, over a graphic sweater and colored skinnies for pizza night with the kids.
(click to shop) Cropped Leather Jacket by Reiss, $615
SERIOUS: Kaleidoscope Print Dress by Reiss, $340 | Blue Bag by Rebecca Minkoff, from Piperlime, $195 | Taupe Pumps by Steve Madden, $149.95 | Bardot Hoop Earrings by Stella & Dot, $34 | Raindrop Ring by Madewell, $28
FUN: Colorblock Intarsia Sweater by J. Crew, $89.50 | Skinny Ankle Sateen Pants by Madewell, $128 | Chuck Taylor Classic by Converse, $50 | Circle Bracelet by Kate Spade Saturday, $35 | Linwood Eyeglasses by Warby Parker, $95
