There’s no doubt about it: Leather pants are a trend-turned classic. Everyone from PTA moms to celebrities can pull off a leather pants outfit by choosing the right coordinating pieces.
Want your look to be edgy? Leather pants can do that. Looking for ultra sophistication? Yep, they can do that too. How about fun-loving chic? Sure thing.
And, leather need not be harmful to animals or grossly uncomfortable. That’s right — we’re all about faux leather here. It has that same luxe look for less, and with no furry friends involved.
Still not convinced leather pants are for you? No worries. Just take a peek below at my favorite leather pants outfits below, and glance over my styling advice before you head out. The info might come in handy. You know, for a friend.
How to wear leather pants
1. Go faux
Real leather is, well, real leather. And that means it’s pricey, heavy, and involves wearing the skin of animals. Faux leather pants are cheaper and look like the real deal.
2. Wear color
Be open to ditching the dark and making your style pop with a dose of color. Leather pants need not be “I’m in a rock band” black to look cool. By the way, this tip applies to leather skirts, too!
Of course, black always works if that’s your comfort zone. But it’s so expected. Changing it up makes a big statement.
3. Know that leather doesn’t have to be tight
Tight leather pants may have been the thing for ’80’s hair bands. But IRL, most ladies don’t need to look like they just finished filming a Whitesnake video.
If the pants are too tight, you won’t be comfortable with the way you feel or the way you look. Find a pair that fits right for your body.
Also remember that you can balance tightness with a loose, flowy top. Try a tunic with leather leggings and heels. You might like that combo so much that it gets into your regular rotation.
4. Break things up
Just because you found the perfect pair of leather pants doesn’t mean you have to show your excitement with matching leather tops and leather accessories. You’re not attending Bat Woman tryouts. There’s no need to be in head-to-toe leather mode.
Instead, temper your shiny legs with a loose cotton sweater or a girly blouse.
5. Ease into leather
If the idea of leather clothes and pants intrigues you, but you worry about pulling it off, remember two things:
- You can pull it off. I believe in you.
- You can always start with leather-trimmed pants. A leather stripe down the side seam, for example, would be a good start. Baby steps, conservative fashionista!
One, you can pull it off. I believe in you. And two, you can always start with leather-trimmed pants.
No-fail faux leather pants outfits
1. Ankle pant with tie-neck blouse
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Try a pleated faux leather ankle pant matched with a white, tie-neck blouse. Add loafers or mules for a chic, pulled-together look.
2. Leather trouser with tucked-in sweater
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For an upgrade to the jeans-sweater combo, swap out denim for a faux-leather trouser. A straight-leg silhouette will keep things G-rated.
3. Leather leggings and tunic
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You can wear a tighter leather pant, but it looks best teamed with a loose top. An untucked or half-tucked tunic is perfect — you want it to cover your backside for the most flattering look.
4. Leather joggers with blazer
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If you work in a creative environment, you’ll get approving nods from co-workers with this combo. Pair faux leather joggers with a silky t-shirt and blazer. Add black pumps as your anchor.
5. Wide-legged leather with slinky sweater
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Leather pants for a stylish fall and winter
When in doubt about how to wear leather pants, think of the ways you’d wear the same silhouette in a different fabric. Usually, whatever you wear with skinny denim also works with skinny leather.
From there, consider whether you may need to tone down the accessories or leave an extra button closed on your top — because leather makes a bigger statement. And remember this tried-and-true outfit rule: Balance bold shapes, textures, and patterns with pieces that are more subtle. Keep that in mind and you’ll have no trouble creating your own leather pants outfits.