One of the hottest pieces of the season, learning how to style a leather skirt will ensure you banish those 'nothing to wear moments' in the coming months. The best leather skirts are utterly versatile and with a host of work and social engagements on the horizon, there's nothing we need more right now than clothes that can take us from day to evening.
A season must-have, leather played a huge role in the fall 2022 fashion trends, spotted on the runway at Chloé, Bottega Veneta, Isabel Marant and Prada to name just a few. While the best leather jackets and coats are a given for this trend., we also saw a host of leather skirts sashay down the runway, in every silhouette imaginable, ensuring this trend is one that everyone can buy into.
When it comes to how to style a leather skirt, you need to consider the shape and style of the skirt, as the rest of your look can be used to balance the proportions of your leather skirt. From pencil skirt designs to flared A-line silhouettes and even maxi skirts, no shape was ignored, making this one of the big trends to buy into. Easily wearable for work or play, treat your leather skirt like you would any other capsule wardrobe building block, as a basic that can be molded to an occasion.
How to style a leather skirt according to fashion experts
Like the best jeans, when it comes to how to style a leather skirt, they can be worn in multiple different ways. Enjoying popularity this season, thanks to the Biker trend, you can choose to lean into the rough and ready feel, or make it party ready with is.
"Leather skirts are a great investment for the season ahead. While they're particularly in fashion right now, they are, like jeans a piece that never truly go out of style. For the most timely iteration, opt for an A-line midi skirt, as this is the easiest silhouette to wear for both day and evening", says fashion editor and stylist, Antonia Kraskowski.
1. How to style a midi leather skirt
A midi skirt adds instant polish and femininity to any look. With a ladylike hem length, this style of skirt works for both work and play and can be dressed up or down with a simple top and accessories switch up. While a midi length leather skirt doesn't have a set hem style, when it comes to how to style a leather skirt, an A-line iteration is universally flattering.
A midi length leather skirt will fall below the knee, which on petite frames can sometimes feel overwhelming. Create a more harmonious outfit by keeping top halves more fitted and tuck in your top or shirt to your skirt to highlight your waist. A high-waisted design will also cut your figure higher up on your torso, elongating your lower half.
To make this look work for the office, opt for a crisp shirt. While for casual weekends play with how to style a leather skirt and team with fitted t-shirts, or a half tucked sweater for a more laidback feel. Choose footwear such as ballet pumps or the best loafers for women as these will show off more of your leg, once again balancing your frame.
RRP: $315 / £179 | A welcome change from classic black, this skirt nails two fashion trends in one, as camel tones is one of the big fashion color trends 2022. A timeless buy, this skirt will pair beautifully with cream and white pieces this winter.
RRP: $130 / £90 | Although you want to keep your top more streamlined, with an A-line leather skirt you can play with texture, by teaming smooth leather with a ribbed knit sweater. Enact fashion stylists' favorite half-tuck to highlight your waistline.
RRP: $75 / £80 | A pair of the best white trainers with a platform sole will add height to your look, while the tapered ankle gives these a mini boot feel. Fresh and a little bit sporty, these are ideal for how to style a leather skirt for casualwear.
2. How to style a leather pencil skirt
A leather pencil skirt is a classic silhouette most suited to nights out or wearing to the office. Adding instant smart appeal, it's an ideal shape for highlighting curves and plays a big role in creating and enhancing hourglass body shapes. Unlike jersey iterations, a leather pencil skirt is highly fitted. However, like with leather shoes, the skirt will stretch slightly through wear, but you won't have as much freedom of movement as you would in say, an A-line shape.
To that end, when looking at how to style a leather pencil skirt, you can either choose to lean into the formfitting silhouette, keeping your look tailored throughout. Or use the opportunity to play with proportions and opt for a statement shoulder blazer, fuller sleeves or use it as an opportunity for how to style oversized shirts, tucked in at the waist to ensure the final look is well balanced.
RRP: $385 / £228 | A black leather pencil skirt will slot effortlessly into your capsule wardrobe and act as a strong building block to all fall outfit ideas. Dress up with a chiffon blouse for a dinner date, or render it office-ready with a shirt.
RRP: $395 / £380 | To create enviable curves, try a top that draws you in at the waist. This clever and creative shirt uses flattering gathering detail through the body, sitting on the waistband of your skirt, elongating your lower torso and legs.
RRP: $99 / £70 | Wondering how to style loafers for women? Pairing a classic design with a leather pencil skirt leans into the silhouettes tailoring heritage, while the patent finish here adds a feminine twist to the look. Ideal for your winter office attire.
3. How to style a pleated leather skirt
Working out what to wear with a pleated skirt isn't always easy, as the pleat style can change the proportions of your outfit. Pleated leather skirts offer a playful twist when looking at how to style a leather skirt, giving this tough fabrication a more intricate finish. Ideal for pleating, the stiffness of leather means it will hold the folds well and you should balance the structured and fuller look with something more fitted on your top half.
Once again, tucking in your top is key to balancing proportions and as there is a lot of detail in the skirt, keep tops plain, choosing a fitted sweater, or t-shirt. Regardless of whether you go for a knee-length, thigh-skimming or midi-length iteration, style your leather pleated skirt with a pair of the best knee-high boots for how to style a leather skirt this season. Offering a polished and feminine feel to your look in an instant.
RRP: $1,495 / £1,115 | If wearing real leather is not your thing, then look out for the host of faux leather skirt designs that are winging their way to stores near you. We love the figure-lengthening button detailing down the side of this midi length design.
RRP: $35.99 / £19.99 | Balance the fuller skirt shape with a bodycon top. This short sleeved roll neck is ideal for slipping on under the best blazers, rendering your leather skirt office-ready in the process. Add a statement necklace if you're heading out.
RRP: $211 / £175 | Creating boots in eight different calf widths this is the boot brand to know this winter. We love these suede style boots that will add elegance to any look and work for day or evening outfits. The slightly curved heel feels directional too.
4. How to style a leather wrap skirt
A newer silhouette to the leather skirt stable, learning how to style a leather skirt with a wrap or faux wrap front is easier than you might think. The first thing to consider is the length or your leather skirt, as longer or fuller styles will need more fitted tops, while shorter hemlines can be a little more playful with proportions.
One thing that is a must however, is tucking in your top to show off the wrap design. A wrap style definitely adds a little thickness around the waist, so by tucking in your chosen top, you'll rebalance your middle, creating a more hourglass silhouette.
RRP: $545 / £375 | In vegan leather, this flowy wrap skirt is ideal for creating an on-trend but feminine feel to how to style a leather skirt. With a flattering A-line, midi hemline, this skirt can be styled up for the office, or dressed-down for a casual weekend.
RRP: $79.50 / £70 | A perfect opportunity to experiment with how to wear a denim shirt, mixing these two hardwearing fabrics together gives a relaxed feel. Opt for a lighter wash denim for a highly contrasted look, or dark denim for added polish.
RRP: $368 / £300 | Give this outfit a surprising twist with some of the best cowboy boots. Denim and leather, thanks to their tough qualities feel like the ideal combo for how to wear cowboy boots, giving this Western look a modern upgrade.
5. How to style a leather maxi skirt
Offering a '90s fashion trends update to the classic leather skirt, maxi leather skirts are the surprising hit of the season. For a more casual twist, opt for styles that are reminiscent of classic denim skirts, featuring statement button detailing and a more fitted silhouette. Pair these with trainers, denim jackets and chunky pullovers for ultimate cozy vibes. For a look that feels a little more evening appropriate, style leather maxi skirts with silky camisoles or blouses and a pair of strappy evening shoes to max out on the glam factor. If you choose a black leather skirt, don't be afraid to throw color into the mix to add contrast to your look.
RRP: $84 / £45 | Faux leather iterations are a plenty at straight-to-market brands and often have more accessible price points than real leather designs. This fitted silhouette can be easily contrasted with one of the best hoodies and chunky dad trainers.
RRP: $228 / £152 | One of the big coat trends of the season, hot pink hues are a sure-fire way of brightening up gloomy winter mornings. This faux fur iteration taps into the '90s trends while also acting as an ideal way to explore what is Barbiecore this winter.
RRP: $24.99 / £17.99 | Go tonal with your coat to create a seamless look. This simple pink t-shirt gives a nod to the minimalist aesthetic, a big fashion trend 2023, while the cotton fabrication makes this a versatile buy that you can wear all year.
6. How to style a leather mini skirt
A leather mini skirt might conjure up your teenage years, but it is one of the most classic leather skirt iterations to buy into, and a thigh grazing mini is bang on-trend this season. When it comes to how to style a leather skirt with a shorter hemline, the truth is, it's still all about balancing proportions.
Thanks to the leg baring style you can afford to go a little more voluminous on the top if you so choose, either opting for a full sleeve blouse or a slightly oversized sweater that you can half-tuck in to show off your waistline. If you're nervous about thigh-grazing silhouettes, then look to the boot trends 2022 for added inspiration and try both knee high or over the knee boots for added coverage.
RRP: $49.99 / £32.99 | With similar hallmarks to a denim skirt, with a front fly zip and button fastening, this leather-effect skirt has a more tailored silhouette, making it easy to dress up or down. For a party-ready feel team this skirt with some sequins.
RRP: $150 / £99 | Juxtapose the shorter hemline of your skirt with one of the best sweaters this season. In a striking blue hue, this bright wool design has a snuggly, oversized fit and ribbed body and statement, turn-back cuffs.
RRP: $179 / £135 | Lean into the handbag trends 2022 with this curved bag silhouette. One of the best tote bags for everyday use, the bucket shape ensures this is roomy enough for all your essentials, while the curved top feels modern.
7. How to style a colorful leather skirt
Dopamine dressing remains a key trend as we head towards the end of the year and is expected to still be a strong look as we head into the spring/summer fashion trends 2023, making a colorful leather skirt a great investment for now and future wear. From Crayola brights to more muted burgundy and forest green hues, no color is off limits when it comes to colorful leather skirts.
When learning how to style a leather skirt that's not in a neutral hue, lean into the trends and opt for a tonal outfit for a figure lengthening, streamlined look. From boots to blouse and a matching overcoat, this is the chicest way to do colorful dressing this winter.
RRP: £54 (UK only) | Berry hues are always a winner in winter months and this circular style skirt will skim midriffs and thighs for a figure-loving finish. The high waist is ideal for tucking in tops, while the above the knee hem will lengthen legs.
RRP: $610 / £328 | Render this look work ready with one of the best winter coats. The wool blend will keep you cozy, while the red hue will add warmth and depth to your look. The funnel neckline and tailored shape adds polish to this outerwear.
RRP: $325 / £367 | Wool and leather can look quite heavy together, so add softeness to this outfit via a silky blouse. The high shine fabric and drape give this ensemble a dressier finish making it ready for office meetings and dinner dates.
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