Why You Should Swap Your Jeans For Leather Trousers This Winter

Banish those images of ageing rockers and forget about stockpiling the talc, because leather trousers have undergone an evolution. 

Everyone has been wearing them with everything from school run-safe sneakers and sweatshirts to red carpet-ready stilettos, and now they're set to topple your favourite pair of jeans from their perch. Why? Well, anything denim can do, leather can do too - only better. Dress them down and you'll look effortlessly sleek, as opposed to carelessly sloppy. Dress them up and they'll take you from boardroom to bar in an instant - minus the last minute dress code panics.

Concerned about how you'll get them on? Don't be. Thanks to the magic of stretch, the new generation of leather leggings can not only be pulled on (and off) in a jiffy, but will fit like a glove. Team yours with a boxy or loose-fitting top in a contrasting fabric to balance out the close fit and conceal a tummy. Opt for a dark shade and they'll slim your legs down a treat, too. But don't think the buck has to stop at classic black - why not add an autumnal navy, chocolate or berry-toned pair to your arsenal?

Still not convinced? Scroll down to take a look at our top picks, and how we're styling them...

Jacket, £320, Isabel Marant Étoile; leather leggings, £550, Karen Millen; shirt, £110, Reiss; leather loafer mules, £39.99, New Look

Black leather lends itself to a smart, classic look with an androgynous edge. Team yours with a boxy shirt and loafer mules for an office-friendly look which oozes effortless style. A longline tweed blazer will add textural interest whilst lengthening your silhouette.

Coat, £325, Reiss; leather stretch legging, £725, Joseph; mohair jumper, £49, Warehouse; ankle boots, £350, L.K. Bennett

Prefer a more feminine feel? Snuggly knits and soft-textured coats make great counterpoints to leather trousers - pinks, greys and neutrals will work particularly well with richer-toned varieties, like this ebony brown pair. Add an animal print accessory for a playful twist.

Silk-front T-shirt, £79, Jigsaw; trainers, £60, New Balance; leather-look trousers, £120, Hugo Boss; coat, £296.52, Pyrenex at The Outnet

Can't afford the real deal? No worries. These days, the alternatives often look just as good. And they'll work just as well with your weekend wardrobe as they do in the office or out on the town. Just add a boxy T-shirt, trainers and longline parka or puffa jacket and you'll be good to go. Stick to a palette of neutral and berry tones and you can't go wrong...

Shirt, £94.95, Samsoe & Samsoe; leather trousers, £550, blazer, £235, both Reiss; shoes, £140, Whistles

When you want everyone to know you mean business, a sapphire blue trouser and court shoe combination may just turn out to be your new best friend. Muted tones will ensure you look elegantly understated, whilst a floaty top and sharp blazer maintain just the right balance of masculinity and femininity.