If you love fashion and feel like something is missing in your wardrobe, there’s one item I recommend for every fashionista or someone wanting to change their style from leggings or denim. . .
LEATHER pants/leggings are my favorites for fall and winter and you would be surprised how easy it is to style them. Do you wear black leggings often? Think of them like leggings and you’ll have an easier time outfitting them. Below are tips on buying and styling leather bottoms.
I myself, own leather and faux leggings, mini skirts, pencil skirts, and this paper bag waist pant is a new addition. I know this style is a little harder to wear for most so don’t worry I’ll suggest ones below that are perfect at different price points!
Tips on buying your first pair of leather leggings/pants?
#1 Start simple for a silhouette. Leather or faux leather leggings are by far the easiest to start with and don’t break the bank on your first pair. I started with a faux leather pair and then invested into a leather one that I’ve had now for over 6 years. Steal the legging silhouette for under $100 with these that I have tried on and love.
#2 Leather stretches so make sure if you invest in a pair to get one that is tight and fits well! These are the ones I purchased six years ago and they are still awesome. Figure out first what you wore your less expensive pair with the most and what style suits you best and invest in a quality pair that will last forever. There are denim like styles, zip front styles, pull up styles, so make sure you LOVE the pair you buy if you spend more and note the below as well!
#3 Look at quality, fabric, and type of leather. If you are investing in a pair, try a bunch on and sit and walk around in them. In addition, read reviews! Most leather legging styles have been around for years (Helmut Lang, Alice & Olivia, etc all rerun the same design every year). Typically a high-quality pair will run high, but you’ll wear them forever. If you just want the look first to test out, purchase the ones I noted above as style steals.
A good classic leather legging should never go out of style. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a traditional trench and pumps for a classic stylish look.
Styling tips:
#1 Think of them as leggings, denim, or black pants. It’s a frame of mind in feeling comfortable being in leather. Don’t worry, you’ll look fashionable!
#2 Think easy. Start with just wearing all black, black tee and a blazer. Black tee and a trench coat or jacket. A sweater dress over the leggings is also super stylish. Tee shirt, sweater, sweater dress, button down. Do not complicate the outfit if you are already feeling like this is a new trend for you.
Lately, my go-to items are bodysuits and jacket as seen in the outfit in this post but I’m comfortable with that, it doesn’t mean you should be.
#3 Pair it with pumps or black booties. Think classic and easy. I know I’ve seen many pair it with sneakers but the type of sneakers matter. Don’t wear the gym sneakers. A slouchy sweatshirt, leather leggings, and cool ass sneakers is a great look, however even I feel like I have a hard time pulling that off. There’s a balance with cool vs sloppy that you have to be careful about. So if leather leggings are for date night or girls night out, go classic.
#4 To expose the butt or not, this is the question. If you have the best butt in the world and can wear crop tops or shorter tops, do it! I tend to cover my butt with a coat at least halfway or look at my outfit and check out if it’s ok before headed out. These pants above are like “pants” so they don’t hug my butt and show panty lines. I felt ok in a bodysuit. My leather leggings, on the other hand, are tighter and I rarely show my butt, I wear a blazer. Be careful and examine the back of you :).
#5 Colored leather or head to toe leather. I don’t recommend purchasing colored leather other than black to start. Black will always be #1 in leather bottoms. As for head to toe leather, I also stray from wearing a leather jacket with leather pants. It’s a bit much and you are better off wearing it with a great wool coat or another type of fabric. As mentioned above, keep it simple and you will feel great. Head to toe leather may be a bit too much leather on one body.
Do you guys own leather pants or leggings? Do you agree, they are the best?
*My pants were purchased from Lepa Boutique in Hinsdale! If you are in the suburbs she has two boutiques, the other in Burr Ridge.
