How to work this season's leather trend
No longer the reserve of rock stars and biker chicks, leather is more wearable than ever this season, and looks set to be a favourite on the high street into spring too. Whether you opt to dress it up or down, leather can look great whatever the occasion.
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Laser-cut leather was everywhere on the autumn/winter catwalks. Geometric designs are already a hot trend and the likes of Alexander Wang added this futuristic look to his laser-cut leather dresses. Others, like Giles, went for more feminine abstract cut-outs, while pretty perforation was a key look at Proenza Schouler's show.
If you don't want to go the whole hog with a leather dress, there will be plenty of laser-cut leather on the high street this winter. Black leather skirts, both flared and pencil shapes, can be found at many of the big-name stores (Whistles do a great range) and can be simply teamed with a jumper or shirt for a fashionable daytime look.
For the brave leather wearer, bright colours and even patterned designs were on show at the likes of Rag and Bone, Derek Lam and Proenza Schouler. Everything from lime green to bright blue will work as long as you keep the rest of the outfit simple and stylish. Keep an eye out for oxblood leather items too, as this dark red hue looks to be one of this season's sought-after colours.
Another way to get on board with the leather trend is to invest in a soft leather vest top. If you're keen to avoid figure-hugging leather, opt for a top that is cut to nip in at the waist and flare slightly at the bottom, and dress it up with cropped trousers and killer heels or go casual with skinny jeans.
Mixing leather with other fabrics has also been a major move by the big designers. Across the catwalks, leather was teamed with lace or sheer fabrics - check the high street for dresses with a little lace detailing or team your leather skirt or trousers with a sheer top.
Of course, you're bound to feel the chill as winter hits, but thankfully leather coats combined with a host of the season's other big trends can keep you warm. Leather panel details with heavy wool fabrics will keep out the cold, and this kind of texture mixing works particularly well with another of the year's major trends - military style.
And if wearing leather really isn't for you, clutch bags featuring all the major trends, from laser-cut to texture mix, will be readily available on the high street.
