With winter now well and truly here, there’s no better time to add a little bit of sass to an outfit with a pair of leather pants. Leather pants or leggings have been around for ever, but they are no longer just a rock-chic staple. You might think that they’re best saved for a night on the town, but with some thoughtful styling, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, any age and any style. So, today’s wardrobe challenge – how to style your black leather pants in different ways?
Do you sometimes look into your overflowing closet and feel like you have nothing to wear? If you want to save your finances and create your own unique style, this series will show you how to use style twists to reinvent your wardrobe. So, let’s shake up your wardrobe and make sure it truly reflects your lifestyle, your personality and all your moods and quirks.
Great style is not about having a lot of clothes. It’s about having ‘the right’ clothes.
Leather pants make any outfit just that little bit cooler and edgier. They can go from smart casual to drop dead gorgeous, simply by changing up a couple of accessories. They look fantastic worn casual with a simple tee, denim and sneakers or dressed up with a blouse and heels. They’re also really trans-seasonal – they look just as cute with a textural knit as they do with a silk camisole.
If you don’t have the budget for real leather or it doesn’t meet your ethical requirements, then faux leather or waxed or coated denim is the perfect, affordable alternative. I’ve styled the outfits in this post using a gorgeous faux leather pant from Decjuba.
You can style black leather pants for just about any occasion (including the office) and they give you that effortlessly chic, stylish vibe.
For me wearing (faux) leather successfully is all about finding pants (or leggings) with the perfect cut and style for you. Then the key is the contrast in texture and silhouette that you create to get that effortless but polished look. Leather leggings can show off every lump and bump, so I like to ensure that my top has some length and volume to conceal and balance out the slim fit of the leggings. They look amazing with:
- flowing long tops and boyfriend shirts
- chunky, textural sweaters
- blazers with a long shirt underneath
- feminine details like lace, frills or peplum
- cascading cardigans or coats
- rich textural fabrics like cashmere, wool, silk and velvet
- boots, heeled pumps, sandals or ballet flats.
Here is a sample of some faux and leather pants that are currently available (from left to right):
- Jeanswest | Liv Coated Skinny 7/8th Jean | On Sale $47.99
- New Generation Clothing | Super High Wetlook Jean | $49.95
- Witchery | Luxe Coated Jogger | $129.95
- Mossman | The Twin Peaks Pant | $129.95
- Sass & Bide | Legend High Rise Skinny Jean | $250
- Country Road | Leather Legging | $699.95
So, let’s challenge ourselves. Style your leather (or faux) pants in a different way. Below I’ve styled black faux leather leggings 5 ways. It’s amazing how different each outfit feels just by changing up the top and a couple of accessories.
CLASSIC STYLE
TIMELESS I POLISHED I MINIMAL I CHIC I SIMPLE
Whilst all of the looks in this article are classic, this faux leather leggings and chunky knit combo is understated and timeless. Interest is crafted from the contrast of different textures and the nude colour palette forms a polished and simple look.
SUNGLASSES | Witchery |Catrina Sunglasses $69.95 . KNIT | Witchery | Lofty Cable Knit in Milk White | $169.95 . JACKET | Sportscraft | Katharine Wool Coat | On Sale $385 Was $550 . PANTS | Decjuba | Stevie Panelled Wet Look Pant | $99.95 . BOOTS | Witchery | Roseabel Suede Boot |On Sale $99 Were $250 . BAG | The Iconic | Top Shop Vintage Grab Bag | $59.95
SPORTY STYLE TWIST
CASUAL I COMFORTABLE I LOW MAINTENANCE I NATURAL I FRIENDLY
The sporty style twist is created with comfort as key using relaxed layers. The hoodie and shearling jacket adds a laid back street-wear vibe. Again, interest is crafted from the contrast of different textures and the nude colour palette forms a polished and understated look.
SUNGLASSES | Country Road | Isla Sunglasses $129.95 . PANTS I Decjuba I Stevie Panelled Wet Look Pant | $99.95 . KNIT | Witchery | Knit Hoodie | $129.95 . JACKET | Decjuba | Emerson Shearling Jacket | $159.95 . BAG I The Iconic | Urban Originals Warrior Backpack | $99.95 . SNEAKERS I Frankie4 I Sylvia White/Ink | $239.95
DRAMATIC STYLE TWIST
CONFIDENT I GLAMOROUS I ALLURING I CREATIVE I EDGY
To create the dramatic style twist, confidence and drama are added with edgy accessories. The snakeskin print bag and the patent heeled boots contrast with the silky glamour of the slip and velvet jacket. The all black colour scheme of this outfit adds to the ‘edgy’ look but bold colour can also add drama.
JACKET I Witchery I Velvet Blazer | $299.95 . SILK CAMISOLE I Witchery I Lace Camisole $59.95 . PANTS I Decjuba I Stevie Panelled Wet-look Pant | $99.95 . BAG I The Iconic I Peta & Jain Top Handle Bag | $69.95 . BOOTS I Witchery I Bailey Patent Boot | $249.95 . SUNGLASSES | Country Road | Ashley Sunglasses | $129
BOHEMIAN STYLE TWIST
UNCONVENTIONAL I FREE-SPIRITED I CAREFREE I EXOTIC I RELAXED
The bohemian style twist is created with neutral tones and a relaxed free-form cardigan and bag. The snakeskin boot adds a touch of the exotic with a relaxed, comfortable heel. The wool fedora and gathered detailing on the white shirt finish the look.
SUNGLASSES I Country Road I Isla Sunglasses $129.95 . WHITE SHIRT I Decjuba I Blake Balloon Sleeve Shirt $99.95 . PANTS I Decjuba I Stevie Panelled Wet-look Pant $99.95 . CARDIGAN I Witchery I Mohair Cardigan Blonde $199.95 . BUCKET BAG I Oroton DFO I Maud Medium Bucket Bag On Sale $189.95 . BOOT I Frankie4 I Shauna Black Snake I On Sale (30% Off) $206 . FEDORA I Decjuba I Aspen Wool Felt Fedora $39.95
PLAYFUL STYLE TWIST
GIRLY I CUTE I FUN I BOLD I ECLECTIC
The playful style twist is created with fun, details and a contrast of texture, pattern and colour. The frayed edges on the jacket add texture and a quirky, effortless cool. The snakeskin on the heels and the clash of the navy blue handbag with cute pin detailing adds further interest. The white knit has a textural lace sleeve for further cute vibe.
SUNGLASSES | Country Road | Isla Sunglasses $129.95 . JACKET | Decjuba |Cecilia Knit Jacket $119.95 . KNIT | Decjuba | Neve Spot Mesh Knit $89.95 . PANTS | Decjuba | Stevie Panelled Wet-look Pant | 99.95 . BAG | Executive Grooming | Viver Leather Handbag Femme Navy | On Sale $114 was $380 . ANKLE BOOTS | Witchery | Bailey Txt Boot | $249.95
REINVENT YOUR WARDROBE
If you would like to read more about using style twists to reinvent your wardrobe, check out my STYLE WORKBOOK where you can develop your ultimate personal style guide. Now you can follow your moods, twist up your style to suit and reinvent your wardrobe in numerous different ways.
Remember it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. Do you tuck or wear your top loose? What kind of fit in leather pants do you prefer? Think about the details too – zips, buttons, belts, accessories … There are endless options to style your black leather (or faux) pants so that they compliment your unique look.
Own it and wear your chosen look with confidence. I’d love to see how you style your black leather pants in the comments below. Check out our other similar posts under ‘Style Twists’
