Leather on leather was all over the runways. Leather is tricky, especially, when you wear leather on leather. While younger women can get away with the biker chick style, at 40+, motorcycle leather pants with a motorcycle jacket may look past your prime unless you are sitting on your Harley Davidson with your helmet on. This post empowers you to wear the trend when you want to.
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Leather-on-Leather Is a Big Trend
Now how can we – over 50 – wear this double-leather trend? Unless you ride a bike, we 40+ women are often told not to wear leather at all! Who hasn’t seen on Pinterest the quote of Edith Head
Only Roy Rogers and Marlene Dietrich should be allowed to wear leather trousers.
Think about it! Both of them are known for their great style and taste. For my money, the quote means you really need to pay attention to get it right and to not look like Miss Whiplash’s auntie.
Now when it comes to two leather items in an outfit, you will have to be even more alert on that you don’t look like trying to hard or not trying at all. Both is never in style!
As I pointed out in my post on looking posh in leather over 40, a tailor classic cut is key.
How to Wear Two Leather Items in One Look
When you followed Fashion Week leather-on-leather is full on trend. When wearing this trend, style it in a sophisticated way to not look like a motorcycle chick.
Take inspiration from how you usually style fabric separates with different colors. A primary color with its lightened up version plus white is a fool proof combination. The example below demonstrates it with red plus white, which makes pink. The floral scarf ties the white skirt, red pumps and pink leather jacket together into an outfit. And, yes, you can wear leather in spring and summer.
Why does it work? Red, punk, white give the look a feminine touch. The classic pencil-skirt cut and tailored jacket steer clear out of rocker or biker territory. The result: A casual posh outfit.
More stunning looks with this pink leather jacket.
Tip: When pairing black pieces, go for a pencil skirt or dress plus jacket. In other words, wear at least one piece that you can’t wear on a bike.
Easy-to-Follow Styling Tips
Here are my tips to wear leather-on-leather in a sophisticated way.
- The easiest way is to stay away from all black.
- Try a leather dress over leather pants.
- When you fear the full-on trend, choose one of the pieces in suede. So chic and easy because of the matte vs. glossy contrast.
- Use two different colors.
- Wear a leather jacket and add a skirt to the outfit. A fake skirt suit, so to say.
- Using classic tailored feminine cuts is an easy way to style the trend.
- Wear a leather trench coat over a straight leather skirt. Then wear the coat open.
Don’t Trust the Mirror – Take a Selfie
Try out the leather items you want to wear together. Take a couple of photos – best, have someone take them. Based on the outfit photos pick the most flattering look.
How to Make Leather-on-Leather Your Personal Style
When styling a leather-on-leather outfit pick classic, high quality items. See what to look for when shopping for leather clothes. Go for neutral colors like black, blush, tan, gray, cream or white. Red and oxblood/marsala/burgundy are great options when you are daring. However, only wear colors that flatter you. Make double hides the statement of your outfit.
Tip: Let leather-on-leather be the star of your look, and let the accessories play a supporting role.
Leather-on-Leather Outfit Ideas
More looks with this suede skirt.
Try Chic Looks with Suede and Leather
Tip: When doubling the hides combining suede with plain leather is a safe way because of the different textures (see examples below).
Final Remarks on How to Wear Leather on Leather
This trend is risky. When you are new to it, go for a leather suit look and experiment with the pieces you already own.
Photos: G. Kramm
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