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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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Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

 

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.

 

over 50 years old woman in leather skirt and jacket
Left: Isaac Mizrahi cashmere sweater with Oliveo leather pencil skirt (similar skirt), Gloria Vanderbilt pumps, Hermes collier de chien bangle, and statement necklace. Right: As left plus Newport News tailored leather jacket (similar jacket), Jaeger leather tote, and unbranded floral scarf

 

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.

 

style book author wearing a faux skirt suit in black front and back view
Two leather items: Front and backview of Lookbook Store motorcycle  jacket, Sienna Studio skirt (similar skirt here), Jeanne Pierre sweater, Pavlova scarf, GNW tight, and Harley Davidson booties

 

Easy-to-Follow Styling Tips

Here are my tips to wear leather-on-leather in a sophisticated way.

  1. The easiest way is to stay away from all black.
  2. Try a leather dress over leather pants.
  3. 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.
  4. Use two different colors.
  5. Wear a leather jacket and add a skirt to the outfit. A fake skirt suit, so to say.
  6. Using classic tailored feminine cuts is an easy way to style the trend.
  7. 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

style blogger Nicole donning a gray and green and red brown separates with double hides
Color examples. Left: GNW print cardigan, Hermes collier de chien belt, Sienna Studio skirt, Steve Madden pumps, triple necklace, pantyhose, Gucci bag, motorcycle jacket c/o Leatherskin, and halftee c/o Halftee. Right: Red GNW tights, G-III suede skirt, winter white cotton GNW cardigan as a top under a brown leather jacket, Coach Chelsea-booties.

 

More looks with this suede skirt.

 

stylist in leather two fakes skirt suits of leather skirts and jackets
Leather suits: Left: Oliveo full skirt with jacket, vintage hat, scarf tied as a bow, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves, Modalo Pippa bag, Covington pumps. This outfit has a British vibe. Right: Cole Brook & Co blazer, Sienna Studio skirt, GNW cardigan, coin-necklace,  neckerchief, Hermes collier de chien bangle, fringe clutch c/o Uno Alla Volta, wooden watch c/o Jord. This look has an eclectic style vibe.

 

 

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).

 

fashion influencer in leather shell and suede skirt and suede top with leather skirt
Mixed hides. Left: Leather shell and G-III skirt, Anne Klein scarf, Modalo Pippa bag, Covington pumps, Hermes enamel and collier de chien bangles, Tissot watch. The scarf ties the colors of the pieces together. Right: Oliveo skirt, Very Fine Dance Sport sandals, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Bercile bangle, citrine, carved cat necklace, Lucky Brand shell, Winkwood sunglasses.

 

 

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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