Lady LUX

We all have our favorite leather jackets, but what about other possibilities with this effortlessly cool material? On the Fall 2011 runways appeared a heavy dose of leather skirts, vests, boxy tees and edgy dresses that carried through to Spring 2012. Leather can lend itself to a hard rocker look or a clean, sophisticated ensemble. With holiday festivities just around the corner, introduce some leather styling ideas fresh off the runway into your winter wardrobe. You’ll be warm and perfectly chic.

Boxy tees and fluid tanks bring versatility to a closet. Celine and Theyskens’ Theory both paired leather tops with pants for two entirely different ambiances. Combining a leather tee with loose-fitting, wide-leg pants, Celine heads in a ‘60s mod direction, whereas Theyskens’ Theory’s textured blazer and skinny pants create a downtown chic vibe. To achieve similar looks, try Zero and Maria Cornejo’s capped-sleeved top or Cushnie et Ochs crew-neck bodice with a flared peplum. To increase the structured pieces’ femininity, pair with a pencil skirt in a contrasting material.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

For a delicate touch with leather, Mason by Michelle Mason’s camisole hits the sweet spot. The draped tank features a leather front panel and a viscose back with tie details. Style this cami with a pencil skirt, pointy pumps and cargo jacket for an easy daytime look. Switch to leopard skinny pants and a black blazer for a night out on the town.

A leather dress may sound a bit intimidating, but just think of it as your LBD with an attitude. For Vince, it’s a little bronze sheath dress. The metallic, soft leather dress features a raw hemline and scoop neck. The simple elements of the dress work on their own; you only need a pair of booties to complete the look.

On a more sophisticated note, Bird by Juicy Couture and Robert Rodriguez offer leather dresses in office-appropriate silhouettes. Bird by Juicy Couture’s oxford dress is classy with capped sleeves, a modest split V-neck, hip pockets and a just-above-the knee hemline. The LBLD – little black leather dress – looks best with a pair of open-toe pumps. Robert Rodriguez’s belted version in rich caramel brown features a pleated front and a waist cinched with a bow.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

The leather pencil skirt is an easy staple piece that works for night or day, dressed up or down. Cushnie et Ochs takes the already great silhouette to perfection with its asymmetrical hem and a skirt with peaks on the sides. For simple yet chic look, pair with a gray, slouchy boyfriend tee, a varsity jacket and simple heeled sandals. To take your outfit to the next level, try a fitted sweater or turtleneck to maintain the sleekness.

This article was contributed Annette Tang of the Versastyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.

Tagged in: trends, leather, prada, spring 2012, cushnie et ochs, guide, fall 2011, robert rodriguez, the row, vince, celine, mason by michelle mason, bird by juicy couture, zero and maria cornejo, leather apparel, theyskens' theory,

Fashion / Guides