Do you think wearing leather pants is difficult to pull off? We feel you. They’re not for everyone and can be quite intimidating for an average girl’s usual aesthetic. But if you want to brazen it out and inject an element of surprise to your wardrobe, edgy leather pants will definitely come handy.
On the other hand, not knowing how to balance out the edginess of leather pants poses the risk of crossing over the line of looking like a delinquent (especially if you are going to sport heavy makeup with it). So, below are a few tips as well as celebrity outfits to copy if you want to wear leather pants correctly.
1. Balance the toughness with a sweet-looking collared top
Toning down the tough factor of the pants can be done if you wear a feminine top with them. Do what actress Emmy Rossum did here and pair a floral top with a contrasting white collar with your leather pants. Finish off the look with a pair of classic Mary Jane pumps.
Emmy Rossum wears leather pants at New York Fashion Week in New York on September 10, 2013
Get these: Haute Hippie Skinny Leather Pants, $4,748 / Proenza Schouler Contrast Knit Sweater, $477 / Peter Pilotto Jackie Lace Shirt, $697 / Tod’s Leather Trim Pumps, $268
2. Cropped top and a bomber jacket
Now that you are in the mood for an edgy ensemble, go the extra mile and wear a cropped top with your leather pants. Moderate the exposure of flesh by wearing a cute bomber jacket. British model Cara Delevingne is your style inspiration.
Cara Delevingne wearing leather pants at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 (Mulberry show) in London, United Kingdom, on September 15, 2013
Get these: Acne Studios Skin 5-Pocket Leather Pants, $1,200 / Kenzo Logo T-Shirt, $128 / Emanuel Ungaro Perforated Bomber Jacket, $2,865 / Saint Laurent Army Lace-Up Boots, $807
3. Boxy sweater
We’re all about balance, so if you want to wear skinny leather pants, try making the silhouette more interesting by wearing a boxy top or sweater. Like Rihanna, style it with a printed cap and a pair of white pumps.
Rihanna leaving her hotel to film a talk show in London, United Kingdom, on September 11, 2013
Get these: J Brand Maria High-Rise Leather Pants, $1,200 / Jason Wu Sheer Floral-Pattern Sweater, $1,995 / Gianvito Rossi Pointed-Toe Pumps, $514 / Cheap Monday Paper Cap, $35
4. Street-style vibe with a button-down shirt layered and a coat or jacket
Leather is a great material for fending off the cold. Use this as your layering canvass. Try Zoe Hardman’s London Fashion Week look. She wore a button-down shirt and then layered a blazer and a coat over it.
Zoe Hardman at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 in London, United Kingdom, on February 18, 2013
Get these: BB Dakota Dakota Collective Lucille Leather Pants, $495 / Emilio Pucci Contrast-Collar Shirt, $770 / Alexander Wang Irregular Pleat Blazer, $850 / 3.1 Phillip Lim Double-Breasted Coat, $766 / Manolo Blahnik Stiletto Pumps, $595
5. Textured top
A textured top can lessen the austereness of the pants. Karlie Kloss wore a fur top with her leather pants, but you can also go with lace or a top with floral appliqués.
Karlie Kloss wears leather pants at the opening of Coach New York Boutique on Serrano Street in Spain on November 20, 2013
Get these: Marc by Marc Jacobs Karlie Leather Pants, $998 / Dolce & Gabbana Sleeveless Floral Lace Top, $1,195 / Fendi Pointed-Toe Pumps, $569 / Valentino Garavani Folded Clutch, $1,375.59
6. Moto jacket and loafers
Silvia rocked her pair of skinny pleather jeans so well. With that printed button-down shirt, moto jacket, and slip-on loafers, this makes an ideal go-to outfit this autumn.
Silvia styled her leather pants with a printed button-down shirt, a moto jacket, and slip-on loafers
Just follow these styling methods, and you won’t have to worry about looking like a menace to society in your leather pants.
Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / Will Alexander / Sean Thorton