While a leather jacket will always be a winter staple, there's more than one way to wear the beloved material this season. I have desperately been searching for a good pair of leather trousers – not the uber-tight, motorcycle-inspired type, but more like a pair of joggers, except in leather – or pleather. Whatever's lighter on the wallet, really.
At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Istanbul last week, Turkish fashion blogger Nil Ninat (pictured above) wore leather trousers – they were loose, but not exceedingly baggy, and cropped at the ankle. She styled them with an oversized sweater in bubblegum pink, plus silver ankle boots. Easy, effortless and eye-catching, her ensemble was everything a fashion-week outfit should be – far from the bizarre, garish style choices that many camera-hungry bloggers make today.
Leather tops have also been making the street-style rounds, particularly those that are of a boxy, camisole style, somewhat like lingerie-inspired tanks, but with more of a rock ’n’ roll edge. With layering also being a key trend for autumn/winter, wearing a leather camisole on top of a T-shirt or turtleneck is a recommended pairing, along with layered chains or chokers to fill in the neckline. This sort of outfit can be completed with a pair of jeans, printed cigarette trousers or culottes. Culottes can look fabulous when crafted from a sleek, leather-like material, along with skirts – not micro-minis, but more thought-out styles. Seek contemporary renditions of pencil skirts, with asymmetrical elements, wraparound styles, accordion pleats, wide leather fringe effects, exposed seams and high waistlines.
If the only leather you’re keen to wear is a good old biker jacket, at least be creative: pick out a Gucci-esque version or take a DIY approach embellish your own with paint, patches and studs.
hlodi@thenational.ae
