Hi Belle,
I really (REALLY) like the look of leather leggings. Can you help me figure out what to look for or what to buy? Maybe what to wear them with?
Thanks! K
First, let’s talk about how to wear leather leggings. As with any pair of leggings, both front and rear coverage matters. This charcoal tunic sweater is a great option. I also like this high-low cashmere sweater from Neiman Marcus Last Call. But the best choice has to be this $40 cowl-neck, cable tunic in ivory. I love the contrast between the slick leather and the cable knit.
You can also layer the leggings under a simple sweater dress. This cashmere sweater from Bloomingdale’s is lovely.
Now, onto which leggings I like…
Ann Taylor Leather-Ponte Leggings ($98, also in tall and petite)
The nice thing about a longer sweater is that it provides balance for the pear-shaped among us. But even with that coverage, full-leather (or leather-like) leggings were too much for my psyche to handle. After trying on a half-dozen pair, I decided to go for a mix of leather and ponte. Much better. (These Guess leggings are a good under-$75 option.)
Want the full leather look? I like that these Karen Kane leggings have an elastic waistband and a not-to-shiny finish. The new Piperlime Collection has a good-looking pair for $98. This Michael Kors pair also have a great look to them.
Plus-size? These Ralph Lauren leather-like leggings are a good option. Need something under-$75? Try these mixed media leggings.
Now, let’s talk about footwear. Tall leather boots with leather leggings…too much like you should be carrying a whip and wearing a dog collar. I recommend pointed toe pumps or suede booties. A pair of patent-leather flats is also a good option.
6 comments
Joules says:
I’ve never really strongly considered the leather leggings look, but I really like how you’ve suggested styling it. With that sweater dress and pumps I think I might actually wear and like this outfit.
Style by Joules
rar says:
I just got some faux leather leggings from Express. They were on sale for $30 and they are amazing. Plenty of coverage, thick, and make my legs look great. I like them better than my $500+ pair of actual leather leggings from a few seasons ago (which I never wear bc I am afraid of ruining them). There was also a great selection – I got all leather with some zipper details, but they had leather/ponte and leather accent versions.
Lauren says:
I have these from Nordstrom/Hue: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hue-leatherette-leggings/3729440?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Espresso&resultback=400&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_A that I really love. They have pockets on the back to make them look more like pants and less like leggings as well.
Addie says:
I tried those on last season but didn’t end up buying them. Have you had them long/washed them a few times? How have they held up?
Michelle says:
I’m thinking about trying the Banana Republic “coated” denim, which simulates the leather look and seems thicker (and therefore more forgiving!) than leggings. They look lovely in the store but I haven’t had time to try on a pair.
Saramel says:
I bought a black pair at H&M last year and I loved wearing them so much I bought their oxblood pair yesterday. I can’t wait to wear them. Thanks for the styling suggestions!