If you don’t have leather pants in your closet, it’s time you buy a pair. If the first thing you think of when you hear “leather pants” is Ross on Friends or Catwoman’s outfit, think again. Leather pants are always in style during cooler months. They’re highly versatile, and surprisingly just as easy to wear as your favorite pair of jeans.
From tees and tailored shirts to cozy sweaters, you can wear leather pants for work, weekend, and everything in between.
Read on for my tips on how to style leather pants, leather pants outfit ideas, and a curated edit of stylish leather pants to shop now.
How to Style Leather Pants
Decide Between Real or Faux Leather
When it comes to styling your pair of leather pants, you first need to decide which type of leather you prefer – real or faux.
Real leather is made from the tanned skin of animals, usually cows. Although real leather is highly durable and will last for years (just like your favorite leather jacket), it comes at a higher price point.
If real leather isn’t your thing or isn’t in your budget, you can always opt for faux leather pants. Faux leather is usually made from polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC.
Over the years, faux leather has become much better and “real” looking. It’s no longer just cheap fabric used for Halloween costumes; faux leather pants have really come a long way, and even higher-end contemporary brands are embracing the material.
Try a Modern Fit
Chances are you probably have some faux leather leggings in your closet. And although I still wear mine, you should also embrace the newer fashion trend of a straight or wide-leg fit.
Mind Proportions
If you want to wear leather leggings, an easy way to make them feel on-trend is to really think about proportions and lengths.
Balance your leggings with something bulky or loose. This could be a puffer jacket, a shirt jacket, or even an oversized denim jacket. The modern way to wear these pieces is to make sure they are longer and hit below your hip, about mid-quad.
The same goes for your footwear. Balance the slim fit of your leather leggings with a chunky combat boot or lug sole boot.
Black is Classic
Black leather pants are probably the most popular and therefore the most common leather pants you’ll find out there. If you’re new to leather pants and looking to try the look, then you can’t go wrong with a classic black pair in a straight cut.
A Blazer is Always a Good Idea
If you’re looking to elevate your leather pants outfit, add a blazer. The leather pant and blazer combo works for the office, but you can always wear this pairing with a slinky silk top for dinner or on the weekend with some sneakers and a graphic tee.
You Can Wear Leather Pants 7 Days A Week
I don’t think that leather pants are only for when you want to dress up or go out. There are a ton of great casual outfits that involve leather pants, and when styled properly, you can also wear leather pants to work.
Leather Pants Outfit Ideas
GET THE LOOK: ARITZIA FAUX LEATHER PANTS | SEZANE CHRISTIE BLAZER | SEZANE CHARLY TOP | INEZ PAZ 90 BLACK ANKLE BOOTS | SEZANE CLAUDE BAG
Leather Pants with a Blazer
If you’re not sure where to start with your leather pants outfit, reach for closet staples you probably already own: a white top and a blazer. I love a three-color combination with ivory, tan, and black.
Worn with slim fit or wide-leg leather pants, this classic leather pants outfit works for several occasions. It’s business casual and appropriate for the office, but also for a nice lunch, meetings, and dinners.
GET THE LOOK: RAG & BONE WIDE LEG LEATHER PANTS | BLACK TURTLENECK | APC MINI GRACE BAG | KHAITE ARIZONA BOOTS | PLAID BLAZER (SIMILAR HERE)
Wide Leg Leather Pants and a Blazer
Another no-fail way to wear black leather pants is to have an all-black base, topped with blazer.
Keep your blazer opened, button it, or add some definition to your waist by wearing a belt over it.
GET THE LOOK: ARITZIA FAUX LEATHER PANTS | GRAPHIC PRINT SWEATSHIRT (SIMILAR HERE) | GANNI NYLON LEOPARD CROSSBODY |
Casual Leather Pants Outfit: With a Graphic Tee
To wear leather pants casually, dress them down by pairing a straight leg style with a graphic tee or sweatshirt and sporty white sneakers. This is an easy, street style look.
GET THE LOOK: ARITZIA FAUX LEATHER PANTS | SATIN TOP | BLACK KITTEN HEELS
Dressed Up Leather Pants
Leather pants are a great option during the holidays. Pair your leather pants with some heels and a festive sequin or satin top. Perfect for date night or a holiday party.
GET THE LOOK: RAG & BONE WIDE LEG LEATHER PANTS | SEZANE CHARLY TOP | APC MINI GRACE BAG | KHAITE ARIZONA BOOTS | LONG CAMEL COAT
Leather Pants and Long Coat
During cooler months, pair your leather pants with a turtleneck and a long, cozy coat.
GET THE LOOK: ARITZIA FAUX LEATHER PANTS | TAN TRENCH COAT | BLACK TANK TOP
Leather Pants and a Trench Coat
A timeless khaki trench coat can help balance the edge of leather pants.
GET THE LOOK: ARITZIA FAUX LEATHER PANTS | WHITE T-SHIRT | DENIM JACKET | LEOPARD HEELS
Leather Pants, a Denim Jacket, and Fun Heels
For a leather outfit that’s not too dressy or casual, try this combination: leather pants, a white t-shirt, and a denim jacket.
Then, add a fun pop of pattern with you shoes. I’m partial to leopard print, but a floral or other print works here, too.
My Favorite Leather Pants
Aritzia Vegan Leather Command Pant
I’ve been Aritzia fan for years, particularly because of their minimalist yet polished pieces. These vegan leather pants have been a staple in my closet for several seasons. In addition, they’re a true straight silhouette and not too wide or narrow in the leg. These run on the smaller size so if you’re in between sizes, I would size up one size.
Commando Perfect Faux Leather Leggings
For days when I want to throw on a baggy sweater over oversized sweatshirt, I reach for these leather leggings. With a subtle pebbled effect, these could also pass for authentic leather. Despite being a legging, these pants have four-way stretch for all day comfort. I own them in size small.
Rag & Bone Sofie Vegan Leather Pant
The latest addition to my leather collection are these wide leg faux leather pants from Rag & Bone. These are a fun option to wear when I want something a bit different. I love wearing them with a heeled boot to really elongate my legs with the wider silhouette. These run true to size; own a 27 and they have just enough give to wear comfortably without bagging out to another size.
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Thanks a lot for sharing amazing tips to style leather pants. Keep it up.