How To Wear...Leather

Confidentials 30 September 2012

THIS season leather is having a bit of a refurb. We are no longer looking at biker chic but something more sophisticated and elegant with a focus on coloured leather rather than black.

Think plums, purples and blues. If you think top to toe leather is maybe not your thing, there are lots of garments around with leather trim so you can give a delicate nod to the trend. Cruelty free options in faux leather or ‘pleather’ are also easily available just about anywhere on the high street. Susan Baxter from Susan Styles You shares her top tips on how to wear this trend at any age...

In your 20s?

Keep it fun and flirty with a leather trim mini dress. This pinafore style tartan dress is so on trend this autumn/winter. Keep your jewellery simple. Team with opaque tights and a pair of suede studded ankle boots for a cool edge. These boots from Boohoo are gorgeous.

ASOS leather trim dress £47

Boohoo.com Milena black suede pumps £40

Stella & Dot Renegade cluster bracelet £45

Stella & Dot Vintage hematite studs £25

In your 30s?

Why not try a leather skirt? Choose a softer shade rather than black and team it with a plain shirt or a cashmere sweater for day time.This M&S skirt comes in this season's oxblood colour. Team it with this Monsoon waterfall cardigan - the perfect layering piece. It is so flattering for all body shapes and the neutral colour means you can team it with everything. For evening, why not add a silk or satin or maybe something in lace, and jazz it up with some fab Stella & Dot jewellery. Keep the length ladylike around the knee. Just don't overwhelm the look by teaming with more leather. Add a pair of nude heels to elongate your legs.

Marks & Spencer Oxblood leather panelled pencil skirt £125

Monsoon T Colorado waterfall front cardigan £59

Truth or Dare by Madonna Feline tbar heel shoes £110

Stella & Dot Trilogy ring £45

Stella & Dot Geneve earrings £45

In your 40s?

Few women in their 40s would feel comfortable in a leather dress. Why not try a simple and sophisticated dress that incorporates leather instead? This long sleeved Ralph Lauren dress has a lovely sleek sheath silhouette and features beautiful lambskin leather patches.

Ralph Lauren Lauren Patch-Zip dress £105

Guess Bolim brown multi suede boots around £100

Stella & Dot Lillith fringe earrings £40

In your 50s?

Think you can't wear leather in your 50s? A leather trim jacket can lift something casual and make it feel more modern and elegant. This sharply tailored jacket is the last word in understated chic. Slip it over your shoulders to finish every look with attitude. The leather trim jacket will ensure you always look fashion forward. Team with these beautiful suede stitched toecap court shoes and you are sure to stand out in a crowd.

DKNY leather trim pinstripe jacket £150