Lovely in Leather
Despite its moto/rocker history, leather has taken a feminine turn this year. So feminine, in fact, that these leather pieces can even be called lovely. Shearling and fur finishes make leather quite cozy, while warm neutral colors play up your complexion rather than drain it. Skinny leather pants, crops, and shorts go uptown with chunky knits and comfy cardigans. Even leather dresses are remade into office-appropriate sheaths and youthful, Taylor Swift-worthy frocks. Holiday ready as well, metallic leather skirts and leather-trimmed tuxedo blazers round out our lovely leather choices for this season:
1. Helmut Lang Leather Jacket with Shearling Collar ($1520)
Who knew leather could be so cozy? This jacket has the traditional moto details (an asymmetrical front zip, cuff zippers, and a slim body-skimming fit) paired with an over-sized shearling collar in a warm, neutral stone color. Wear anywhere.
2. Vanessa Bruno Athe’ Cropped Leather Skinny Pant ($520)
Channeling a mod Audrey Hepburn, these cropped leather pants go classic when paired with flats and a sweet cardi. Of course, they are also night-on-the-town appropriate when paired with heels. Cropped length with a skinny leg and 5-pocket styling.
3. Rachel Roy Sleeveless Dress with Leather Yoke ($498)
Leather for the office? Yes, please. This sleek crepe dress has a chic leather yoke atop always-appropriate cap sleeves and a knee-length hem. An exposed back zipper and pleating make this dress’s exit as exciting as its entrance.
4. Tibi High Waisted Leather Shorts ($550)
No 2011 leather piece is complete without a nod to the leather short. More mod than a mini, this short can be paired with tights and a chunky knit by day or heels and a blazer by night. High-waisted cut with front slant pockets and back welt pockets. Their rich reddish-brown leather complements every thing from basic black to creamy winter white.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Limelight Metallic Leather Skirt ($798)
Metallic…leather…pencil skirt? An unexpected combination of rocker-inspired elements gives this traditional, tie-waisted pencil skirt a stunning makeover. Pair with booties and a chunky knit for office, heels and holiday color for party.
6. TIBI Tuxedo Jacket ($497)
Holiday essential. Work this creamy white tux jacket for any occasion with its crisp, classic lines and mod, black leather lapels. Pair with jeans for drinks with the girls, a black pencil skirt for work, or a sequin tank and wide legged trouser to ring in 2012.
7. Alice + Olivia Tamira Leather Bustier Dress ($595)
Leather gets girly with this kicky cocktail dress. The combination of mod leather and romantic tulle is an eye-catching combo, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of the season. Corset bodice with cutout back and full, kick-up-your-heels skirt.
