How to add leather to your style

One of the most common pieces of advice that we hear often is that you should make your outfit interesting, eye-catching by adding dimension and charm just through adding texture to your usual outfits. One main material that stands out the most is leather. 

Leather has this unique feature, it adds charms and elegance and can complete a look just by adding simple leather accessories. Other reasons why people love leather include leather’s strength and its bright and luxurious finish. While leather is practical it is also feminine and adds a level of glamorous beauty to your look. If you want to look modern and also present your inner beauty while remaining cool, it is by wearing a leather piece.

It is so simple to add leather to your style, you can start by picking small leather accessories such as gloves, chokers, or bracelets and build your way by layering. Maybe you are not an accessories type person, this is where picking an elegant leather women’s bag or a pair of leather shoes shows how much you care about your style. 

If you are looking for ideas on how to do so, this is the right place. By the end of this article we will explore simple ways on how to add leather to our style?

Why you should use leather

Almost every single person who is stylish and admired by others for looks knows how to rock a leather outfit. There must be reasons why so many people prefer leather and why it looks good on so many people. A leather piece can elevate your style while it is also durable and always trendy to pick. 

1. Durability and longevity

The first thing that people notice about leather is its durability and longevity. This makes leather extremely popular for everyday and long time use and it is also a great material to use in shoes and bags. Leather’s durability also makes purchasing leather products a great investment. 

If you are looking for more endurance go for full grain leather and if you want a more high quality material that is cruelty free faux leather is also both lightweight and durable. 

2. Timeless appearance

Leather has always been trendy and chic, ever since fashion and clothing is recorded we see leather items, leather does not lose its beauty but rather it creates a patina which makes it more beautiful with time. 

3. Easy to style 

When it comes to styling and layering, nothing is more suggested than leather. It is a material that can be used in both formal and casual outfits and with many other textures. Leather and lace is another fashion forward combination that seems unique; it is also quite charming. Leather and cotton create a balanced combination because they bring different textures and levels of structure to an outfit. Cotton tends to feel light, soft and casual, while leather adds structure and a more polished finish. 

Denim is another popular option for street style and casual style outfits, this combo is relaxed, chill and stylish. Here are some easy and chic denim and leather outfit pieces that you can use in your daily clothing. 

• Jeans + leather handbag
• Denim jacket + leather bag
• Denim shirt + leather trousers or skirt
• Wide-leg jeans + structured leather tote
• Denim dress + leather shoulder bag 

4. Versatility

Leather can easily adapt to different occasions, from a work outfit to formal luxury events, weddings and even a small gathering. You can match a leather handbag to a skirt, a dress or even a work suit and each time you will have a charming output. 

H3: Natural Leather vs. Faux Leather: Which One Should You Choose?

There are different types of leather, including:

• Full grain leather
• Top grain leather
• Genuine leather
• Split leather 
• Faux leather 

Each of these leather have certain features in which we have a full blog on, so if you want more info or a  Complete leather buying Guide make sure to check it out. 

Look and finish- natural leather does have many more imperfections and blemishes. These marks create a more natural beauty and a stronger scent and it also develops a rich patina. 

Faux leather has a more smooth and sleek finish but sometimes designers use techniques to make it look more natural. 

Durability and strength–  Natural leather does have more durability and strength compared to faux leather, however faux leather is more lightweight and flexible. 

Cost– Natural leather cost more due its more complex process and the fact that it is made from animal hide. Even though natural leather is a great investment and can be used for a very long time, faux leather is also a more budget friendly and practical option. 

Care and cleaning– Natural leather is made from animal hide and because of that it requires to be oiled and cleaned properly and with extra care. 

Weight– Faux leather is more lightweight and therefore it is better to be used in daily products that need to be carried for long hours, such as shoulder bags and backpacks. 

Environmental impact- Natural leather is an animal-derived material and is associated with livestock production and tanning processes. Faux leather avoids animal hides but is often made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or PVC, which are fossil-fuel-derived and can create end-of-life and plastic-related concerns. 

How to take care of your leather:

After purchasing a leather piece make sure that you keep it in a proper backage, a breathable material or a special leather bag but please avoid plastic bags. It is best to keep the leather in a dark and cool place away from excessive and direct sunlight. Moisture is also damaging to your leather so if by any chance you spilled any moisture on your leather, wipe it down immediately with a clean cloth and do not forget oiling and Follow the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions. 

Leather pieces you can use in your style:

Bags: 

Belts: a simple way to redefine your body silhouette and draw attention to your curves and your appearance.  

Jackets: A must have item to elevate simple minimal outfits, it is gender neutral and a timeless option. 

Shoes: 

Pants: Leather pants add a modern and slightly bold touch to an outfit. Pair them with simple knitwear, cotton shirts, or oversized blazers to balance their strong texture. 

Skirts: Leather skirts can work for both casual and dressier outfits, depending on the silhouette. Pair a mini skirt with boots for an edgy look or a midi skirt with a blouse or knit sweater for a more feminine, classic style. 

Gloves: Leather gloves are a personal favorite of mine. They simply create balance between pieces, add details and a powerful combination and also can help you recreate a leather style and unlike what some might assume, you can wear them in all seasons. 

How to style leather for warm and cold seasons?

Bags: 

Leather bags are all seasons options, from small crossbody bags or larger leather shoulder bags to make sure you can carry all the essentials. They are perhaps the most popular options to purchase when it comes to leather accessories for women. 

Belts: 

This item is used for all seasons and on top of jackets, skirts, dresses and of course any type of pants. 

Jacket: 

For winter and fall: add to a simple T-shirt with dark jeans and complete the look with a leather women’s crossbody bag. Or maybe even match it with a skirt. 

Shoes:

In summer-  choose lightweight leather sandals, loafers, or flats with dresses and relaxed trousers.

 In winter- leather ankle or knee-high boots pair well with jeans, skirts, coats, and knitwear.

Pants: 

For summer- lightweight leather or faux-leather trousers can be styled with simple cotton tops or loose shirts. 

In winter- pair them with chunky knitwear, wool coats, or layered tops for a warmer, polished look.

Skirts: In summer, a leather skirt can be paired with a simple T-shirt, tank top, or lightweight blouse. In winter, style it with tights, boots, sweaters, and a tailored coat for a comfortable layered outfit.

Gloves:

For summer and spring- match them with short crop tops and mini skirts and a small clutch leather bag.

For fall and winter- long raincoat or short leather jacket, or even a winter leather skirt. 

How to Choose the Right Leather Piece 

Pay attention to what your style is missing- for example if your style is too straight and does not show any curves, add a belt. If you want more texture to add details try a skirt, if you want to make your simple style more interesting add a leather jacket. 

Try leather products in different colors- remember that leather is not just in black or brown, but rather adding a women’s red leather wallet or a blue handbag can make your outfit more charming. 

Match it to the occasion- A structured handbag, leather loafers, or a sleek skirt can complement work and formal outfits, while relaxed bags, jackets, and boots may be better suited to casual or weekend looks.

Final thoughts 

When it comes to leather the key is to choose pieces that work with your personal style, lifestyle, and the season, while experimenting with different colors and textures. Whether you prefer a classic, minimalist, feminine, casual, or edgy look, there is a leather piece that can naturally become part of your wardrobe.