The Style Guru: Leather Invasion

Leather is ruling the fashion scene this winter.  Elegant and stylish, leather is everywhere and it’s no longer just in the accessories department.  Leather trimmings are appearing on shirts, shorts, tops, dresses, and of course, jackets.  I normally shy away from leather but with the plethora of styles showing up, there’s a leather investment piece out there for everyone.

If you want to slim your thighs:

Opt for a minimalist A-line, leather dress.  Let the thicker fabric work for your figure, by providing natural tenting over your hips and bum.  Avoid zippers, pulls, and any other bondage like features. Not only will these details draw attention to your places where you don’t want, but the effect will be very dominant for day wear.

If you want hide your stomach:

Vertical paneling lengthens the body and helps disguise belly bulges. In order to look its best, leather is usually cut closer to the body, but this type of tailoring can look harsh on softer curves. Look for tops with inserts of knit fabric over the stomach to provide more give for fuller figures

If you’re Petite:

Small figures can get swamped in this fabric. Slender women can hide their subtle curves by wearing leather.  To prevent this from happening look for tailored pieces with well-placed seams or wrapping.  Leather pants and shorts look cute on small frames.  Cropped leather tops and jackets are also better options for your figure. There is a variety of clothes with leather trimmings, like leather collars, patches and cuffs which help you embrace the leather craze with subtlety.

Vero Moda mini dress
$61 – asos.com

T shirt
$100 – topshop.com

Valentino leather trench coat
4,250 – net-a-porter.com

Gucci leather mini skirt
$1,650 – net-a-porter.com

TIBI high waisted pencil skirt
$620 – net-a-porter.com

H M short skirt
20 – hm.com

Rag & bone leather pants
810 – net-a-porter.com

American Apparel leather clutch
$68 – americanapparel.net

H M leather glove
15 – hm.com