What to Wear with Leather Pants
I’m back with a REAL outfit post! Who am I?! Korri and I hadn’t shot an outfit together this entire year—until now! I couldn’t let the year pass by without featuring my faux leather pants (and shooting photos of them amongst the fall foliage). They’re just so fun and different from everything else in my closet! Plus, I wanted an excuse to wear them. I would not recommend wearing leather pants on 80-degree days, though. This shoot took longer than I had anticipated and I couldn’t wait to change out of them LOL. My first question is: How the heck do you clean faux leather pants?! 😆
I digress. Let’s chat more about styling leather pants and more specifically what to wear with leather pants! If you’ve been thinking about adding a pair to spice up your fall/winter wardrobe but aren’t sure what to wear with them, you’re in the right place. I hope I can convince you just how versatile leather pants can be!
What to Wear with Leather Pants
Leather pants (and faux leather pants of course) have had a resurgence in popularity the past few years. At first, leather pants came in skinny styles. Now, almost all the leather pant styles you’ll find in retailers are wide leg, trouser, jogger, or other loose-fit styles. I find that most of the style tips that apply to wide-leg pants or wide-leg jeans also apply to wide-leg leather pants (and some when it comes to skinny jeans/skinny leather pants). Leather pants add a little bit of unexpected fun to a wardrobe, though. They’re a great way to elevate a basic outfit because they add a new texture to your looks!
Cropped tops and sweaters
High-rise leather pants pair PERFECTLY with any sort of cropped top—fitted or loose. Try a tank, a tee (with long sleeves or short), or a sweater. You don’t even need to show any skin if you don’t want to! And it works especially well if you’re petite like me. I’m partial to the fitted crop tank as seen here (and layering for warmth if needed), but a loose cropped sweater or button-front cardigan is a great option in the cooler months.
Button-down shirt
Another top you’ll see with leather pants on Pinterest is the classic white button-down shirt and dressing for more of an office-type environment. It just screams cool girl to me… Like someone who is WAY cooler than me, lol. I’m not sure I could pull it off. But play around with all the button-down shirts in your closet, even the cropped ones!
Bodysuit
I felt it was also worth mentioning that leather pants and bodysuits are another match made in heaven. The contrast between a loose, wide-leg leather pant and a fitted bodysuit is such a great way to create balance in your look. Plus, you can easily layer another layer over the bodysuit, such as…
Oversized blazer or jacket
Leather pants look so good paired with an oversized blazer or other jacket. Search Pinterest and you’ll find a ton of examples! I loved wearing my (old) oversized linen blazer with my leather pants. Other jackets I love with leather pants include long trench coats, wool cocoon coats, and cozy shirt jackets. You might prefer to (or at least be tempted to) wear slimmer leather pants with an oversized top layer, but I encourage you to try looser pant styles! The complementary loose-loose silhouette is in right now.
Suede shoes
If you’ve been reading CCCH for a while, you know how much I love mixing textures. While you could wear leather shoes with your leather pants, try mixing it up and try a pair of suede shoes! I’m wearing suede sandals here because it was warm out, but for chilly weather I’d opt for my pair of suede ankle boots with a slim, sock-like shaft. Another shoe option that looks stunning with leather pants is a simple pump (perfect for work!). You’ll also find tons of sneakers and thick lugsoles paired with leather pants. Try on all the shoe options to see what you like best! It’ll depend on the style of the pant as well as the inseam.
Textured hat
Top off your leather pant outfit with even more texture in your hat! I just got this corduroy baseball cap from Madewell and it’s SO cute. I love it! The color is also perfect for fall and blends in with the fall foliage. Look for baseball caps made of corduroy, velvet, wool, or cashmere. If it’s really cold out, grab your favorite beanie!
Do you have a pair of leather pants yet? What are your favorite things to wear with them?
Shop Leather Pants
OUTFIT DETAILS
Madewell blazer / old; similar from Saks Fifth Avenue
Uniqlo top / exact or similar by Luluemon or Target (review here)
BlankNYC pants / exact via Shopbop or Zappos
Nisolo sandals / old; similar by NYDJ
Madewell hat / exact (also available from Zappos or Shopbop)
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Nordstrom, Revolve, Shopbop, or Urban Outfitters
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact via Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, or Bloomingdale's