AW16’S LEATHER SKIRT TREND

Leather, whilst starting its life in the clothing industry in the 1950s in utility jacket form, is now regarded as one of the most luxurious clothing fabrications. Manipulated into a range of styles and silhouettes, from sleek leggings to oversized shearling coats, it’s pivotal to autumn/winter collections year after year. Here, we focus on the skirt, which for AW16 comes in multiple guises, each as fashion-focussed as the next. Discover how we’re styling each piece for now. 

THE TREND PIECE

The chicest way to update your day-to-night rotation? This season’s take on the leather pencil skirt. It’s no secret that silver-tone metal hardware will stand out against black but look to designs that have something a little unexpected about them to really make a statement. Chunky, twist-lock and zip detailing will lend the classically feminine silhouette an androgynous twist. Team this statement piece with a slouchy sweater and bare legs to achieve an effortless, trend-focussed look. 

THE SUEDE ALTERNATIVE

Navy is usually laced with ‘play-it-safe’ connotations but when designed in soft suede and crafted to a mini-length skirt, it feels altogether contemporary. Embrace an autumnal colour palette for seasonal relevance, matching the depth of the hue with similarly rich greens and camels, or put a cold-weather spin on nautical style and try soft grey’s.
 

THE A-LINE MINI

There’s something to be said for an aesthetic that defies trends and the A-line mini skirt will hold forever relevance in any separates line-up. This season’s leather iteration fuses classic design with modern verve, nodding to the silhouettes of decades past whilst epitomising the chic styling possibilities that leather holds. What’s more? It's arguably the most versatile option in our line-up. Team it with a luxe knit for an effortless daytime look or wear it with graphic lace shirting to capture the glamour of party season.

THE DETAILED DESIGN

Semi-sheer lace panelling makes for an elegant accent and will highlight the sultry appeal of a leather skirt. Creating stark contrast to the typically tough-luxe aesthetic of leather, it adds a touch of femininity without compromising on impact. For cool-girl flair, style it with an oversized shirt and block-heel ankle boots – this combination is wearable yet unexpected and makes for a street style-worthy look that’s perfectly suited to the season. 

THE UNEXPECTED SPLASH OF COLOUR

The simplest way to add fresh, cult-worthy appeal to your leather collection is by choosing a colour to rival the richness of the fabrication itself. Deep berry hues should be treated as AW16’s new neutrals so burgundy iterations make for a fool proof choice. Take your cue from the street style stars of Fashion Week - namely Olivia from What Olivia Did - and try styling this hero piece with similar shades for a considered head-to-toe look.