The Leather Look: Keep it classy, not cheap!

If you have been in the shops, online or in an actual shop over the last few weeks, you will have seen the rails filling up with leather-look pieces. It is everywhere! And I love it!

With all trends, it is incredibly important to mindfully consider the place this may have in your wardrobe, or not. And perhaps you have some of it already, which is great.

Leather-look can be a sexy look, and brings an edginess to your look that is very cool. However,……it can so easily look cheap & tacky. Something that you don’t want. So here is your guide to some of the pieces I am loving, from budget to investment. And, importantly, what to look for in a garment that will keep it classy.

 

What is made from?

 Polyurethane (PU)is a popular choice for high-quality faux leather because it closely mimics the look and feel of real leather.

Benefits: It is more breathable, flexible, and softer compared to PVC. PU faux leather is also less likely to crack or peel over time, making it durable and comfortable for wear.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is another common material used in faux leather production, though it is often considered lower in quality compared to PU.

Benefits: While PVC can be more affordable and resistant to moisture, it tends to be stiffer and less breathable. High-quality PVC faux leather may still have a decent texture and durability, but it may not perform as well as PU.

Backing Material

 Faux leather is often backed with a fabric layer, such as cotton, polyester, or knit fabric, which provides structure and support.

Benefits: The backing material contributes to the overall comfort and durability of the faux leather. A higher-quality backing will enhance flexibility and reduce the likelihood of tearing.

Finishing Treatments

 Quality faux leather may undergo various finishing processes to enhance its appearance and performance.

Benefits: These treatments can include coatings that improve water resistance, UV protection, and stain resistance, contributing to the longevity of the material.

Additives and Colorants

Manufacturers may use additives to improve the material’s characteristics, such as plasticizers for flexibility and colorants for aesthetic appeal.

Benefits: High-quality faux leather will use non-toxic, environmentally friendly additives that do not compromise the material’s integrity or safety.

This one from M&S is an easy two-piece that could be worn now with bare legs and a heel for a nod to the trend

 

What to buy, and where?

Shop here for this gorgeous burgundy shirt dress in leather look, 2 trends in one as burgundy is the BIG colour for AW 2025

You would need to living under a rock not to have noticed the amount of animal print that is in the shops – a blog for another day- and one to be careful of. But I love this skirt from Harvey Nicholls, continuing on from your denim midi this summer which was such a lovely piece to wear casually, as well as glammed up

And these leather jeans from Harvey Niks are from the Isabel Marant new season and could quickly replace your every day jeans, with a tee and trainers

How to style it

• Mix your textures and fabrics. A leather look skirt looks great with chunky knits and boots to bring it down to a more casual overall look for daytime. Wear your leather look trousers with a silky blouse and heels to create a sexy nighttime look, with elegance

• Layer your pieces. Layer up your leather look item with blouse/cardigan and your beautiful winter coats to soften the look and making it look elegant

• Choose your footwear carefully. Don’t be scared to introduce a pop of colour with a red trainer or pump. Too many people default to a black ankle boot which can make it look dated and dreary. For a classic look, wear a smart stiletto heel, or knee high boots with tights

An ask from me!

Love Suzanne xxx