A Stylist’s Guide To Wearing Leather Trousers In Spring
@ANNA_BROMILOW
The Transitional Hero
After a long winter, I'm pining for floaty dresses and lighter outerwear – but the weather still calls for considered layering. Pretty blouses are about as lightweight as I've allowed myself to go, but this has presented me with a new style dilemma: how to make them weather appropriate without relying on jeans? My obsession with leather trousers – a piece I’d normally reserve for autumn/winter – has taken hold. I've been wearing them on repeat with Isabel Marant style boots, tucked in. It's turned into a bit of a uniform and while it nods to spring, it’s also practical. I do love it when a styling combination works, and you can wear it on repeat.
Colour Is Key
Wearing leather trousers in spring means banning black from your mind. Black leathers will always have a place in my wardrobe, but the new season is a time for paler, neutral shades or chic, wearable colours that will complement feminine blouses – think ecru, pale blue, caramel and red. If in doubt, imagine a pair of spring/summer trousers you already own and gravitate towards that colour palette. You'll instantly feel more confident about styling them and you’ll already know which tops will work. The good news is the quality of faux leather is so good nowadays that the choice – both in terms of shape and price point – is really varied. Paperbag, 80s-inspired hareem, wide culottes, flares – all of these options are chic, and very few are stiff or squeaky.
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Brands & Shapes
The OUTNET is a good place to start because of the vast selection. Brunello Cuccinelli reigns supreme but, as ever, the price point is high – even on this platform. As an alternative, MGSN has a cream pair with an effortless culotte-style leg and elasticated waist – a clever choice at this time of year. Go all-white with a pretty blouse from SEA or Isabel Marant, or even a simple white t-shirt or body. Antik Batik always delivers on boho chic, and the brand has a great paper-bag pair of leathers in a plum colour that would make an ideal pairing for retro blouses. If you want to make more of a statement, check out Loulou Studio’s pale blue pair. The modern, straight-leg shape would translate well into evening with silver sandals.
As mentioned, elasticated waists are a game-changer. That luxe loungewear feel keeps things modern – and it’s more flattering. Plus, comfort is key. The Frankie Shop has a sophisticated butter pair that are long in the leg – think of them like elevated joggers. Similarly, Anine Bing has a version in a richer, caramel shade that would make a chic investment. Nanushka – a brand instrumental in the evolution of luxurious vegan leather – also has a range of covetable styles. Think about investing in the chic ecru pair – or even the beautiful blue if you’re prepared to hunt them down. The Label Edition is a brand I'm wearing a lot right now, and it has a superb pair in scarlet with a ruched elasticated waistband but more of an 80s tapered leg. A rich red can be more useful than you think – perfect with pale blue, pink and even leopard.
@ANNA_BROMILOW
Colour & Balance
If you prefer a straight leg, you can afford to go a bit more textural – there are some shinier, more PVC versions out there that feel a little bit more daring. Just stick to toned-down shades to stop things being OTT – and as ever, keep your top half a little more discreet. Agolde has a fab oyster pair I'd style with a mustard or caramel blouse and Kitri has a very pretty pink pair that would work well with soft florals and chic stripes. Team them with a quilted jacket and Mary-Jane flats as the weather improves. Finally, there are lots of white and cream pairs out there – possibly the most useful option as the sun comes out – but they can be some of the trickiest to style. Faux leather, particularly in white, is best in a barrel leg or culottes. Off white, without fail, looks more expensive and will work far better with the rest of your spring wardrobe.
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