Already tired of jeans and jumpers? Zara Tindall's brown leather skirt is an elevated denim alternative that still looks so chic with knitwear

Sometimes we need an easy outfit staple that also feels sophisticated and a leather skirt works for so many occasions

Zara Tindall presents the prizes to the winners of the Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot Racecourse on October 17, 2026
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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At this point I'm pretty happy with my knitwear collection and even though that doesn't mean I've stopped eyeing up the best cashmere jumpers, it's what to wear them with that I'm considering right now. Jeans are a staple option for so many of us, but sometimes we want something a little more elegant to take us from day to night.

That's when leather trousers often come in and Zara Tindall's faux leather skirt is another lovely option. Made by British clothing brand House of Bruar, this £75 piece comes in two colours and the King's niece wore the brown one to Qatar Racing British Champions Day on 17th October.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend the 2026 British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on October 17, 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images)

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Black leather skirts or trousers can sometimes look quite statement or smart for the daytime and brown is a softer alternative. Chocolate brown is also a must-have colour trend for autumn 2026 and it's one that will never truly go out of style as it's so timeless and easy to wear.

Zara chose a midi-length design with an A-line silhouette, which had a feminine feel and draped beautifully over the top of her knee-high boots. However, pencil skirts are also having a moment right now and they're particularly great with a chunky jumper over the top as the sleekness balances the sweater.

Longer leather or faux leather skirts naturally look quite elevated and yet they can be styled with far more casual pieces as well as formal items like Zara's. The professional equestrian always dresses smartly when she's attending horse races and opted for heeled brown suede boots, Fairfax & Favor Sybil jacket and a white blouse.

Queen Camilla and Zara Tindall attend 2026 British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on October 17, 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images)

She matched her accessories to the colour of her skirt and carried the Fairfax & Favor Connie bag and belted her waist with their suede Sennowe belt. This helped give her ensemble an extra sense of cohesion and refinement.

Brown and black skirts are easiest to coordinate with, though I own a forest green faux leather one that I wear a lot with neutrals and there are plenty of other wintery colours around right now. To make a skirt like Zara Tindall's more low-key, style it with either a fitted jumper tucked in or a thicker one left loose.

Tights and flat boots also dress things down and you can go for ankle-length or taller styles. Knee-high boots are my favourite with longer hemlines as they accentuate the flowing silhouette and are very leg-elongating.

Nowadays we regularly see Zara wearing long boots with skirts and dresses and her signature style is slightly more relaxed compared to working royals like the Princess of Wales and Duchess Sophie.

So many elements of her Qatar Racing British Champions Day outfit could be recreated and the faux leather skirt is a staple that would work for everything from enjoying a Sunday roast with friends to an autumnal date night. This style is a step up from jeans and a jumper without compromising on comfort or versatility.

Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!

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