Learning how to style leather pants might seem like a hard task to master but they're surprisingly easy to wear and one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces to own. Easy to dress up or down and surprisingly flattering, leather pants are the fashion piece to invest in.
Much like your trusty best leather jacket, leather pants have a cool rock’n’roll edge to them, adding a directional twist to almost anything they're styled with. Just as wearable as the best jeans for women but with extra polish, leather trousers are a sleek choice for the office and evenings out too, making them a great fashion building block for your capsule wardrobe.
We all remember that Friends episode where Ross gets stuck in his leather trousers but the fabric has come on leaps and bounds, making them a great option for everyday wear. From full leather trousers with added stretch to leather trousers with jersey backs or side paneling for ease of moment and jogger-like silhouettes for a sports-luxe twist, you can even find leather pants in flattering wide-leg cuts and mom jean high waisted silhouettes. In 2022, there really is a leather trouser to suit every body type. Available in an array of colors, from classic black to cool creams, when it comes to how to style leather pants, they really are wearable nearly all year. From sweaters and tees to tailoring, they go with everything. And if real leather isn't your thing, then the latest crop of vegan leather is looking better than ever too.
How to style leather pants - outfit inspiration from the style set
1. How to style leather pants with a blazer
The best blazer is well worth having in your style arsenal, guaranteed to go with everything, it adds instant polish to a leather trouser look. Ideal for executing the Stealth Wealth look, a smart pair of leather pants, paired with a blazer definitely delivers of quiet luxury. Whether you render it office-ready by adding a smart shirt, keep it casual in a simple white tee, or layer over a silky cami for a fashion-forward evening look, a blazer and leather pants outfit make for one chic pairing. Stick to a neutral color palette such as blacks, creams and soft pastels to keep it versatile.
A style tip…
An oversized blazer, rather than a fitted style will give this look more of a relaxed and trend-led feel.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $49.90 / £32.99 | The cream hue gives these faux leather pants a fresh update for spring. They have a high waist and wide-leg cut for a flattering fit that lengthens legs. Make a statement and team with the coordinating blazer.
RRP: $285 / £285 | Every closet needs a black blazer and The Frankie Shop is a master at laidback tailoring with a cool edge. This has an oversized fit and padded shoulders for a retro finish. A staple that you can throw over anything.
RRP: $79.99 / £59.99 | This budget-friendly option from Scandinavian clothing brand H&M could easily be designer. With a relaxed fit and a double-breasted design, it’s also fully lined. The beige hue makes it utterly timeless.
2. How to style leather pants with color
Nothing adds a bit of cheer than a vibrant hue so when rocking your leathers at the weekend try styling with bright color clothing such as a bold sweater or colorful tee for a playful approach. A major fashion trend 2022, known as 'dopamine dressing', this season is all about color that boosts your mood. Pairing with classic, black leather pants will really allow the color in your outfit to pop and as the trousers are the major investment piece here, they remain timeless in a neutral hue. If color isn’t your thing, introduce bolder shades through your accessories instead - one of the best crossbody bags in hot pink or yellow strappy sandals will do the trick.
A style tip…
You don’t have to stick to just one color. If you want to make a statement, opt for a zesty green top and finish off with sunny yellow accessories.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $39 / £25 | One of the top fashion color trends 2022, Kermit the Frog green is the shade to be seen in this summer. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it has minimal stitching for a refined finish that keeps it timeless. A holiday staple.
RRP: $499 / £299 | If you’re a fan of the mom jean cut then you’ll love the silhouette on this pair. Sitting high on the waist with a flattering paper bag finish and built-in belt, they cinch you in before a relaxed leg shape that tappers at the ankle.
RRP: $485 / £269 | Ease yourself into color with these sunny sandals from British clothing brand L.K.Bennett. Quirky heels are a big shoe trend 2022 and this simple mule design has been given an upgrade thanks to the circular heel.
3. How to style leather pants with denim
Introduce different textures to your leather by learning how to wear a denim shirt with leather pants or add your best denim jacket to a leather pants and tee combo. Denim looks great paired with both black or brown leather for a pulled-together weekend outfit. Try tucking in a denim shirt to some high-waisted paperbag leather trousers and finish off with comfortable flats, such as a pair of leather or suede loafers for a cool, androgynous look.
A style tip…
For a smarter approach, stick to darker denim such as indigo and steer clear of any rips or distressed detailing.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $1,495 / £975 | These sleek, tailored leather trousers are seriously sharp making them the go-to choice for the office. They have a slight stretch to them so they’re comfy to wear and the soft kick-flare offers a super flattering finish on the leg.
RRP: $98 / £102 | For that borrowed-from-the-boys look, try this shirt-jacket hybrid. Perfect for those in-between weather days, it’s made of lightweight cotton and has a boxy, oversized cut to make layering a dream. Style over a white cotton tee.
RRP: $290 / £178 | If you’re looking for a smart flat, look no further than the classic loafer. Comfy and polished they can be worn with anything from the best midi dresses to trousers. The chain detailing gives this off-white style a high-end finish.
4. How to style leather pants with monochrome
When all else fails you can always rely on a simple color palette of black and white, as an easy way of how to style leather pants. Team your black leather trousers with your best cashmere sweater in cream and a pair of the best designer heels for an elegant day-to-night look, or try a boxy white t-shirt and the best white trainers for a casual yet cool off-duty getup. Add layers of gold jewelry for extra interest.
A style tip…
This can be a powerful head-to-toe look so keep your accessories to the palette and opt for clean-lined handbags and some statement sunnies.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $25 / £17 | An oversized tee is a wardrobe essential so it’s worth investing in a high-quality design. Made from organic cotton, this has wide sleeves for extra drama and comes in 12 punchy shades.
RRP: $975 / £595 | We told you leather pants can be comfy, and this buttery-soft are styled on some of the best joggers. With an elasticated waist, handy pockets, and a relaxed leg that can be dressed up or down.
RRP: $175 / £125 | Comfy and smart, a plush cashmere sweater will make any outfit look elegant. This crew neck design has a slim fit that’s ideal for layering, wear on its own or under a tailored blazer.
5. How to style leather pants with shirts
Give leather pants a cool twist by throwing your best shirt into the mix. You can keep it simple in a timeless white shirt or sneak in some prints and opt for a classic stripe or a feisty animal print. Streamline your shape and keep the shirt tucked in or nail how to style oversized shirts by going for a half-tuck for something more effortless. This is a look you’ll reach for time and time again for weekends and work.
A style tip…
If you opt for a skinny leather trouser, offset the figure-hugging style with an oversized shirt to balance proportions. While you can use the half-tuck here, you can also leave the shirt loose for a more tunic style feel.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: $17.99 / £12.99 | This oversized shirt can be worn buttoned-up for a smarter take or open and layered over a simple tee or cami, or try it over swimwear for one of the best beach cover-ups.
RRP: $49.99 / £29.99 | As comfy as the best leggings, these figure-hugging faux leather pants will take you from day to night in one stylish swoop. They have a split hem so you can show off your shoes too.
RRP: $69 / £55 | Give the classic white shirt an upgrade with this embroidered number. It has short sleeves to take you through the warmer months and the lace ladder detailing adds a feminine twist.
