How to style leather pants: Outfits you can wear on repeat

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. 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.

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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.

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3. How to style leather pants with denim

Introduce different textures to your leather by teaming with a denim shirt or one of the best denim jackets. 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.

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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.

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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. 

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