Whether to Pleather

A killer pair of leather or pleather (faux leather) trousers are the ultimate wardrobe essential this season. However, with the look being notoriously tricky to pull off, how do you find the perfect pair to suit your shape? 

There is lots to love, when you get the right pair for you. They are sexy yet classy, ageless yet funky and smart yet casual. Easy coordination (they go with everything like a leather jacket does) and versatility (you can dress them up with a heel or down with trainers) make it clear, why the leather (faux or real) trouser has been elevated way beyond a passing trend, to become a ‘must-have’ wardrobe staple.

It doesn’t matter what age or size you are, getting the right pair for you is all about your body shape.

Not sure of your shape?

Check out my FREE style guide here and discover your shape or combination of shapes in a few simple steps. 

Firstly, before we dive into shape and style, a note on colour:

Black is the ‘go-to’ colour for leather. It works because of its textural, non absorbent qualities. This allows it to seamlessly blend with every other colour and mix delightfully with other textures; such as tweed, mohair, sequin or denim for example. Be careful with high shine pleather (other than trims) as it has a tendency to look cheap and the reflective nature will make you look bigger than you are. Rich, deep colours (berry, forest, olive, chocolate) are beautiful in leather and especially in pleather, as they assist in making it more authentic looking. Avoid bright colours in pleather (red, cobalt etc) as they look cheap and in leather; will date quickly. Light neutral colours (tan, mink, grey, winter white) are super in leather/pleather and will work well for all shapes except PEARS, who will suit a deeper hue on their lower half.

What style for what shape?

PEAR

A pear will suit high waisted, flat fronted (no pleats) styles. Back pockets are good for flattering curvy bums. Ankle and full length, straight legs with a slight kick out will balance hips. Wide legs would technically work too, but in leather I think they are too heavy (you don’t want to look like you just got off a motorbike) and in PU they tend to look a bit ‘bin-bag’ like. Avoid culottes or 3/4 length as they will widen the hips. And be cautious with super skinny styles as they can accentuate hips and thighs. 

Try these:

High waist leather look mom jeans Zara £15.99 (discounted) Black

High waist straight leg River Island @Next £40 Black

Coated jeans / Leather look Hush £85 Navy/Black/Oxblood

Leather jeans Boden £320 Black

APPLE

An apple will also suit flat fronted styles. An elasticated waist band that pulls flat across the tummy will work but avoid gathers and pleats as they will add inches. A side or back zip, ankle grazing, straight leg make the ideal pair. A lighter colour will work like a dream. A slim leg shape rather than super skinny will flatter a fuller middle. However, If you’ve lovely long legs, do go for the legging look and pair with an oversized jumper or silk blouse that falls no longer than the hip line. 

Try these:

Ankle length leather trousers H&M £199 Ivory and/or Black Love these!!! Selling out fast but coming back in stock.

Faux leather Straight Leg M&S £27.65 (on offer) Black/Berry/Forest/Tan They come up big (size down) Get the leg length that skims your ankle.

Leather leggings Baukjen £ 349 Berry

HOURGLASS

An hourglass also needs to avoid any bulk around the waist. Minimal detailing with smooth seams and limited pocketing is the way to go. The pull on legging style will work very nicely indeed on an hourglass. However avoid anything restrictively tight or anything with horizontal leg seams as they can create ‘sausage leg’ effect. Your trousers need to move with you and feel comfortable like a second skin. High waisted, straight legs are pretty super too and therefore any of the PEAR suggestions will also suit an HOURGLASS.

Try these: 

Leather look leggings Mint Velvet £29 (come in 3 handy leg lengths)

Faux leather Leggings from Spanx @ Selfridges £89 Also try Commando at Selfridges for similar sculpting, yet comfortable effect.

Leather leggings Hush £345 Black /Graphite

STRAWBERRY 

A strawberry’s main style goal is to accentuate the lower body to balance out a broader top half, therefore the pleated, paper bag and darted styles are the perfect choice here. I’d still avoid anything with a drawstring waist as you don’t want to add bulk around your middle. Although a strawberry would suit them, I also personally think that pleather joggers are a tricky look to pull off - never mind resembling a bin bag, try a bin man or fisherman! - and you’ll be heard before your seen. Leather ones though, are a different kettle of fish. Without the cuffed hem, a leather utility or pull on jogger can look very sophisticated. Skinnies will suit too, but avoid slinky or fine pleather leggings - leather or a more structured leatherette will work beautifully.

Try these:

Leather joggers Hush £295 Black and Oxblood are my favourites.

Pleated Faux Leather Mint Velvet £79 Black (leg lengths available)

Pleated High Waist H&M £ 24.99 Black

RECTANGLE

This trend is a rectangle’s dream with pretty much every style suiting. Avoid gathered waists and maybe cuffed joggers but take your pick from all the above and below - even culottes will work (although I haven’t included any). Darts, pleats and details will create curves and straight and skinny styles will balance your frame and accentuate your best features at the same time. The only caution: be careful not to hide under anything too baggy and become shapeless. I’d recommend going for a fitted or skinny look and rocking the look whilst it’s on fire!

Try these:-

Pleather trousers Zara £29.99 Black/Winter white

Faux leather tregging Mint Velvet £69 (leg lengths available)

Leatherette leggings H&M £14.99

Leather Leggings H&M £199

Leather trousers will make a great investment and won’t date unlike their pleather imitators. They’ll also make an awesome Christmas gift, if you fancy dropping a few subtle hits or not so subtle links from the above list. Alternatively, why not surprise someone special? Using the free style guide (get it here) figure out their shape, and then pick the perfect pair for them, from the above list.

Whether you opt for pleather or go all out leather, find your perfect pair, whatever the weather - this Christmas!