Leather pants, skirts, and of course, jackets are always popular in the fall, and this season is no exception. There are plenty of faux leather or vegan leather options if you prefer those materials as well, but that said, making leather work when you are a woman over 50 (or even over 40) can be a tricky proposition.
How To Rock Leather Over 50
But we think leather pieces can make an amazing statement, and you can be a badass who rocks a leather jacket or pants at any age. There are just a few tricks and styling tips that can help you pull off a leather item regardless of what year is on your ID.
Invest in quality.
Cheap leather or faux leather (a.k.a. pleather) is never a good idea. Cheaply made pieces will fit poorly, have a weird sheen, hardware that breaks or falls off easily, or even make odd noises or smell off-putting. That said, you can definitely find leather or vegan leather items that don’t break the bank, especially if you are willing to shop sales and hunt for deals.
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Be ruthless with fit.
A perfect fit is necessary when you are wearing something as unforgiving as leather, whether it is a jacket that is just the right amount of slouchy or leggings with seams that make your legs look six inches longer.
Play with textures (not colors).
The easiest way to make leather look sophisticated is to pair with a luxe fabric like cashmere or a nubby knit that creates textural contrast. Neutrals and tone-on-tone looks tend to be the most elegant as well – think a rich brown leather with a similarly hued sweater, or all black, gray, or camel. Color matches don’t need to be perfect since you’re mixing materials. That said, brightly colored leather is challenging and you might want to save that for shoes, bags, and other accessories.
Leather For Women Over 50
Here are some of our favorite leather and leather-look pieces on the racks right now.
Jackets in Faux Leather
The most common way to do leather is the classic moto or biker jacket, and it’s a classic for a reason. These looks really never go out of style, and they work just as well with jeans as they do thrown over a ballgown, if you feel so inclined. This season’s variation is a little over-sized and in general, less is more when it comes to hardware, like this $46 motorcycle jacket from Max Studio via Nordstrom Rack.
Leather Look Blazers
Doing a traditional cut like a blazer but in leather or vegan leather can give any ensemble some edge. For instance, instead of reaching for your favorite black or dark neutral blazer yet again, consider trying a vegan leather blazer like this absolute steal from Target or this one from Banana Republic Factory that’s only a little more expensive.
Faux Leather Pants
If you’ve always loved leather trousers, this is the season for you. There are so many choices available! Think of them like a slightly edgier version of your favorite denim. We like straight cuts like these from Madewell or these narrow bootcut from WAYF x Jourdan Sloane (available at Nordstrom). Not too into the rocker-chic attitude? Try a shade of brown or taupe for an entirely different feeling than the typical black leather options.
Leather and Faux Leather Skirts
Leather skirts can be tricky. Too short or tight and they tend to evoke the wrong kind of sexy for most of us, but too long or full can just be odd. And then there’s the matter of what to mix them with. We always like a fitted turtleneck or crew neck tee paired with an a-line leather midi skirt like this vegan leather one from Banana Republic Factory or this one from Max Studio (via Amazon). A classic button-up also works, either in crisp oxford cotton or a softer rayon or silk with a nice drape to it.
Leather Look Leggings
Leather or leather-look slightly shiny leggings have somehow gone from ultra-young and trendy to relatively common at all price points and retailers, and you can definitely make them work at any age. Plus they are available at nearly any price point now, from the highly coveted $98 Spanx leggings to this $18 pair from Target. For instance, pairing a leather legging with a cozy oversize thigh-length sweater or long boxy blazer is a great look and an awesome way to show off your legs while still staying relatively warm.
Shop Faux Leather Over 50
MAXSTUDIO Washed Faux Leather Moto Jacket, $45.97
Target Women’s Oversized Faux Leather Blazer – Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown, $52
Banana Republic Factory Rocca Vegan Leather Blazer, now $144
Madewell The Perfect High Waist Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants, $138
WAYF x Jourdan Sloane Rodeo Drive Faux Leather Pants, $75
Banana Republic Factory Vegan Leather Midi Skirt, now $66
Max Studio Women’s Faux Leather A-line Midi Skirt, Now $42.26
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, $98
Target Women’s High-Waisted Liquid Leggings – Wild Fable™, $18
Would you wear leather pants or leggings this winter? How about a leather skirt? Or are you more of a leather jacket person? With what do you pair your leather pieces? Do you strictly like real leather or only animal-friendly materials, or are you open to either one?
What are your favorite ways to rock leather? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook Group!
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion posts like Best Ways To Wear The Retro 90s Trend For Women Over 50 and Fall Fashion: The Best In-Vest-Ments For Women Over 50.
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