Leather skirts, jackets, tops, boots, coats, accessories, and of course pants (which to me are a fashion classic, assuming they aren't pleated, baggy, have laces on the side seam, and have room at the ankle). It's dressed down, dressed up, glazed, shiny, and in a myriad of colors. In other words, it's meant to grab the spotlight for all those who wear it.
A while back, I advised my friend Patricia to buy some good leather pants (if in doubt, black ones will always be in style) as an investment. They will always be useful provided you know how to wear them. First of all, they should be form-fitting (except at the ankle, I hate the tight-all-the-way-down-the-leg look, it looks like leather leggings) but not so tight you look like a stuffed sausage. The point is to show off your figure, not cut off your circulation. DO NOT wear it with any other leather items, with the exception of shoes, unless you want to look like a walking advertisement for Wilson's Leather Store. Make sure your top isn't tight or very revealing unless you're A) going to a club or B) trying to look like a prostitute.
I plan on investing in a good leather skirt (knee length, probably) and blazer. If you chose to as well, make sure that besides the fact that it's leather, it's a very simple garment with very little details. Otherwise, the cut of the garment will compete with the leather and you'll look pure Las Vegas.
If you do chose to buy leather this season, make sure you take care of it - these items need to be cleaned at a professional leather cleaner ONLY! Do not take it to your regular dry cleaner, unless you want it to be ruined (said from experience). If you want to cut the cost and maintainance but keep the look, there are some surprisingly realistic pleathers and vinyls out there that even had me fooled for a little bit (this coming from a trained eye with a special love for leather). Whatever you choose, have fun with it. You don't have to be a model size to wear it - Queen Latifah looks FABULOUS in her leather pants. Just remember it's not for the meek - if you wear them, be prepared to shine.
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