Perhaps only comparable to denim in its versatility and timelessness, leather - and its vegan alternatives - is a fabric that is a firm investment no matter whether we’re talking boots, jackets or trousers.
Now I know what you may be thinking about the latter. To any Friends fan, the idea of leather trousers will immediately bring to mind that scene with an overheated Ross and a tub of talc. But as long as your steer clear from the paste-making lotion and powder combination, and perhaps size up to allow for swelling, these bottom halves can be a stalwart in your outfit rotation.
Leather and faux leather trousers are popular come winter due to their insulating properties. Practical, yes and fashion-forward, also yes - these pieces work double-duty. The sleek constructions offer a more elevated aesthetic when swapped in for jeans.
With an oversized knit and trainers, nail the effortless off-duty aesthetic, pair with a white shirt and blazer for a day of back to back meeting, while with a ‘nice’ top, strappy sandals and bling jewellery, they bring a sensual quality to your after-hours look.
When it comes to choosing the silhouette to suit, leave skinnies in the late aughts where they belong, instead opting for straight and tapered fit that have a more polished feel. Cropped straights are easily paired alongside ankle boots, while 90s-inspired longer lengths are better suited to trainers. While leather has the ability to be styled with almost anything - neutrals, sweatshirts and evening tops - it is best to steer clear of doubling up on the leather, but black on black is always chic.
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& Other Stories Fitted Flared Leather Trousers
This is a best of both worlds pair that are fitted yet flared and so bring polish to any day to night look. When styled with trainers, you have an effortlessly chic everyday look, while with heels, you are ready for a night on the tiles.
Buy now £265.00, & Other Stories
Stand Studio Sandy crocodile-effect faux-leather trousers
If your traditional rotation of jeans are leaving you uninspired, bring interesting detailing into your trouser collection with these croc-effect faux leather fits from Stand Studio. The brand brings its signature wave of Scandinavian chic with their straight-leg and glossy finish.
Buy now £350.00, MatchesFashion
Mango Faux-leather trousers
When styling cropped silhouettes, it’s best to steer clear from chunky boots as this may have a shortening effect on the legs. When paired with heels, sleek boots and trainers, you get the opposite, elongating the pins with a sophisticated edge. These trousers from Mango are composed of faux leather.
Buy now £45.99, Mango
Topshop faux leather high waisted peg trouser in black
It may not have the same run-in-and-grab appeal as it did when it was tactically placed on Oxford Circus, but in ASOS’ hands, Topshop is still producing some gems. Just look to these peg silhouettes that are ideal for those looking for more relaxed fits. They feature a high rise waist and looser straight leg.
Buy now £46.00, ASOS
H&M Straight leather trousers
Break away from your all-black wardrobe to incorporate natural hues and with this shade of white leather trousers, it will allow you to do so throughout the winter. The supple leather fits have straight wide legs and a modern Scandi minimalism feel. This is also a great option for the clumsy who would otherwise steer clear of light colours as inevitable spillages can wipe right off.
Buy now £219.99, H&M
MOTHER The Dazzler Skimp faux leather straight-leg pants
MOTHER is already one of our favourite labels for our black jeans and the leather trousers are set to follow suit. In the same silhouette as the beloved The Dazzler denim, these faux leather variations are super soft and almost legging-like in their fitted construction and straight leg. They are made all the more wearable by the high-rise waist.
Buy now £260.00, Net-A-Porter
Good American Pull On straight-leg high-rise vinyl trousers
Khloe Kardashian’s Good American is all about making fashion more inclusive with nostalgia-inducing fits inspired by the 90s and 00s. The label’s vinyl trousers embody this with their straight-leg silhouette and very subtle flare that give them all-occasion appeal. The high waistband is welcomed as is the high shine finish.
Buy now £130.00, Selfridges
Frankie Shop Pernille faux leather straight-leg pants
Frankie Shop cuts its teeth on producing wardrobe basics with a timeless sentiment and so it comes as no surprise that this includes a faux leather trouser as the style can revive any timeworn ensemble in your wardrobe. The sharp relaxed straight-leg shape suit all types of casual to smart dress codes whether you set alongside tailoring, a tucked white shirt and a trench or a turtleneck.
Buy now £336.64, Net-A-Porter
NA-KD Pu Mid Rise Pants
With these enduring mid rise faux leather trousers from NA-KD, you are getting smart with your shopping. With the simple addition of these straight-leg designs, you can dive back into your fashion arsenal and pair with just about anything in your wardrobe, from racer white tank tops to colourful knits.
Buy now £55.95, NA-KD
ROTATE Birger Christensen Rotie croc-effect faux leather straight-leg pants
While the beauty of leather trousers is their ability to provide effortless sophistication whether it’s during the 9 to 5 or off-duty, these options from ROTATE Birger Christensen take that to the next level. The party-ready pants have a futuristic silver hue, further embellished by the croc-effect. You will be surprised just how many outfits you’ll be able to create with this style as it pairs beautifully with black, white and neon shades.
Buy now £230.00, Net-A-Porter
Nanushka Vinni cropped vegan leather straight-leg pants
Vegan leather is a fabric motif that you’ll find throughout Nanushka’s fun and feminine collections recreated in contemporary ways. The cream or black iterations of these trousers are a favourite among the fashion set, not simply for the buttery soft feel but to their flattering fit too. They are made up of a high waist fit with a straight leg.
Buy now £375.00, Net-A-Porter
