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Anyone looking to revamp their autumn/winter wardrobe will have noticed that leather and faux leather are everywhere. Trousers, culottes, skirts, dresses, shirts and jackets, in an array of seasonal shades.
In the 1990s, I lived in my black Jigsaw leather trousers. The £90 they cost seemed an absolute fortune at the time (more than my weekly rent!) but they were worth the investment. I wore them all weekend, on nights out and they were always my go-to choice for a hot date.
But I was in my early 30s back then. Today I’m 60 years old and had made my peace with being too long in the tooth for leather.
Then, in September, I saw Marie-France van Heel, the 56-year-old wife of PM Andy Burnham, arrive at the Labour Party conference looking sensational in a burgundy faux leather skirt from Next (£46 and still available) teamed with a crisp, white shirt.
Shortly afterwards Catherine Zeta-Jones, 57, was photographed looking equally stunning in skin-tight leather trousers in New York.
Maybe I’m not too old to look lush in leather after all? Especially as I’m still enjoying the novelty of being a size 8 thanks to Mounjaro. I dropped three dress sizes (going from an 18 to 12) after taking it for six months until May 2025. I’ve since shed more weight and have been a size 8 since Easter.
But how to get it right? I want to look stylish and classy, not like an ageing Hell’s Angel.
Enter the Daily Mail’s fashion team who assured me that today’s leather offerings are versatile, tailored and suitable for any age and crucially not limited to just jackets or trousers.
Alongside classic black and brown, there’s now a vast palette of sumptuous colours on offer and fake leather is so well made now it’s often indistinguishable from the real thing.
Here’s my verdict on the styles I loved and that will delight any midlife leather lover.
TAILOR-MADE FOR WORK
When I first started wearing leather (around 1996) it was considered wildly inappropriate for the workplace (unless that workplace was a Harley-Davidson repair shop). But this tailored pencil skirt is entirely office friendly.Â
Mid-length in dark purple, it stands out even more when teamed with a clashing vivid scarlet polo knit. Well cut and constructed, if the label hadn’t told me this was faux leather I’d never have guessed.Â
SOFTLY CHIC SHIRT
Claudia modelling the Cath x Wyse Priestly leather shirt in oxblood, priced at £350
A leather shirt isn’t something I’d ever considered before. Wouldn’t it be too stiff and restrictive, not to mention sweaty? Surprisingly not!
This one in a reddish brown is loose-fitting. It looks very youthful and on trend when worn with my favourite style of high-waisted flared jeans, but I can also see myself wearing it with a smart midi skirt or open over a T-shirt in warmer months. This versatility makes the price tag easier to justify and the leather is buttery soft.
But, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Zara has a leather-effect fitted shirt for £27.99.
WHEN DENIM WON’T DO
Like most people, jeans are my go-to choice when I want to dress down. But leather and faux leather (like these trousers from Sosandar) are a good way of elevating the look – you’re still keeping it casual but with a luxe twist.
Cut with a straight leg and high waist in a soft olive green, I felt these trousers gave me a bit of rock chick edge and looked fantastic teamed with an of-the-moment argyle.
MINI MARVEL
I was nervous enough about leather but a leather mini skirt? Surely that would be pushing my luck?
But with this A-line style, a slouchy low heel boot and an elegant high-neck blouse you get an effortlessly winning and youthful outfit that doesn’t stray into the ‘mutton’ territory I’d been dreading. It’s also a very good price for the real thing.
DARING DOUBLE-UP
I’ve always viewed leather in the same way as denim, in that you generally avoid the ‘double’ look. I worried that trousers and a long coat would result in me looking like Neo’s mum from The Matrix, but instead of turning me into a superhero, it’s just super stylish.Â
I love culottes as an alternative to fitted trousers and the long coat feels wonderfully luxurious and is also dressy enough to put over Christmas partywear.
For a cheaper alternative, New Look has a selection of faux leather coats from £63.99.
A-LINE LUXE
When something is super expensive you want it to look and feel it too, and this skirt ticks both boxes.
Made from the softest Nappa leather, with an A-line cut, it has deep front pockets and a central pleat.
It is structured, gives a great silhouette and would go with just about anything, including this gorgeous slouchy striped jumper from Baukjen.
BRING ON THE BOMBER
Those looking to invest in one piece of leather are likely to opt for a jacket, with a bomber being a timeless classic. While black may be most people’s first choice, going for lighter colours gives the style a bright, feminine makeover.
This beauty has an investment-for-life price tag but it’s exquisitely crafted in soft Nappa leather with quirky cuff, collar and hem details. It will last for ever if you look after it properly.
It’s eye-catchingly cool, whether worn with jeans or over a smart skirt or dress.
But, for eye-popping designs without the eye-watering price tag, head to Topshop (available at johnlewis.com) which has a great selection of faux leather jackets from £59.99.
LOOKING SWISH
Leather and cashmere are a match made in fashion heaven and the perfect combo for some classy autumn/winter cosiness.
It’s not often you get movement with this type of fabric, but this faux leather high-waisted midi skirt in a delicious chocolate brown is swishy, flattering and effortlessly chic when teamed with fluffy oatmeal-coloured cashmere.
Shop more fabulous leather piecesÂ
Coat, £309, bag, £149, and loafers, £85, johnlewis.com
