Second skin: How to incorporate leather in your wardrobe

Fashion forward ways to incorporate leather in your wardrobe.

Strong, tough, provocative. A woman in leather doesn’t need to bring sexy back. Be it her leather bag or the shoes complementing her attire, leather reflects a sense of strength. Yet, one feels for the woman who is lost in translation. Leather is both sophisticated and fun but only if you know how to carry it.

Here are some tips and tricks to accentuate your look with leather. From the edgy fashionista to the school run moms, we have ideas for all. This winter, resolve to incorporate one new leather item in your wardrobe and you will thank us.



Slam the Funk:

Sleek pants are possibly the best way to make a statement with leather for the young risk taker. A wardrobe staple, real leather pants are worth investing in. Channel your inner biker chick by giving leather jackets a go — tan may be the most wearable option but black makes a statement like nothing else. Inject a dose of girliness in your leather  — if you’re heading out for study hour, load your stuff in funky leather bags with floral pattern running across the edge.  Accessorise with colourful trinkets: phone and tablet leather covers in bright colours are edgy and chic.



Subtle in Leather:

If your style is more subtle, adds hints of leather in your ensemble. A shirt with a dropped hem or a loose silk dress can make for a more forgiving silhouette paired with your leather pants. You can even go for a cotton tunic and scarf for a dialed down look. If you’re a mom who is always on the run and prefers casual jeans over leather pants, enhance your style with leather belts. Pelle Capanna’s leather clutch purses with jute fronts exude a casual elegance and will fit right into your lifestyle. If you do not like carrying baby bags (who does?) go for a big statement leather bag  — try one with an applique runner or braided straps — and stuff it with diapers, milk bottles and other essentials. The deep pockets with dividers are great for dumping your daytime make-up essentials.



Dressed for success:

For the corporate woman who thinks ahead, let the strength of leather reflect the power in you. Invest in a classic briefcase or get one of those leather travelling tote bags. Leather tote bags or hand bags made of pure sheep or buffalo skin are more stretchable than other materials and give you lots of room to stuff your belongings. These are the kind of heavy-duty items for daily use that remain unspoilt for a long time. While leather folders are par for the course, a leather box on your desk can be a clever solution, working as a stash for your makeup.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, December 2^nd, 2012.

Like MsT on Facebook and follow at @TribmagMsT for your dose of girl talk