The Fashion Memo

The Chicest Ways To Wear Leather Pants

Reimagined in sleek, tailored shapes, leather pants are the style of the moment – and we all need a pair, says GEORGIE LUCAS. Read on for the styles to invest in now, and how to wear them

Fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

Once the preserve of punk legends and rock royalty, leather pants have a rich sartorial history. But, despite possessing the same utilitarian roots as denim, they haven’t been held in quite the same regard – until now. Over the past few years, leather pants have transitioned from a cyclical trend to a bona fide closet staple, largely thanks to the evolution of the material – softer hides, recycled leathers, and a host of vegan alternatives have allowed designers to offer a plethora of colors and shapes to suit all tastes.

A glance at street-style tastemakers is proof of the versatile styling options leather pants offer, be it day-to-day with a long coat, relaxed white tee and sneakers; for work with a turtleneck, oversized blazer and pumps; or evening drinks with heeled boots and a lace-trimmed camisole. In terms of silhouette, opt for looser shapes over fitted ones, as they’re more versatile and easier to style.

Today’s leather pants speak to a new kind of elegance – refined, versatile and contemporary

With wide-leg denim already cemented as a closet staple, it makes sense that leather versions would follow suit – and, naturally, some of the best come from modern denim designers. Flattering and effortlessly cool, Anine Bing’s ‘Manon’ pants look ultra-chic paired with a chunky cable-knit and suede boots; while Citizens of Humanity offers a relaxed take on classic wide-leg styles with its ‘Ayla Baggy’ pants from our NET SUSTAIN edit. And trust fashion-insider favorite Agolde to deliver the ultimate everyday design – the ‘Ren’ comes in a high-rise, wide-leg shape that will slip seamlessly into your day and evening rotation. Frame’s ‘The Neat‘ pair, meanwhile, comes in a subtle barrel-leg shape that works as well with tailoring and flats as it does with heels and a slinky top.

Find out how to care for your leather clothing here.

The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown