Ever wondered how to effortlessly rock a pair of leather pants? You want to look cool and chic—not like you’re trying too hard. When styled right, leather pants can instantly elevate any outfit with a touch of edge and sophistication. But let’s be real—they can be tricky to pull off, especially if they’re new to your wardrobe and feel a little out of your comfort zone.
The good news? In this post, we’re breaking it all down for you. We’ll show you exactly how to wear leather pants and share simple styling tips for every occasion. You might be surprised by how versatile they really are! With the right approach, you’ll feel confident, polished, and ready to rock those leather pants anytime.
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how to style leather pants
Whether you’re rocking faux leather or the real deal, these bold pants are true outfit makers! For a fail-safe combination, pair your leather pants with neutral or classic basics to let the pants take center stage.
Consider the occasion:
Straight-leg leather pants are timeless and polished, perfect for more formal or work-appropriate looks.
Leather leggings offer an edgy, sporty vibe that’s great for casual outings or athleisure-inspired outfits.
Wide-leg leather pants feel modern, cool, and effortlessly chic. They can can be worn for many occasions, from casual to dressy.
When it comes to color, black leather pants are a versatile classic that go with just about everything in your closet. But don’t shy away from unexpected options like brown, burgundy, or even metallic hues—they can add a gorgeous, unique twist to your look.
Ultimately, choose a pair that’s flattering, comfortable, and works best with your body shape. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it’ll show—and that confidence is the ultimate outfit maker!
Are Leather Pants In Style?
The short answer… absolutely! Leather pants are a timeless wardrobe staple that never truly go out of style. While silhouettes and details may evolve with trends, leather pants have been a fashion favorite for decades.
They’re especially popular during the cooler months, offering both style and warmth. From fall through winter and even into early spring, leather pants are the ultimate go-to for chic and versatile outfits.
Whether you choose real leather or faux, these iconic pants continue to dominate runways, street style, and everywhere in between. So, yes—leather pants are most definitely in style, and they’re here to stay!
How to Wear Leather Pants
#1) Casual Weekends
Pairing a comfy sweater with flared-leg leather pants is a perfect casual look. Here, Erin’s wearing a cozy knit sweater, a pair of soft and stretchy black leather pants, and chunky platform sneakers. The relaxed fit of the sweater balances out the sleek leather pants, making the overall look feel laid-back yet polished. These flare-leg faux leather pants by Spanx do run slightly small so if you’re in between sizes, you’ll want to size UP. The style is super flattering, offers the core-shaping, slimming technology that we all love, and the silhouette is easy to dress up or down. You can accessorize with a simple crossbody bag and subtle jewelry for an effortless, undone, but polished look. Keep scrolling for an office-wear look with these same pants!
#2) Date Night Ready
For a date night, why not dial up the sexy! A black lacy corset top or a silky tank paired with high-waisted leather pants or coated jeans is both flattering and sophisticated. Coated jeans create the look of a leather pant, but are lighter (not as thick) and also less expensive. The exact coated jeans and faux leather blazer that Erin is wearing above are sold out, but we’ll link some other beautiful options below. Add some heels to elevate the look, and top of your look with a chic blazer or jacket. This outfit screams confidence, and you’ll look like you put in the effort without trying too hard. A small clutch bag, gold bracelets, earrings, and a bold red lipstick to perfectly complete your date night look.
#3) Office Chic
This next look is an outfit you could wear to the office if you work in a less conservative environment. (But it would also be chic for date night or a nice dinner!) These are the same Spanx faux leather pants styled in Look #1, taken up a notch! Leather pants can be a polished and professional choice for the office when styled properly. Opt for pants in a straight-leg or flared-leg style. Pair them with a button-down blouse or a tailored blazer and add a pair of pointed-toe pumps to elongate your legs. With a structured handbag and minimal accessories, you’ll be set to impress at work.
#4) Sporty Street Style
For an edgy street-style look, you can pair black leather leggings with a tee or bum-covering sweater and a leather moto jacket or puffer. A cool pair of lug sole combat boots will add that extra bit of edge. Keep the accessories minimal but impactful with gold jewelry, sporty shield sunglasses and a sleek black bag. This is a perfect outfit for kicking around, school pickup, walking the dog, or a day of running errands while still looking ultra-cool and confident.
#5) Dinner With Friends
Leather pants are one of those pieces that can feel both feminine and edgy at the same time. A pair of tie-waist paperbag leather pants are the perfect example, especially when paired with a polished white button up. The style of the pants is feminine, while the faux leather texture and button-up shirt bring in masculine elements. It creates a cool and unique balance of femininity and toughness. These flattering pants by Commando are amazing at defining the waist and giving the illusion of an hourglass body shape. AND they’re on sale for $60 here! This outfit is perfect for a dinner out with friends or an elevated weekend look. Or anytime that you just want to level up your style game. Finish this outfit off with a crossbody bag and black pointed toe booties and you’re set!
#6) Weekend Brunch
For a laid-back weekend brunch, try pairing straight-leg cropped leather pants with a polished jacket or sweater. Erin is wearing a gorgeous, detailed sweater by Maje that is no longer available, but we’ll link some similar options for you to shop below. Her cropped pants have the look of leather but are actually a coated denim. If leather pants seem a bit out of you comfort zone, a pair of coated jeans would be a great option! Erin’s wearing a pair by Frame that are in limited stock here, but we’ll share more similar options below as well. Finish your outfit off with black loafers or casual white sneakers, and a pair of modern oversized sunglasses. A crossbody bag and thoughtful jewelry will perfectly elevate the simplicity of the look.
#7) Casual On-The-Go
When temperatures drop, leather pants should definitely be part of your winter wardrobe. Pair a long wool wrap coat with your leather pants for a cozy, warm outfit. Underneath, you can layer a turtleneck or luxe cashmere sweater. Finish the look with ankle boots or heeled booties, a scarf and a warm hat. This outfit is perfect for chilly days out shopping or attending a casual winter event. The Pistola Denim faux leather pants that Erin is wearing above are perfect for winter with their fleece lined backing for extra warmth without extra bulk!
#8) Dressy Monochrome
For an ultra-chic monochromatic outfit, pair black leather pants with a black top like the gorgeous lacy blouse Erin’s wearing above. We just love the juxtaposition between the edgy pants and the super feminine top. These split hem leather pants by Commando are a fun, unique twist on the traditional styles we’ve looked at so far, and we love them! Just finish off your look with classic black heels and simple jewelry. This streamlined outfit is perfect for a dressy occasion when you want to make a bold, yet elegant, fashion statement.
Leather pants are an iconic fashion piece that continue to be relevant season after season. Whether you prefer the edgy look of leather leggings or the classic sophistication of flared leather pants, there’s an outfit for every occasion. The key is to balance the boldness of leather with other pieces that complement the overall look. By following the tips and outfit ideas in this post, you’ll be able to confidently wear leather pants and really up your style game!
Which look speaks to you the most? Let us know in the comments below. And for more ways to wear leather, check out this post on how to style black leather skirts!
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