This year leather and faux leather are trending big. And what a fun trend to enjoy, especially since many leather pieces are actually classics you can wear for years. Today I’m sharing a fun faux leather dress that I recently wore with brown suede boots and a colorful coat. And I’m answering some reader questions along the way.
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Question: Can a mature woman wear leather and not look trashy? I’d love to participate in the leather and faux leather trend. But I’m worried about looking like I’m trying to look too young or ultra sexy.
Answer: Good question! I, too, want to participate in this trend without looking “over the top” or, as you say, trashy. Part of my personal style aesthetic is to look elevated, polished, so I certainly don’t want to appear distasteful. The key to wearing leather and faux leather as we get older is to choose pieces that look a little sophisticated and simple. Also make modest choices in your outfit. For instance, keep the hemline of leather dresses and skirts longer than shorter, and choose pieces that are not extremely tight or low cut at the neckline. And then wear that leather or faux leather with confidence!
Question: I know leather is trending and they say you can substitute in faux leather. But does faux leather look a little cheap? Is it really a good sub?
Answer: Obviously faux leather doesn’t usually look quite like the real thing. But right now the trend is swinging toward the vegan or faux choices. I guess it’s seen as more environmentally friendly and obviously less costly. So while the alternative pleather may have looked “cheap” in the past, it’s actually quite eye-catching and acceptable right now. So I say it’s a good time to try it!
I filled a shopping widget full of faux leather and faux suede dresses below. These are in a full range of price points. Fun!
Question: I love the look of boots and dresses with bare legs on other women. But I don’t feel like my legs look good enough to wear boots without tights. Can I wear hose?
Answer: You betcha! I’m a firm believer in the concept that confidence is the most important thing we can “wear.” So if some sheer, good quality hosiery will help you feel more confident in those boots and dress, wear them. I sure did. I’m wearing these Spanx micro-fishnet midthigh shaping tights in nude, and I think they’re pretty amazing. Yes, they’re pricey. But they are super strong and they create a nice camouflage effect without having the sheen of traditional pantyhose. They also come in black. And these are definitely the way to go if you want to wear hose and have that bare leg effect.
Question: Kay, I just bought a leather dress and I’m so excited to wear it. It has gold hardware on it, but it’s minimal. I’m wondering, however, how to accessorize it. It has a button up collar.
Answer: Wow! I wonder if we have the same dress. Knowing how many of my readers faithfully shop Talbots, I’d say the chances are good. This Talbots faux leather popover shirtdress is such a great choice for women of a certain age. The body-skimming but not hugging silhouette is quite forgiving and flattering. Accessories? Go impactful, but minimal. This dress (and other leather dresses or pieces) is a statement on its own. So you don’t need to “say” much else with your accessories. Let them “whisper” a little confidence and class.
That dainty necklace above is a “whisper” from me to you of good things to come! Stay tuned…
Question: I have a brown leather dress and I’m planning to wear either brown or black knee high boots with it. Should I add color somewhere? With a necklace or handbag? Maybe a scarf?
Answer: Again, I believe we’re thinking alike! I wondered the same thing when I put together this ensemble. But in the end I decided to let brown have it’s day…until it was time to step out the door. I added bold red in my coat and leather gloves (similar). We’ll call it making a grand entrance! And yes, you could add a pretty scarf to your brown leather dress. But I actually love the way the different shades of brown play against each other in my dress and boots outfit. Don’t be afraid to let this trending color hog the stage. It’s a showstopper on its own.
Question: What shoes should I wear with a leather dress or skirt?
Answer: Depending on the dress, the occasion and your personal preferences, you can wear knee high boots, booties, pumps or even some flats. I personally like the combination of suede or other fabric with the leather dress or skirt rather than wearing leather footwear. That adds some nice texture to the outfit. And leopard print or boucle pumps or flats could look really nice, too. Oh, and it’s perfectly fine to wear black with brown and vice versa.
I think that exhausts the questions I’ve received lately about leather. But certainly let me know if you have others. What about you? Are you participating in the leather and faux leather trend? What is your favorite leather piece that you’re wearing these days? I’d love to hear about it.
As I mentioned above, I do think the best accessory we can wear with leather is confidence. So if you choose to wear a little leather or faux leather this winter, rock it! You’ve earned the right to wear this trending fabric with a little aplomb. And hopefully the styling tips I’ve offered up today will help you do just that.
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Blessed for My Day
You could be a blessing to someone today. Sometimes I get so focused on self – having my needs met and trying to “get blessed” that I forget that the bigger blessing is encouraging, helping or benefiting someone else. Truly, it feels better to give than receive. So today let’s focus on how we can bless someone else. And don’t look too far. It’s so important that we begin by blessing those under our same roof and then look beyond our front door.
We could be a blessing through a gentle tone of voice, a kind word, a sincere compliment or a word of affirmation. We could bless someone with a hug, a gentle touch on their arm or shoulder or even a passionate kiss (choose carefully!). And we could bless someone with a thoughtful gift, an act of service, a helpful hand, a moment of our time or an investment in their endeavors. How will you bless someone today?
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary,Ā bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain aĀ blessing. ~ 1 Peter 3:9
I would love a similar post about leather slacks as well. I am currently styling a pair of 5 pocket cognac leather slacks and it has been fun to play with textures.
I have read that pleather-plastic-vegan leather (which is almost always plastic) is not a very good choice for the environment unless you buy one of the very expensive, hard to find options that are plant based. I do not buy faux leather myself as I know it will not last as long as real leather and then it will go to a landfill to sit for a long time. Apparently the faux furs made out of plastic have the same issues… š
The great news is there is a LOT of real leather available second-hand
I love this faux leather dress you are showing. I purchased a pair of black faux leather pants last fall and have worn them a few times. The first time I wore them
last year, I was a little apprehensive, but worn with a sweater or nice blouse and blazer, it looks really put together and sharp. This dress looks so nice on you.
Your dress is lovely and the color is very flattering! It will never go out of style. Because of my soft coloring, black leather gives me the aging biker chick look. I managed to thrift a soft olive green leather bomber jacket (trending this year but will always resurface) and I purchased a navy blue faux suede moto with a slight gold haze to the fabric and subdued hardware. I managed to find a petite size because I’m only five feet tall and the cool details on motos don’t come out well with alterations.
I love the Q&A aspect of this post! I haven’t stepped through the leather/faux leather fashion door yet, but now I’m armed with some things to consider when I do.
I am participating in the faux leather trend with brown faux leather capris from Chico and black faux leather leggings from Loft. I havenāt worn the leggings yet because itās still quite warm in Florida. But when I wear them it will be with a tunic blouse or sweater, probably red. Iām tall so leggings and tunics are my thing. Love your dress. Never thought of that! Thanks.
Oh, Kay!! I just love that you are wearing this. I saw this dress on Talbot’s site and I’ve seen one on Walmart that is just as classy and modest. It’s funny how a certain material can seem off-putting. Yet staying modern and contemporary helps our confidence.
If you don’t mind, I’d love to link to this post as we are showcasing different faux leather options next week?
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Jodie. Absolutely. Thanks for sharing. And link away! š
You look so nice in this outfit Ky! I really like how you answered some readerās questions within the post. The BFMD is a great reminder for us. I have found that when I give someone else a reason to smile, it makes me smile internally, as well as externally.
Absolutely. Thanks so much for your comment, Ginger. š
Thank you for this post. I have been going back and forth on the leather and faux leather lookāthinking that at 63 it may not be a style I should follow. You look great in the dress!! Thanks again!
Go for it. 63 is young!
I absolutely Love that leather dress and you are Rocklinā it. So glad you showed it.
Thank you Donna. Iām so glad you liked the post. Great dress!
Hi Kay, I love your blog and you tube channel! Iām wondering if anyone has contacted you about an Instagram scam using your name? I received a message via IG that said for me to copy and paste a link that I actually did receive saying my IG password had been changed. Anyway I realized too late that it couldnāt have been you since āyouā only showed 30 followers! I know you must have more! Sorry for the long comment, I didnāt know how else to let you know!
Hi Cyndi, Iām so sorry that happened to you. Yes, others have alerted me and Iāve filed a report. Unfortunately there are bad people out there doing this junk all the time and itās a shame. We do have to be very careful. You can always file a report too when you see someone personating you or someone else. Just click on the three dots in the top right corner of the fake IG account and then tap on report and follow the prompts. My Instagram account is dressed_4_my_day and the fake account has added an āsā at the end.
I bought a simply Vera Wang imitation leather dress vert causal can I wear red suede pumps? It is not real have heavy can you wear in spring or only fall and winter?
Hi Patricia, I’m seeing models for many brands wearing suede even in spring and summer fashions. So I think that “rule” is out the window. Yes, go ahead and wear your red suede pumps. š