I've gotten a few requests on how to style up a leather skirt for everyday use, and since it's become one of my favorite remix items, I thought I'd throw a few suggestions together. I think a lot of people can get scared off by wearing a leather skirt because it can denote toughness and sexuality at the same time, and it often acts as a showcase piece when you wear it. However, you can get it to work for your wardrobe:
1) Start small. To get your leather skirt to work for every day, try a baby step first. Go for something casual, but something that you're comfortable wearing because it's a part of your style -- for example, a t-shirt, a patterned scarf, a cargo jacket. Mixing the skirt with some of your favorite closet items will help ensure that you'll wear the leather more often. When I first thrifted my Old Navy leather skirt, I first started wearing it with t-shirts as seen in the first two outfits above.
2) Try opposites. Now that you've introduced the skirt to your favorite clothing, it's time to experiment! Try pairing the skirt with items that counterbalance the toughness and texture of the leather. For example, you could go for really romantic pieces (floral, lace, ruffles), preppy looks (plaid, houndstooth, argyle), or professional styles (blazers, silk, pearls), just to name a few. You can also counteract the length of the skirt as well -- for example, if it's a shorter length, include tights or a longer-sleeved shirt.
3) Be a layering fiend. Because of the skirt's texture, it can work really well as a layering piece because it holds everything in. Want to extend the life of your summer dresses? Wear the skirt over them. You'll have a pretty new blouse (without having to buy it) and the dress's layer underneath the skirt will keep you warm during the chillier months. Looks 3 and 5 above include this last tip.
Would you ever try the leather skirt style, and how would you wear it?
