Wearing leather is still very popular. Many women over 40 find leather challenging though, as it can seem like a too-young or edgy look. However, there are lots of ways to wear leather and be very chic indeed. And, it’s actually a great idea to add a bit of an edge to your outfits for a more youthful look. Let’s look at some chic leather outfits ways to wear leather with style over 40.

How to wear leather over 40

There are many ways to wear leather over 40 and you don’t always have to go all-out leather from top-to-toe.

Let’ s have a look at ways that leather can enhance your style.

#1 Add leather to make your look a bit edgier

If you don’t want your look to be too girly, leather can be a great way to add a bit of an edge. A bold leather belt or a little skirt can make a statement.

#2 Add leather to make your look more interesting

Playing with different textures in your outfit can make it look more interesting and create eye-catching contrasts. For example you could wear a silk shirt with a leather skirt or combine it with cotton or denim

#3 Add a bit of luxury to your look with leather

A good leather bag or shoes can enhance any outfits. We prefer to choose leather for both shoes and bags as leather items will last you for years!

the best leather pieces in stores now

Before we look at leather outfit ideas, let’s consider the types of leather clothes and accessories you could add to your outfit.

Leather elements

It is very easy to wear leather if you wear it in moderation.

The easiest way to achieve this, is to select garments that have elements of leather in them, like leather trims, such as the leather trims on the coat in the image below. Or choose just one leather item for your outfit.

You could wear leather accessories, like leather gloves. Or, for an unusual take on leather, you could look out for leather jewelry.

New York street style featuring 40+ women wearing leather | 40PlusStyle.com

Photo by Denton Taylor

Leather skirts outfit ideas

Let’s start with leather skirts. These look good worn casually with a cashmere sweater, or a white shirt.

This season you can wear both the pencil skirts and a-line variations. Both of these look very hip with tight fitting ankle booties but will also look great with high boots. You can make them as chic or edgy as you like.

The COS skirt (below) looks edgy thanks to the zip details, while the Massimo Dutti skirt adds an unusual element as you don’t expect leather to come in a yellow shade. For an on trend element, look out for a fuller skirt.

COS Zip-Up Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Zip-Up Leather Midi Skirt

Massimo Dutti Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Leather Midi Skirt

Karen Kane Faux A-Line Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Kane Faux Leather A-Line Midi Skirt

Abi wears a long leather skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears her leather midi skirt with chic neutrals.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, jacket, skirt (another option here), pumps and handbag.

Leather jacket outfits

A leather jacket is a great basic in a fall and winter wardrobe. Great to wear both in and outdoors.

You can dress them up or down and pair them with jeans, wear with your summer dresses, or a nice soft pencil skirt for great contrast.

Choose a moto jacket, a blazer, or a trench coat in leather.

AllSaints Dalby Slim Cropped Leather Biker Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Dalby Slim Cropped Leather Biker Jacket

J.Crew Faux Leather Willa Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Faux Leather Willa Blazer

Steve Madden Ilia Faux Leather Trench Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden Ilia Faux Leather Trench Coat

Leather tops

Leather tops create a more edgy look. They look great with fitted pants, 7/8 pants and a-line skirts. Choose in a color that suits you and pair with softer materials to create a chic, edgy and balanced look. Or wear them under a blazer!

Anne Klein Faux Leather Button-Up Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Faux Leather Button-Up Shirt

Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Drawstring Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Drawstring Shirt

Milly Preston Halter Faux Leather Top | 40plusstyle.com

Milly Preston Halter Faux Leather Top

How to wear leather over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Julie @stylishparadox above (read her style interview here) opts for a matching leather suit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, pants, pumps and bag.

Leather pants outfits

We prefer leather pants for women over 40, when they are worn with longer tops, particularly if they are slimline styles.

We also love the new more relaxed style, wide-leg pants. They would look great with sweaters or with a tucked in shirt or blouse.

I would balance  your leather pants with a softer and lighter fabric on top.

Jones New York Lexington Faux Leather Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Jones New York Lexington Faux Leather Pants

Karen Millen Leather Wide Leg Trousers | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Leather Wide Leg Trousers

Burgundy leather pants | 40plusstyle.com

Joe’s The Callie Coated High Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans

Sylvia wears leather pants and a trench coat | 40plusstyle.com

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) shows how leather pants can look great worn with very classic choices like a trench coat.

Get her look with this similar sweater, trench coat, pants, boots and handbag.

leather shorts

While you probably won’t want to choose leather shorts during warm months, a pair of leather shorts can look very chic during cooler weather. Opt for a knee length pair and wear with a blazer. If it’s very chilly where you are, you can always wear opaque tights underneath.

COS The Embossed Leather Bermuda Shorts | 40plusstyle.com

COS The Embossed Leather Bermuda Shorts

Nanushka Nampeyo Faux Leather Shorts | 40plusstyle.com

Nanushka Nampeyo Faux Leather Shorts

Melissa wears leather shorts and a sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Melissa @melissabultburns above wears her shorts with a striped sweater and boots.

Check out this similar sweater, shorts (another option here), knee high boots and handbag.

leather dress outfits

The leather dress may be the most challenging to pull off over 40. We believe that the key is to select a classic or drapey style that fits your body type. Ideally the dress will come all the way to your knees. A different color than black may make the look a bit softer and more appropriate for most women over 40. However, if you do choose black, you could always add a necklace in a contrasting color.

Anne Klein Shirred Shoulder Faux Leather Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Shirred Shoulder Faux Leather Dress

Shoshanna Rhea Vegan Leather Twist Midi-Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Shoshanna Rhea Vegan Leather Twist Midi-Dress

Karen Millen Leather Corset Detail Sleeved Midi Pencil Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Leather Corset Detail Sleeved Midi Pencil Dress

Georgette wears a tan leather dress | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman (read her style interview here) opts for a tan dress, and adds a pop of color with her shoes and accessories.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, clutch and necklace.

Leather accessories

Adding leather with accessories is of course the easiest option of all.

Combine you outfit with the latest hip shoes, a statement belt, a fabulous leather bag, or even some leather jewelry.

Naturalizer Vera Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Naturalizer Vera Sandals

Tory Burch Lady Bug Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Lady Bug Sneaker

Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag | 40plusstyle.com

Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Lauren Ralph Lauren Tortoise Circle Cord Pendant Necklace | 40plusstyle.com

Lauren Ralph Lauren Tortoise Circle Cord Pendant Necklace

Cult Gaia Sanura Hoop Earrings | 40plusstyle.com

Cult Gaia Sanura Hoop Earring

The different ways to wear leather over 40

Now, let’s look at some outfit ideas featuring the leather clothes and accessories above.

With a classic white shirt

If you want to make sure that your leather skirt doesn’t look too “over the top”, then a white shirt is a fabulous contrast to your leather. Wear with your leather skirt or pants.

Leather with a classic white shirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Oversized ShirtCOS Zip-Up Leather Midi SkirtNaturalizer Vera SandalsBrahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder BagLauren Ralph Lauren Tortoise Circle Cord Pendant Necklace

with cashmere

It’s a great idea to pair your leather with different textures. While leather is tough and edgy, cashmere is soft and tactile, so the two look very chic together.

Leather with cashmere sweater | 40plusstyle.com

COS Pure Cashmere SweaterJones New York Lexington Faux Leather PantsTory Burch Lady Bug SneakerBrahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder BagShashi Odyssey Drop Earrings

With a blazer

A blazer elevates any outfit and it’s fantastic to team the edginess of leather with the smartness of a structured blazer.

Leather dress and blazer | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Quinn BlazerAnne Klein Shirred Shoulder Faux Leather DressSam Edelman Terra SlingbackMARC JACOBS The St. Marc Convertible Leather ClutchNashelle Pure Bar Drop Earrings

With feminine, floaty fabrics

If you have lightweight, summery dresses that you tend not to wear when the weather cools down, then adding a leather moto jacket or blazer on top is the perfect way to stay warm and chic.

Moto jacket and dress | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Dalby Slim Cropped Leather Biker JacketAllSaints Marta Silk Blend Ronnie Midi Slip DressNaturalizer Vera SandalsTed Baker London Glitzet Crystal Baguette Clutch Nashelle Pure Bar Drop Earrings

With silk

We’ve already looked at using cashmere as a wonderful contrast to leather, and silk is another lovely option. A silk t-shirt or blouse will look beautiful with leather pants, shorts or a skirt.

Leather shots, blazer and tee | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Quinn BlazerCOS Pure Mulberry Silk T-ShirtCOS The Embossed Leather Bermuda ShortsKate Spade New York Lounge Poodle LoafersMARC JACOBS The St. Marc Convertible Leather ClutchNashelle Pure Bar Drop Earrings

With slim jeans or leggings

If you opt for a leather shirt, it can add width, so create balance by wearing with slimline pants.

Black shirt and straight pants | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Faux Leather Button-Up ShirtMassimo Dutti Slim Fit TrousersNaturalizer Vera SandalsBrahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder BagCult Gaia Sanura Hoop Earrings

With a menswear inspired shirt and accessories

Because, unless you’re thinking about rockstars, leather pants tend to be worn by women, adding menswear-inspired clothes and accessories to your leather can create a stylish, unexpected look. Think about striped shirts and loafers to go with your leather pants or skirt.

Menswear inspired look | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Mika ShirtJones New York Lexington Faux Leather PantsFranco Sarto Eda Leather Bit Buckle LoafersMichael Kors Marilyn Medium SatchelShashi Odyssey Drop Earrings

worn Casually with a t-shirt and sneakers

A casual take on leather for you now. Wear your leather pants or skirt with a t-shirt and sneakers. If you’re too chilly, you could always add a blazer or cardigan.

Full skirt and tee for a casual look | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Lili Tee AB x To x Rolling Stones TeeKaren Kane Faux Leather A-Line Midi SkirtTory Burch Lady Bug SneakerBrahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder BagLauren Ralph Lauren Tortoise Circle Cord Pendant Necklace

for a night out look

Leather pants can look super chic for drinks or dinner. Team with a satin or silk blouse, a clutch bag, and heels or embellished flats.

Wide pants for a night out | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Satin Wrap BlouseKaren Millen Leather Wide Leg TrousersKate Spade New York Lounge Poodle LoafersTed Baker London Glitzet Crystal Baguette ClutchNashelle Pure Bar Drop Earrings

Your leather outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the leather outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you can easily mix and match the different tops and bottoms to create lots of looks.

Leather outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Do you like to wear leather? Which of these leather outfits is your favorite look?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?
  2. Edgy Style: How To Give Your Outfits A Bit Of An Edge
  3. The Best Leather Pants Outfits And (Faux) Leather Leggings To Choose

Like this article on how to wear leather? Save it on Pinterest!

Chic leather outfits: How to wear leather over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Julie @stylishparadox

Other photos by Denton Taylor

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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