Leather skirt outfit ideas: What to wear with a leather skirt for women over 40

Wearing leather may seem daunting to some: possibly because you feel it looks too young, or because it has an edgy feel. But, there really is a leather skirt outfit for everyone – no matter what your style personality is.

The recent trend for how to wear a leather skirt has actually been very ladylike, with the likes of Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Banks and Meghan Markle all choosing to wear leather pencil skirts with co-ordinating tops in almost exactly the same color.

In fact, the Duchess of Sussex loves the look so much, I’ve seen her put the same outfit together in two different colors – once in shades of forest green and once in burgundy.

Tips for choosing the perfect leather skirt

Before moving onto some specific outfit ideas, let’s take a look at some general tips to help you choose the most flattering leather skirt.

A skirt to suit your body shape

It’s easy to think that leather skirts mean tight and short, but nothing could be further from the truth.

There are now plenty of styles in leather, and pleather, so you should be able to find one to suit, whether you like an a-line, a midi-skirt or a pencil style.

Sandra (above) looks fabulous in a pleated leather skirt.

Check out these skirt options from Halogen and SUNFURA, and pair with this similar printed top, moto jacket and booties.

Also take a look at the most flattering skirt styles for your body shape.

Fit is everything

When it comes to leather, it can be a forgiving material, skimming over any lumps and bumps, but only if you get the right fit. It shouldn’t be too tight otherwise you will feel constricted.

Kim (above) opts for a perfectly-fitting black leather pencil skirt.

Check out this tweed blazer that you can pair with this similar leather skirt and pumps.

Wear your black leather pencil skirt casually

Just as a leather moto jacket can add a casual rock chick feel to outfits, so too can a leather skirt.

You could wear any of the sweaters you have in your closet already with your leather skirt and you will instantly give your look a bit of an edge.

Greetje (above) opts for pink and black, adding a touch of playfulness with her floral tights.

Steal her look with this similar leather skirt, top, tights and boots.

For more inspiration, check out our article on black skirt outfit ideas.

A black leather skirt isn’t the only option

When you think about the most classic leather skirt look, you tend to think about a black color palette, but there are so many hues you could choose.

Tanasha (above) opts for a very stylish burgundy shade.

Get her look with this similar leather skirt, off-the-shoulder top and lace-up booties.

You may have to invest

Leather is often more expensive than other options. But it can also last you for years and years. Make sure you choose a style you won’t tire of and you will wear your leather skirt for many seasons to come, making it a great addition to any capsule wardrobe.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Alice (above) opts for pleats teamed with designer accessories.

Recreate her look with this Moschino belt, similar leather skirt, printed blouse, tights, heels and handbag.

Opt for knee-length or midi

There are no rules about what you can and can’t wear to dress in a way which is “age appropriate”. I think the only rule should be that you ought to dress in a way which makes you feel great.

My preference is for a knee-length or midi style rather than anything too short.

Michelle (above) shows how a knee-length style looks fabulous when worn over knee-high boots.

Steal her look with this similar leather skirt, floral blouse and suede boots.

For more inspiration read our article on how women over 40 can wear leather.

Leather skirt outfit ideas

Now, let’s take a look at more leather skirt outfit inspiration.

Go for monochrome: Green leather skirt outfit

This has been a big trend of late, yet it’s also a very classic way of dressing that won’t date. It also gives a ladylike look to leather.

Wear a leather skirt in any color that you love, and then choose a blouse in a very similar color.

Meghan Markle has been wearing this exact skirt along with a forest green blouse and nude pumps. She looked classy yet modern.

Chelse28 wrap blouse – BOSS leather skirt – Helene Berman belted wrap coat – Trotters pump – Topshop crossbody bag – Akola teardrop earrings

Opt for neutrals

As discussed earlier, leather really doesn’t have to be black. If you’d prefer to bring a lighter feel to your outfit, you could choose a neutral shade.

This is also a great way to make sure that your leather looks appropriate for warmer seasons.

Entireworld stripe tee – Bobeau high/low cardigan – Reiss leather pencil skirt – Clarks sandal – Tory Burch woven straw clutch – Nashelle drop earrings

Choose a wrap style

If you want to bring a touch of the unexpected to your leather skirt outfit, then look at a skirt in a style you wouldn’t necessarily associate with leather, such as a wrap style.

You can let your skirt be your hero piece and wear with a simple top or sweater.

BP. turtleneck ribbed top – Rebecca Taylor leather skirt – Bella Vita bootie – Urban Originals tote – Akola drop earrings

Leather pencil skirt with a blazer

A blazer is always a stylish way to elevate any outfit, and a leather skirt is no exception.

While leather can be associated with a rock look or one with plenty of sex appeal, you can make sure your outfit is very classy with the addition of a blazer.

Bobeau faux wrap knit top – Halogen plaid tweed blazer – Reiss leather pencil skirt – Vionic flat – Mali + Lili round bag

Wear with a sweater

This is one of the easiest and most stylish ways to wear your leather skirt. Simply team with your favorite sweater.

Lulus rib sweater – Nordstrom Signature button detail leather skirt –Steve Madden pointed toe bootie – Akola chain necklace – Ted Baker London shoulder bag

Leather look skirt: Opt for faux

You may prefer faux leather either because you prefer not to wear leather, or because you would like a more affordable option. Either way, there are some very stylish faux leather and pleather choices in stores.

BOSS stripe long sleeve top – Caslon longline cardigan – Halogen leather pencil skirt – Akola drop earrings – Steve Madden top handle satchel – Vionic flat

Long leather skirt: A midi skirt outfit

Midi skirts have been a big trend for the past few seasons, and this hemline is still very much on trend as we head into spring and summer.

Ted Baker London print camisole – Stateside cardigan – Rachel Comey leather skirt – Carvela sandal – Ted Baker London shoulder bag – Nashelle drop earrings

Choose a leather pleated skirt

Ladylike pleated skirts definitely enjoying a comeback. Give yours a more casual flair by pairing with a denim jacket.

BP. knot front tee – AG denim jacket – Halogen pleated leather skirt – Eileen Fisher platform sneaker – Tory Burch tote

Retro style full burgundy leather skirt

If you love a 50s-style retro vibe, but you don’t want to look as if you stepped straight out of a time machine, then choosing a full skirt in leather is a great way to wear the trend.

Entireworld tee – Zeagoo midi leather skirt – Gal Meets Glam Collection jacket – Jared Lang sneaker – Nakamol Chicago hoop earrings

For more inspiration on how to style leather skirts, read our article on concert outfit ideas.

Do you already have a leather skirt in your closet? What is your favorite way to style it?

Like this post on how to wear a leather skirt? Share it on Pinterest!

Continue reading:

1. What Is The Best Skirt For Your Body Type?
2. A Style Guide And Capsule Wardrobe For The ROCK Style Personality
3. The Best Leather Jackets For Women You Will Wear With Everything

Feature image by Michelle

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