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.
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.
Massimo Dutti Leather Midi Skirt
Karen Kane Faux Leather A-Line Midi Skirt
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
J.Crew Faux Leather Willa Blazer
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
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Drawstring Shirt
Milly Preston Halter Faux Leather Top
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
Karen Millen Leather Wide Leg Trousers
Joe’s The Callie Coated High Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans
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
Nanushka Nampeyo Faux Leather Shorts
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
Shoshanna Rhea Vegan Leather Twist Midi-Dress
Karen Millen Leather Corset Detail Sleeved Midi Pencil Dress
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.
Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag
Lauren Ralph Lauren Tortoise Circle Cord Pendant Necklace
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.
COS Oversized Shirt – COS Zip-Up Leather Midi Skirt – Naturalizer Vera Sandals – Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag – Lauren 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.
COS Pure Cashmere Sweater – Jones New York Lexington Faux Leather Pants – Tory Burch Lady Bug Sneaker – Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag – Shashi 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.
ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Anne Klein Shirred Shoulder Faux Leather Dress – Sam Edelman Terra Slingback – MARC JACOBS The St. Marc Convertible Leather Clutch – Nashelle 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.
AllSaints Dalby Slim Cropped Leather Biker Jacket – AllSaints Marta Silk Blend Ronnie Midi Slip Dress – Naturalizer Vera Sandals – Ted 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.
ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – COS Pure Mulberry Silk T-Shirt – COS The Embossed Leather Bermuda Shorts – Kate Spade New York Lounge Poodle Loafers – MARC JACOBS The St. Marc Convertible Leather Clutch – Nashelle 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.
Anne Klein Faux Leather Button-Up Shirt – Massimo Dutti Slim Fit Trousers – Naturalizer Vera Sandals – Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag – Cult 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.
ANINE BING Mika Shirt – Jones New York Lexington Faux Leather Pants – Franco Sarto Eda Leather Bit Buckle Loafers – Michael Kors Marilyn Medium Satchel – Shashi 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.
ANINE BING Lili Tee AB x To x Rolling Stones Tee – Karen Kane Faux Leather A-Line Midi Skirt – Tory Burch Lady Bug Sneaker – Brahmin Cynthia Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag – Lauren 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.
Mango Satin Wrap Blouse – Karen Millen Leather Wide Leg Trousers – Kate Spade New York Lounge Poodle Loafers – Ted Baker London Glitzet Crystal Baguette Clutch – Nashelle 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.
Do you like to wear leather? Which of these leather outfits is your favorite look?
Continue reading:
- How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?
- Edgy Style: How To Give Your Outfits A Bit Of An Edge
- The Best Leather Pants Outfits And (Faux) Leather Leggings To Choose
Like this article on how to wear leather? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Julie @stylishparadox
Other photos by Denton Taylor
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
Thank you Sylvia! That leather jacket has given me such pleasure – it’s a service you do encouraging others to give this a try!
I can imagine Lisa. You look fabulous in it!
Hi, I love leather leggings with a hip length sheer ivory shirt, I am a youg 51 refusing to hang up the high heels. But my look is always classy.w2
Great post and very informative. I agree about wearing a leather dress, it is the most difficult for women over 40 to pull off. I am intrigued by the suggestion to wear leather trousers with longer top and will surly try it myself. Thank you, Sara
lifestyleover40.com
This post is timely! I just got back from the shops wearing my black leather zip up jacket that is 15-20 years old! It’s a classic style and has a detachable fake fur collar.
Last winter I wanted to try a leather skirt but was unwilling to invest until I had decided whether it suited me so I bought a faux leather pencil skirt and I am so happy with it I am not going to bother about upgrading it to real leather. It’s similar to the middle one second row . I also have a brown leather jacket very similar to third row right that is 18 months old. In my 20s I had 2 pairs of suede trousers that I loved but I am not sure I am going to embrace leather/faux leather trousers unless I can find a pair as nice as Annette’s.
Sounds great Lorraine. No need to upgrade to real leather if the faux one looks and feels just as good. Not easy to tell the difference these days!
You are right about not being able to tell the difference and it’s a cheaper alternative if you’re wanting to try it out. I buy nothing but REAL leather though. All one has to do is go to a thrift store (I’m a thrifter since the ‘70’s) and see all the deteriorating faux leather. And it doesn’t take long for it to start “peeling”. I’ve been heartbroken to see it on great pieces that I would’ve bought in a minute if not for that. But, again, faux is a good way to start.
I just love Jill Sander’s black leather dress. I think a woman of any age could wear that – provided she is very slim 🙂 I also love the black a-line leather skirt – just gorgeous – would look great with a silky off-white blouse. I remember having a white, straight, knee-length leather skirt when I was 20 🙂 I used to think I was the bees-knees in that!!!
Just recently presented my new olive faux leather trousers on the blog in a “dressed up” style.
I think there are so many versions of wearing leather at any age.
Annette | Lady of Style
Wow. I love your outfit with the faux leather trousers. Pinned it to my leather board!
I loved those trousers Annette. They were just the right fit and looked classy.
Great post. You have inspired me. I would love to buy some leather trousers as I think that outfit of Veronique Branquinino is So Nice. And so chic.
And I also agree on your Calvin Klein’ choice with the green skirt and beautiful jacket. Pity I already spent too much..
Perhaps get some faux leather ones like Annete’s? I agree it is a fabulous outfit!
I have purchased a couple leather items for fall that I am excited to wear. I am really liking all the leather trim items which is perfect for hotter weather places but still want to feel fall/winter. I would love to purchase a pair of faux leather pants but would not get much wear out of them.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I look forward to seeing your creations Alice!
Shoes and handbags only for me. Any more leather than that and it feels too much like I’m wearing the animal.
Shoes and handbags can make an outfit so that should be no problem!
I agree with Rita. I have a (nice but very dated 80’s) leather jacket that I wouldn’t mind updating for fall outerwear, but a leather skirt makes me sweat just thinking about it. A boot is as much leather as you’ll see on me and even then only low ones. Anything more makes me hot!
I saw your Pins of leather and was waiting in excited anticipation for this article!
I have leather jackets , two pencil skirts in black and deep purple. I also just got coated jeans that have a leather look and feel. I am really looking forward to wearing the skirts with chunky sweaters or jumpers as you call them. Wearing the jackets with dresses or skirts is my favorite look, adding booties amps the happiness factor even more.
I have my eye on a fuller leather skirt , so we will see if I add that in for Christmas.
Haha you start knowing me too well and know how I work. Thanks for reminding me though as I totally forgot to link to the board in this post!
Thanks for including one of my pictures. I just did a post today with a new leather and tweed purchase. I think leather can look so great on the 40+ crowd if the fit isn’t too tight. I’m liking all the jackets with a mixture of fabric and leather this season. I’ve been trying on the fuller leather skirts, haven’t found the right fit yet. I find coated jeans a good alternative to leather pants, more give and not so much worry about stretching out. Great post!
blue hue wonderland
Beautiful Ann. I pinned it right onto my how to wear leather pinterest board. I’m loving all those textured and combined jackets too. But alas, just no opportunities to wear that in Singapore….
I love this post Sylvia. I think leather can be chic and ladylike. I love the Jil Sander leather dress and the Michael Kors leather accents.
Thanks. You wear it so well. I have been wanting to add some leather to my wardrobe for a while now but cant’ find the perfect skirt…