Leather & Lace

With fall right around the corner, I've been taking a strategic look at my closet to figure out what pieces can transition into fall. Since I'm currently saving money for my November Eurotrip, I'm trying to repurpose my closet to avoid splurging on new fall clothes. Trust me, this is a true exercise in self control, as I have none when it comes to shopping. In looking through my closet, I pulled out a laser cut faux leather skirt I got on mega sale at Macy's last year. I realized I had been under-wearing this skirt as it has much potential as a transitional piece and I pulled it out, wanting to focus on this for today's post.

A great faux leather skirt is an essential in any woman's closet. For one, they are always in style; and two, the outfit possibilities are close to endless. For summer, a leather skirt can be worn as I styled this look- with a simple top with backless lace detail and lace up heels for a traditional Leather & Lace look, or it can be worn in a more casual setting with a tank and sneakers (see my recent NoMa & Union Market post on how I styled a different leather skirt with a screen print top and Adidas!).

For work, throw it on with a white button down top and black pumps for a crisp look, or wear it with a blouse and blazer for a more serious look. Heading out for a night on the town? A crop-top or bodysuit look great with leather skirts! For fall/winter, the leather skirt looks great with nearly anything- a fitted sweater or off the shoulder top, with tights and heeled ankle booties are one of my favorite looks, but it can also be matched with over sized sweaters, cardigans, cashmere, long sleeve tees, sequin tops for the holidays, and much more.

Here are a few tips for styling and finding a leather skirt this season:

1. DO mix with other fabrics such as lace, silk, cotton, denim. You can mix leather with leather, but it needs to be done tastefully, so sticking with another fabric is easier to style.

2. Get DUAL use out of your leather skirt and buy one that is knee length or just below the knee. You can wear a knee-length leather skirt for work and play, by simply changing the top, shoes, and accessories. If you buy a skirt any shorter than knee-length, it can be deemed too racy for the work place. In my personal option, the classic fitted pencil skirt is most flattering of all the styles.

3. DO mix the look of the skirt with shoes! Leather skirts can be worn with heels, wedges, flats, boots, booties, even sneakers! Also keep in mind tights as the cooler weather comes in.

4. Know that the leather skirt is so VERSATILE it can be worn with almost any style or color of coat for winter.

5. DON'T stick with just black. I've been seeing tan, spruce green, and burgundy colors for leather skirts and they are just as chic!

Where to shop:

I searched online for a match of my skirt, which is by Alfani, but came up empty handed. Here are some other options, all below $110.

1. Calvin Klein Faux-Leather Pencil Skirt, $79.00, Macys

2. Faux Leather Pencil Skirt in Spruce Green, $109, Ann Taylor

3. Karen Kane Faux Leather Skirt with Fringe, $98, Nordstrom

Outfit Details:

Laser Cut Skirt: Alfani

Backless Lace Top: Express- bought about 2 years ago, but this one is available now.

Lace Up Heels: Steve Madden Women's Presidnt Dress Sandal, Amazon

Fringe Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff Finn Convertible Fringe Clutch, Bloomingdales