3 Non-Boring Ways to Wear Leather This Season, According to a Fashion Stylist

collage of Sophie Lopez wearing leather outfits — (Image credit: Sophie Lopez)

Leather is a quintessential cold-weather fabric that never goes out of style. Whether worn in the form of a skirt, a jacket, or a pair of pants, leather has the power to instantly add structure and confidence to any outfit. With this in mind, I’ve made sure to keep it as a staple in my capsule wardrobe.

But I’m not styling it any old way. This season, I’m leaning into color, texture, and shape to make my leather pieces feel less boring, and more playful.

For my first look, I paired a leather mini skirt with a burgundy knit layered over a red turtleneck. The tonal palette delivers a touch of refinement, while the wide belt and knee-high socks provide a preppy appeal.

I decided to break up the red and black shades with a bright green handbag—it’s an offbeat accent that keeps the outfit from seeming too put-together.

Sophie Lopez wearing a red turtleneck, a black skirt, gray socks, black heels, and a green bag

RENGGLI

Leather Cargo Skirt

Loulou de Saison

Anzor Sweater

J.Crew

Feather Jersey Turtleneck

My second outfit is a full-on faux leather look, consisting of barrel-leg pants and a matching cropped jacket. I anchored my ensemble in contrasting white boots, and added unexpected pops of color with a saturated orange turtleneck and a vibrant green bag.

Sophie Lopez wearing a cropped leather jacket, and orange shirt, leather pants, white heels, and a green bag

Mother

The Half-Pipe Flood

Enza Costa

Leather Minimal Jacket

Moncler

Turtleneck Top

Last but not least is this burgundy number, which has officially replaced my classic trench coat. It has the same polish as my go-to trench, but feels far more directional. I teamed it with tailored trousers, and introduced hints of blue with a crisp button-down and a sleek handbag. The color contrast is both elevated and playful, and the clever mix of tailoring gives the outfit a fresh edge.

Sophie Lopez wearing a burgundy leather trench coat, a sweater, tailored trousers, and heels

SRG

Reggie Leather Coat

Eve

The Trouser in Buttersoft

Gleeivy

Button Down Shirt

What excites me most about leather is its versatility. Whether I’m heading out for a day in the office or a night on the town, I can make this fabric work for any occasion. It just has to be styled intentionally—using color, texture, and shape.

Sophie Lopez is a bi-coastal fashion stylist between New York and Los Angeles. Her career began at British GQ with a focus on menswear; after landing numerous “Men of The Year” covers, she graduated into styling womenswear, working with names like Jessica Alba, Zoe Saldana, Sofia Vergara, and Shakira. Today, Lopez’s celebrity clientele includes Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Ella Purnell, Ashley Madekwe, and more.

She has collaborated on major advertising campaigns with brands such as La Mer, QUAY, ALDO, New York Company, Campari, Fabletics, Weight Watchers, Infiniti, Bebe, Polo, and Bulgari. Additionally, Lopez has contributed to publications including Vogue Mexico, Glamour UK, GQ, i-D Magazine, V Magazine, Nylon, Grazia, Rolling Stone, NME, Empire, and Sunday Times Style.