Winter Fashion
Oct 22, 2023

I Thought I Was Loyal to Jeans, But This Trending Trouser Is Winning Me Over

by Harriet Davey

I can safely say my (faux) leather trousers from Mango are the most worn item in my autumn wardrobe. I found them in the sale two years ago after trying to track them down for months, and I've worn them so many times they're quite literally splitting at the knee. But I'll continue to sew them up, because once you find a great-fitting pair of leather trousers, you'll never go back.

I will also tell you that they're one of the most complimented items in my wardrobe. And I often get a shocked response when I tell people they're years old. Something I also find when I wear them is my friends telling me "I would never think to wear leather trousers with a chunky jumper", or "I would never think of swapping my jeans for leather trousers." But that's the thing, they go with literally any top, shirt or knitwear.

No matter whether you choose faux, vegan or real leather, though, I think it's best to go for a looser fit. Because let's face it, no one wants a Ross Geller leather pants moment when they're so tight you have to peel them off. Want to know how to style leather trousers for winter? Here are 7 looks I'll be trying out with my trusty Mango pair, and some other new-season iterations you can shop direct from below.

Leather trouser outfits: Lauren wears a black blazer with brown leather trousers

Photo:

@astyleedit

Style Notes: There's something so polished about the combination of black and brown. Pull together your staples to recreate this chic look.

Shop the look:

Arket Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer

Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer

So many outfit formulas call for a classic black blazer.

Dolphin Kemi Leather Trousers

Kemi Leather Trousers

We've heard great things about this Aligne's chrome-free leather.

H&M Leather Chelsea Boots

Leather Chelsea Boots

Complete the look with trusty boots.

Marianne wearing Breton top and leather trousers

Photo:

@smythsisters

Style Notes: Leather trousers needn't always be black. Give them a fresh new season overhaul by opting for a coloured pair and team with a slouchy Breton.

Shop the look:

Autograph Jersey Striped Top

Jersey Striped Top

A trusty Breton t-shirt you'll wear for years.

& Other Stories Thin Heel Leather Boots

& Other Stories

Thin Heel Leather Boots

These will go with every outfit you own.

Charlotte wearing leather trousers and cut-out top

Photo:

@charlottekuhrt

Style Notes: It's all about layering as we adjust to colder weather, and Charlotte shows how to make leather trousers feel super relaxed with a cardi-and-jacket combo.

Shop the look:

Envelope1976 Snake-Effect Leather Biker Jacket

Snake-Effect Leather Biker Jacket

Animal print is back in all forms.

Free People Erica Cardi

Such a good layering piece.

Mango Leather Effect High Waist Pant

Leather Effect High Waist Pant

Yes, yes, yes to this comfy straight-leg pair.

Sylvie wearing leather trousers and white vest top

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Style Notes: Leather strides are a minimalist's favourite. Make like Sylvie and style with basics such as a white vest and a cable-knit ready for cooler days.

Shop the look:

Toteme Chunky Cable-Knit Wool Sweater

Chunky Cable-Knit Wool Sweater

Throw over your shoulders in milder weather.

Reformation Tasha Tank

The white vest comes in handy all year round.

Nanushka Vinni Black Faux Leather Trousers

Vinni Black Faux Leather Trousers

Nanushka is known for having the best vegan leather.

https://www.instagram.com/styleidealist/

Photo:

@styleidealist

Style Notes: If you opt for a cropped pair, this will ensure they go with any shoe—from heeled mules to casual trainers. Play with different shapes such as an oversized shirt with a tighter vest to balance out the tighter trousers.

Shop the look:

Graphic V-Neck Vest

Graphic V-Neck Vest

Available in sizes XXS to 4XL.

COS Oversized Long-Sleeve Shirt

Oversized Long-Sleeve Shirt

You'll never regret buying a great white shirt.

H&M Ankle-Length Leather Trousers

Ankle-Length Leather Trousers

The perfect length to wear with trainers.

Anne-Victoire Lefevre wearing brown leather trousers and cream knit

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Style Notes: As a fan of chocolate, I'm happy cocoa brown is on the menu for autumn. Overhauling everything from leather trousers to dresses, it's the colour of the year.

Shop the look:

& Other Stories Square-Neck Knit Top

& Other Stories

Square-Neck Knit Top

The square neckline is so flattering.

GAP Flat Front Leather Trousers

Flat Front Leather Trousers

Because brown is the new black this year.

Francesca wearing leather trousers and a leather shirt

Photo:

@francescasaffari

Style Notes: There's something about leather-on-leather that feels so cool, like a sleeker version of the Canadian tuxedo. I would wear this look with low-heeled ankle boots, like Francesca.

Shop the look:

Autograph Leather Shirt

This is sure to be a cult favourite.

Autograph Leather Straight Leg Trousers

Leather Straight Leg Trousers

I would also wear these with a silky cami after dark.

Zara METALLIC BLOCK HEEL ANKLE BOOTS

METALLIC BLOCK HEEL ANKLE BOOTS

The gold accent looks effortless.