10 Cute Ways to Wear Leather Pants This Fall (& One That Makes You Look Like a Biker Wannabe)

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When we think of leather pants, the very first images that pop into our head are of rock stars like Mick Jagger and Joan Jett, quickly followed by the head-to-toe leather uniforms of hard-core bikers. But the luxe material doesn’t have to give you such a rough-and-tumble edge and can, in fact, look incredibly chic and posh. According to data from the shopping platforms Lyst and Klarna, shoppers are stocking up on real and faux leather pants for winter in lots of different colors and cuts. So if you too were hoping to hop on this sleek trend, we’ve pulled together ten stylish outfits to wear on repeat (plus advice on one look that’s best avoided for now), whether you’re headed to work, dinner or just running some weekend errands.

RELATED: How to Clean a Leather Jacket (Because You Probably Haven’t Since You Bought Yours)

1. Button-Down Shirt + Straight-Leg Trousers + Ankle Boots

One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to rock leather pants is to pair straight-leg styles of any color with a classic white button-down and some sleek ankle boots. Even better if your boots are also in a contrasting hue, like the white snakeskin booties and black pants above.

Shop similar styles: Good American pants ($189); Mango trench coat ($150; $105); J.Crew shirt ($80); Bella Vita boots ($110; $78)

2. Denim Shirt + Dark Leather Trousers

We love this combo because it will keep you nice and warm without piling on too many layers or thick materials. The denim also helps balance potential rock star vibes leather may give off, especially if you’re wearing a patent finish. Keep your accessories simple and err on the side of casual over glamorous and you’ll be good to go.

Shop similar styles: Babaton pants ($138); One Teaspoon shirt ($158); Guess heels ($79)

3. Blazer + T-Shirt + High-Waist Pants

Another way to ground glam leather is with a tailored black or navy blazer for a more professional finish. A button-down or blouse and heels can amp up the office vibes, while a T-shirt and sneakers give you a more weekend-ready look.

Shop similar styles: Commando pants ($188); Zadig & Voltaire blazer ($498); Everlane T-shirt ($24); Koio sneakers ($278)

4. Sporty Jacket or Sweater + Classic Black Leather

This combo works particularly well with straight-leg, flared or other loose pant silhouettes (rather than leather leggings or slim cuts). We also prefer opting for color-block fleeces or zip-ups over sweatshirts, which can feel a bit too random. Finish with a pointy-toe shoe or clean white sneaker and maybe a pop of color in the form of a crossbody bag or clutch.

Shop similar styles: MM6 Maison Margiela pants ($380); UGG jacket ($98); Sam Edelman heels ($150)

5. Colorful Leather + Matching Sweater

Green, red or purple leathers (or other even other hues) can feel really bold—especially for those who stick to more muted palettes, but you can easily tone them down by pairing them with matching knitwear or even a plain tee. If your pant legs fit more loosely, try tucking in your top to maintain some shape, whereas if they’re slimmer in cut, try a French tuck or just leave it loose for a better balance.

Shop similar styles: ModCloth pants ($69); Ciao Lucia sweater ($395); Franco Sarto boots ($129; $91); Coach bag ($250)

6. Solid Pastels or Bright Shades + Dark-Hued Leather

On the flip side, classic dark hues—like black, brown or navy—serve as a perfect base to highlight brighter shades. We love this unexpected combo of chocolate brown, pistachio green and hot pink, which helps the heavy leather fabric feel much more appropriate for spring or even summer.

Shop similar styles: Blue Revival pants ($119); Ganni top ($285); JW Pei bag ($89); ASOS heels ($36)

7. Textured Knit and Pants + Patterned Shoes

If your leather has some texture to it, opt for a textured sweater as well to really amp up the effect of each. Patterned shoes in a leopard print, stripe or floral will also help emphasize a rib knit or croc-embossed trouser.

Shop similar styles: Wolf & Badger pants ($148); Naadam sweater ($370); Clare V. bag ($145); Clarks heels ($110)

8. Oversize Sweater + Loose-Fit Pants + Loafers

We wouldn’t typically recommend wearing multiple oversize pieces at once, but if you opt for luxe materials like leather and cashmere, the look can actually be incredibly chic. Two caveats: First, make sure you show either a little ankle with a cropped cut or roll your sleeves above your wrists to show some skin and maintain some semblance of your figure; and second, opt for a structured shoe, like penny loafers, to add some polish to the look.

Shop similar styles: Wilfred Free pants ($148); AllSaints sweater ($259); Loeffler Randall bag ($295); Franco Sarto loafers ($100; $70)

9. Colorful Leather + White and Beige Basics

Give your olive green or lilac purple pants room to really shine by keeping all the other elements of your outfit super simple in light, solid hues. We also suggest sticking to more tailored silhouettes—trench coats, crewneck tees, simple flats—rather than loose boho or overly tight pieces.

Shop similar styles: Wilfred pants ($148); Cole Haan Signature trench coat ($220; $150); Madewell T-shirt ($16); Rothy’s flats ($145)

10. Tailored Black from Head to Toe

When in doubt, simply grab all the poshest black pieces in your wardrobe, tie your hair back in a slick bun and prepare to channel your inner Olsen twin.

Shop similar styles: Agolde pants ($298); Weekday Saga sweater ($72); Anine Bing bag ($449); Jack Rogers sandals ($128)

Don’t: Leather Jacket + Leather Pants

We’ve seen versions of this that work, but overall, it’s just too difficult to get that perfect match without veering into full biker mode or like you’re the Cruella De Vil of cattle. Leather blazers, pants, trench coats and midi skirts are all trending this fall, but we highly suggest picking just one leather piece to wear at a time rather than attempting to pair them together.

RELATED: The 10 Best Faux Leather Leggings to Buy Before Fall Arrives

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