There’s no denying the existence of the unspoken rule that it isn’t so cool to wear leather during summer. The immediate reaction towards rocking a second skin during warm weather has always been “nope!” But with fashion rules being rewritten to meet the times, now you can rock leather––from hats to boots––during the warmest season of the year. While leather literally brings the heat, there are several practical ways this wardrobe classic can manifest a high fashion aesthetic for your summer style.
Thanks to high-end designers like Louis Vuitton, who featured lightweight leather options and fancy accessories suitable for summer in their SS22 collections, leather is runway-certified for the season. The durability and edginess of this fabric makes it highly irresistible, especially for the fashion-forward.
If you need extra convincing, supermodels like Bella Hadid and celebrities like Dua Lipa and Keke Palmer have been recently spotted rocking leather boots this summer. Judging by the receptivity of stylish celebrities and influencers, leather in summer is here for the long haul so it’s time to get in on the trend. This is no time to be fashionably late!
From vegan to vinyl to other faux and real leather types, the latest leather designs offer something for every personality, invading the scene with an “I got you” vibe. And with the latest trends, you don’t have to wear head-to-toe leather to make a statement. Opt for options like leather boots, hats, belts, shirt collars, or leather minis to add some serious edge to your style. .
Check out 7 chic ways to wear leather this summer…
#1. Let the minis out
This summer, the fashion streets are bursting with a variety of shorts and mini skirts, one of the “hautest” being leather options that are oh-so-chic! Perhaps, it’s leg day and you’ve been working out; then let your legs take center stage and breathe all at once. To spruce things up, pair with a vibrant print top and seasonal accessories, and for a minimal feel, opt for a neutral-tone tank top.
#2. The hat attack
While the mere thought of wearing leather in summer already brings droplets of sweats to mind, opting for the right accessories could keep you both trendy and comfy. A stylish leather cap is a valuable gear for a walk in the park or any other casual outing, especially on cooler days or evenings.
#3. Crop top/cut-outs
The ubiquitous cut-out trend has no plans of slowing down and for chic reasons. They are famous for flattering the silhouette and exuding an alluring feminine aura. Brands like A.L.C., Helmut Lang and COURREGES are well-versed in rendering statement leather pieces that complement any ready-summer wardrobe. For me, I’m already envisioning a summer dinner date with a snatched leather crop top, which can be paired with a silk slip skirt or wide hemmed denim pants for an edgy-chic turnout. If you do copy my look, be sure to carry a light blazer or sweater just in case the restaurant air-conditioning proves itself too cool for summer.
Shop COURREGES leather top here.
#4. Statement leather pants
Even in the heat of things, wearing fanciful leather pants on cooler evenings can turn the sartorial energy all the way up. The key to maintaining a conducive temperature is pairing leather pants with a simple, lightweight or skimpy top. Complete the ensemble with statement heels and some fun accessories, and your look is perfect for a fancy date night.
#5. Trendy leather belts
The belt trend took a turn for the better after a year of waist-up pandemic dressing, and with that, leather belts are totally in this summer. Whether it’s a mini, midi, maxi dress or a breezy jumpsuit, a top-quality leather belt never fails to define the silhouette accordingly. For the classic fashion queen, consider simple leather belts in natural tones and for the trendy fashionista, brands like Loewe, Altuzarra and Ulla Johnson have created more variations of the Obi belt to sate your high fashion appetite.
#6. Mini dresses or top and shorts, to boot!
The higher the boots, the higher the standard? Well, this rings true on cooler summer days and nights. If you’re still wondering if you can wear leather in summer, perhaps French-Congolese model and style influencer Didi Stone’s fierce look makes a bold enough case. For an ultra-hip look, think thigh-high boots in place of fabric bottoms, styled with an airy top and shorts/tights or simply wear them with a mini dress. Consider ruffle boots as opposed to skin-hugging ones to allow good airflow.
#7. Leather bags, of course
Leather bags are utilitarian summer essentials to pin down as they can be worn with anything in your closet. They are timeless, elegant, and versatile––need I say more? You can embody the vibrant spirit of the season by opting for bold colored bags in red, blue, green, and yellow tones.
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Check out other fab ways to wear leather in summer…
Photo: Didi Stone / Instagram
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