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Why You Should be Wearing Black Leather
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I’m often asked what the secret to French women’s style is. My answer? Edge.
And nothing adds edge to a classic wardrobe better than black leather. The universally flattering color is fail-proof and synonymous with timeless sophistication, while the material suggests the badassery of the person wearing it.
Whether your weapon of choice is a pair of trousers, a simple skirt, or outerwear, your “lewk”, as the kids say, is sure to make an impression. The trick at our age is for that impression to be elevated and chic versus lost as an adult.
To help navigate the minefield of choices, I’ve selected my top pieces for leather (including faux and vegan alternatives) that will have you feeling confident and empowered. That, mon amie, is sexy at any age.
Six to Sunday Tips:
- #1. Follow the basic rule that “less is more” when styling - let the leather pieces be the focal point of your look and keep the rest of it simple.
- #2. Make sure that whatever piece you choose doesn’t pull or constrict – it is more noticeable and distracting in leather than in traditional fabrics.
- #3. Invest in the best leather you can afford for classic pieces in classic colors–more expensive will get you the best tailoring and best look.
Pants
When it comes to leather pants, make sure you choose pieces that enhance the parts of your body that you want to show off. For example, if you are not comfortable with your backside but love your gams, opt for a skinny style that you can wear under an oversized shirt or blazer rather than committing to a classic trouser style that looks better with tucked-in tops.
The Skinny
The Bootleg
The Wide-leg
Bottoms - Skirts
For skirts, the choice of length is all about what is comfortable for you. Choosing skirts that hug you in all the right places and show just the right amount of skin is my current strategy of choice. For maximum versatility, I love a straight, wrap, pleated, or A-line silhouette that hits at or slightly below the knee.
Pencil
A-Line
Pleated
Outerwear
Remember, not everyone is meant to wear a black leather motorcycle jacket (although I highly encourage everyone to try). There are so many great alternatives that can easily be incorporated into a wardrobe. A leather blazer, for example, is a great starting point if your style leans more toward the tailored side of classic. They look great over jeans, trousers, skirts, and fitted dresses. Waist-length versions are a great alternative as outerwear, and nothing elevates a look more than a long leather coat like my go-to trench.
Motorcycle
Alternates
I’m a corporate attorney turned digital creator and image consultant. I divide my time between Washington D.C. and Paris and my approach to style is quintessentially French: simple, polished, and edgy. I founded The Sylvia Edit to help my clients curate elevated yet practical wardrobes that boost their self-confidence and take the guess work out of getting dressed.
All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.
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