Forget biker jackets and black trousers, go hell for leather in cool colours and fresh textures this season, says Jaine Blackman

Not that there’s anything wrong with a black biker jacket, but right now it’s time to shake things up with leather looks that are fresh, fun and fashion forward.

This year’s trendiest skirt, the midi, gets a leathery makeover, as do vintage-inspired feminine frocks, proving that this animalistic fabric doesn’t always have to look fierce. Indeed, designers have employed a paler palette than ever for their leather wares, while metallic accessories offer a shiny shortcut to the trend.

Oh, and Oxford vegetarians and vegans don’t have to be left out: it doesn’t actually have to be leather. Pick textile cheat PU (polyurethane) and no one will be any the wiser.

GO GIRLY

Remember when the only dresses rendered in leather were either skin-tight or super-short or both? Not any more.

A knee-length frock (whether straight cut or with a full Fifties skirt) certainly shakes off the racy connotations that a leather pencil dress might have, even in black, and shades like caramel and plum soften the look even more.

Likewise, a leather or faux midi skirt is feminine but practical for winter. To offset the tough textile, pair it with a fine wool or cashmere rollneck and add court heels if you’re worried the midi length could be overwhelming on a petite figure. Alternatively, take a Sixties-style tunic and wear with opaque tights and suede boots for a cool texture mix.

PU Leather Look Illusion Dress, £55 (currently reduced from £69), AVA by Mark Heyes for Marisota
Flaire Leather Dress in Bambi, £215, Urbancode (urbancode.co.uk)
Modal Blend Shell Top, £8, and Berry PU Midi Skirt, £38, Next (next.co.uk)

SHINE ON

How to dial up the fun factor with leather? Easy, go from matte to metallic with your accessories.

A shiny leather bag is like an instant dopamine hit on a wet day, plus it’s way more practical than all the faux-fur that’s in the shops this season. Silver is the most versatile choice, a great pairing with almost any outfit, but for a real feel-good treat reach for rainbow hues like pink, purple or royal blue.

Think you won’t get enough wear out of a technicolour tote? Then grab a mirror-bright clutch or pair of heels, make them the focus of an all-black evening ensemble, and watch the compliments flood in.

Taylor Tote, £310, Brix + Bailey (brixbailey.com)
Selina T Bar Point Heels in Gold, £65, Office (office.co.uk), pictured below

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PALE PALETTE

White leather in winter? It’s not as unorthodox as you might think.

The counterpoint to rock chick black, matte leather in ivory or cream actually works well for evening. Take a pair of pale co-ordinates, like a boxy tee and matching skirt, and wear with dark strappy sandals, then separate and you’ve doubled your daywear options.

Think of a white leather shirt as you would its denim counterpart, pairing with black skinny jeans or tucking it into a midi skirt, or fake it with a detachable PU collar.

Switch out your black biker jacket for a dove-grey version or bomber, choosing a loose, minimalist style that’s big enough to layer over a fluffy jumper for extra warmth.

White Leather Shirt, £175, and Leather Pencil Skirt, £175, both
Marques'Almeida X Topshop (topshop.com)
Grey Collarless Leather Jacket, £136.50 (currently reduced from £195), Wallis (wallis.co.uk), pictured below

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ALL IN THE DETAIL

Leather doesn’t have to be minimalist to be modern. Touch-me textures and flippy fringing add interest to monochrome pieces.

Laser-cut detailing tempers the gothic overtones of a leather LBD, making for a pretty cocktail frock. With such intricate detailing it’s best to keep jewellery fuss-free: just a sleek gold necklace and cuff bracelet will do.

Same goes for prints and leather fringing. There’s something fun about a bag or jacket that swishes when you walk, but stick to one fringed piece to avoid edging overload, or pick one animal motif per outfit, rather than a jungle’s worth of hides.

Dickins & Jones Cap Sleeve Leather Dress, £167.30 (currently reduced from £239), House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk)
Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag, £40, ASOS (asos.com), pictured below

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