Leather: the new wardrobe staple

Leather has become a wardrobe staple, lending itself to a multitude of seasonal outfits. No longer just an accessory or associated with the dominatrix-look of previous seasons; leather has become the main event.

Endlessly versatile, leather befits work wardrobes and cocktail-hour alike. Concurrent with the equestrian and military trend, the look is sharp and tough yet wearable and sleek.

Although a massive trend, leather garments can be quite expensive. Burberry, The Row and Joseph all have stunning autumnal pieces, but some price-tags require uploading a kidney onto eBay to raise sufficient funds. Others may have ethical reasons for not wanting to wear leather or perhaps oppose auctioning off internal organs. Below, I’ve found some high-street substitutes which avoid plasticky finishes or any Ann Summers ‘pleather’ connotations.

Keep it classy with these leather alternatives:

Warehouse Coated Jeggings £42 – a nod to the leather trend, these have a matte, waxy finish which keeps the silhouette streamlined but not shimmery or shiny:

H&M Imitation Leather Mini Skirt £19.99 – this skirt has a grainy appearance and rich colour which looks amazing with pastel knits and ankle boots. To an untrained eye, it may even pass for the real thing:

Burberry Brit Coated Denim Pencil Skirt £195 – a classic wardrobe staple with a fashion-forward twist. Great for work and weekends:

Zara Wax Coated Denim Pants £35.99 – these petrol jeans are a worthy alternative to the standard black-skinny and have a flattering textured, slight-cropped finish: