Life is full of rules—even in fashion. Don’t mix prints. Match your bag to your shoes. Black and brown don’t go together. We use all kinds of rules to bring a sense of order to our lives, and while they’re certainly necessary, we don’t always need to follow them. After all, following rules religiously would be like having a strict itinerary while on vacation. Sure, it keeps you organized and lets you make the most of your trip. But often, it’s the spontaneous detours and schedule deviations that bring the most fun and memorable moments.
The same could be said for fashion—there are rules you can follow for a chic albeit formulaic look, but breaking the rules can sometimes lead to the most unforgettable and potentially trendsetting looks.
One rule (or is it even a rule?) we’ve seen “broken” within the fashion world in recent years is avoiding leather during the warmer seasons. If you’ve been following the latest news in fashion, you probably already know that leather is one of the top trends for Spring 2024. With all the runway looks and celebrity outfits we’ve seen rocking this edgy material, it’s safe to say that this is one rule that was made to be broken. It may seem like an impractical choice, but fashion is all about pushing boundaries—and wearing leather in the springtime is a great way to do it..
Thinking of experimenting with leather this spring? Here are some ideas to help you rock this edgy trend in a way that’s seasonally appropriate:
Layer with Light Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics help balance the heaviness of leather. You could, for example, wear a chiffon blouse (bonus points if it’s in white or pastel color) under a black leather jacket or with your favorite pair of leather pants for a contrasting look that is sleek yet feminine.
Or maybe wear a cute leather top with a pair of gauze shorts (shorts are also one of the top trends this spring season!) for an extra trendy look.
Look for Pastel Leather
Dolce Cabo Faux Leather Dress with Flutter Sleeves
Some of this season’s on-trend colors aren’t exactly the usual ones that come to mind when you think of springtime. As seen on runways and magazines, statement hues such as fiery reds, chocolate browns, and acid greens have taken center stage this spring. But of course, the traditional spring palette of softer pastel tones is still highly trendy as well.
With that in mind, we suggest marrying your edgy leather with the candy-colored tones of the season. Give your leather looks a more spring-y vibe by opting for pieces in lovely pastel hues such as blush pink, icy blue, and mint.
Choose a Lightweight Leather
Obviously, leather isn’t as cool (not in the literal sense, at least) and breathable as cotton or linen—but that doesn’t mean you can’t be comfy in leather during the warmer months. The trick is to choose leather garments made from materials like lambskin or perforated leather, which offer more breathability and comfort.
If you’d rather go faux, polyurethane or PU leather is typically thinner and more breathable than other synthetic options.
Combine Different Textures
Dolce Cabo Faux Leather Pleated Shorts
One way to incorporate leather into a springtime look is to mix it up with textures commonly associated with the season, such as denim or gauzy fabrics. Picture a leather jacket worn over a pale pink tulle maxi skirt and some white sneakers—eclectic and edgy, yet perfectly spring-appropriate, wouldn’t you say?
You could also pair a leather mini skirt with a linen top or wear a denim jacket with a flowy, semi-sheer top and leather leggings. Experiment with different combinations to see what textures work best with each other.
Layer with Knits
To ease yourself into the idea of wearing leather in the springtime, try layering your leather pieces with lightweight knits. This, of course, is best executed at the onset of the spring season, when temperatures are still cool enough to combine knitwear and leather.
After all, when seasons change, the shifts in temperature and weather patterns don’t just happen overnight. Seasonal changes tend to be more gradual, which is why it makes sense to transition your wardrobe as well.
Experiment with Silhouettes
Dolce Cabo Faux Leather Wrap Skirt
Playing around with different silhouettes allows for a fresh and versatile approach to wearing leather in the springtime. For instance, you could opt for a leather midi skirt—or any other style that looks sleek and streamlined—and a lightweight cropped sweater that’s loose and oversized. You could also try a tailored leather blazer with a flowy maxi dress to add structure and edge to an otherwise soft and breezy look.
For a more relaxed vibe, pair leather biker shorts with an oversized graphic tee and sneakers for a trendy streetwear-inspired outfit.
Pair with a Floral Print
Floral prints are a spring classic. You can never go wrong with a floral dress—but why not pair it with leather for an unexpected twist? Wear a leather jacket over a floral sundress or pair a leather shirt with a flowy maxi dress in a floral print. The edginess of the leather offers an interesting contrast against the feminine softness of a breezy floral dress, giving you a diversely chic springtime look.
Just because temperatures are rising and we’re getting more hours of daylight, doesn’t mean you need to pack away your beloved leather gear, to be forgotten for the next few months in a sad corner of your closet. Leather is still very much in this season, and you can definitely make the most of your carefully selected pieces by integrating them into your springtime wardrobe.
The key to successfully pulling off leather clothing in the springtime lies in finding the perfect balance between the inherent heaviness and edginess of leather with the lighter, breezier aesthetic of the season. This is achieved by mixing them with lightweight fabrics and textures; finding leather pieces in bright pastel or even neon hues; and embracing spring-appropriate prints. By mixing and matching leather with lighter elements, you can create outfits that are fresh, trendy, and exciting, while at the same time ensuring comfort and practicality for the warmer weather.
So, there you have it. Can you wear leather in spring? As long as you do it right, absolutely!
