Hey Beauties! (Dying to be on a beach with a vodka soda somewhere) Fall is fast approaching and while I didn’t leave my joggers and beanie in last fall/winter, there are some things I did. I’m not always a big fan of jeans as weird as that may sound. I always gravitate towards black jeans and own several pieces of light wash denim but girl… they sit there all cute and hung in my closet while my “go-to’s” are within reach at all times. When you have 2 pairs of go-to jeans it’s really not hard to keep them close. I love a good oversized sweater/hoodie with leggings and a pair of chunky socks but sometimes the occasion calls for something a little more “spiffy”. LEATHER…LEATHER…LEATHER… Leather over everything else, ALWAYS! I die “like literally” for anything leather. I think the fabric and overall feel it brings to a look is so bad a** and really adds something to an outfit. You can take a simple oversized sweater or flannel, add your leather and a pair of stacked boots and queen…. It’s DONE! Same applies for a leather skirt or shorts; simply adding another texture takes a simple piece to a new level.
Modish Options
Casual… Said No One Ever
Where I call home, it doesn’t snow or freeze by any means but we still have our colder days. If the suns shining and its “chilly” a pair of leather pants and a pullover is the way I move. I was heading out to an early dinner and drinks and wanted something casual but still wanted to look like I made an “effort”. Heading straight for my leathers it was time to decide what vibe I was going for. Let’s start with the basics here… what indeed does anyone mean when they say, “I want something casual yet put together!” My take on this is always a variety of different fabrics or highly accessorized to show effort. A simple sleek leather bottom (meaning no hardware or pockets) can not only accentuate your figure but spruce up a casual top and shoe choice or even add a chic feel to a dressier top and heeled choice. I must admit that my favorite way to shop is online, being exposed to a variety of choices and edgier styles is key for me but I spend so much time in retail stores that picking up essential pieces here and there is common for me. My go-to spot for my leather pants is ZARA. Their price point is reasonable, and the quality of the items are more than acceptable in my book. I own several leather pieces from the store and have never had an issue with peeling, tearing, or discoloration. I usually stock up and grab a few pairs here and there in case of a rainy day or in case of a “casual but put together” look *wink*
Modish Options
Oh She Expensive
With some form of leather pants floating in my styling brain I decided to re-route and pick a top since ultimately this would decide which leathers were making their weekend debut. If I was going for something cropped I’d have to avoid a legging as they can do unflattering things for your lady parts and I’d have to shy away from a bulky leather if I was going more oversized since this can tend to make you look a little too stumpy when the fabrics are too heavy or OVERLY oversized (is that a term?) you know what I’m getting at though. Light weight sweaters are an easy addition to any fall/winter wardrobe, so I tend to go for something with a slogan, graphic, or even some form of hardware whether it be buttons or a dope zipper. Running my hands across my choices as they hung in the closet, I felt this navy half zip pullover and it was an instant connection. The high collar and navy blue with red lettered slogan was perfect for a black leather option. The coolest thing about this sweater is it’s not only the high collar and extra soft lining, but it also has an elasticated waistband that you are able to prop up a little higher to show the goods and it’ll stay put. I told you the “cool” part of this sweater, but I didn’t tell you the “best” part and that’s the quality and where I copped this gem. The quality is seriously something you’d expect to find at Urban Outfitters or Topshop and girl I found this at Forever 21. I was drawn to it because it looked like something straight out of a streetwear store. The vibe, slogan placement, colorway, even down to the O-Ring zipper was fire. I couldn’t pass on it and knew that the once I styled it up, no one would question the price point (it was inexpensive AF)..
Modish Options
A Sprinkle of Streetwear
Being that this sweater was a waist length (or higher) fit, I went for the sleek leather (thick) legging, these are basically as thick as a leather pant but have zero hardware or pockets besides the “invisible” side and ankle zippers. Next to the ankle zippers, the lace-up front that resembles a football pant has to be my favorite part of these pants since it gives you that snatched appearance and adds a simple edgy detail to the fit. I went for a no-show sock and anklet to spice it up a bit. Finally pairing the look together, the pants hit the smallest part of my waist and being black, slimmed my lower half just as I wanted them to. The option to bubble up the sweater (thanks to the waistband) gave the illusion of an even slimmer lower half and was perfectly balanced. This look was giving me hard streetwear vibes, so I reached for my Zebra Yeezy 350’s to play on the red in the top and it was a perfect match. A combat/heeled boot would have been equally as dope, but I stayed true to the vibe in that moment and went for a sneaker *shrug* Some rendition of this outfit will always be a staple season fit. When the season calls for layers and warmth, you can find me in some form of leather.
What are your staple winter pieces? Are you an accessory queen with hats and coats or ride more for a hoodie and chunky socks? Give me the winter 411. I am so ready to bring out the cozy fits, dress in leather from head to toe, and not sweat to death in my beanie. Just call me the “Gnome Ranger” and know that the department requires me to wear full leather at all times.
