Rescu’s resident stylist, Josh Flinn shows us how to master the art of wearing leather from head to toe! (Not all at once of course…)
By Josh Flinn
Twitter: @joshflinn
Ah, leather….is there nothing better than the smell of well worn hide? (I am guessing a few vegetarians may disagree with me!) But to me Skin….Is In! And this season–and for many more to come–leather pieces can become a permanent fixture in your wardrobe. Think of it as an old friend, a go-to-guy when that all important flash of fashion inspiration leaves you. I wanted to give you some helpful hints on how to wear leather like a second skin–not let it become a monster in your closet!
Firstly, try to pick leather pieces of high quality, and that will last the test of time.
How to wear leather
Let’s start at the top (half!):
A trusty fitted bomber or crop jacket will stand you in good stead for many many moons. Too delicate and it won’t last, too rough and it will work against you. Instead, opt for a mid-weight that you can throw over a tee, maxi skirt and boots or even your special LBD to up the cool quotient.
A slimline skirt in leather has a multitude of guises but the best way to take this look from dull to delicious is to keep it simple. An on-trend peplum accent, texture or zip detail screams chic not cheap. Adding a blouse or rock tee and boots for day and a statement necklace and sling backs for dinner means this piece can do double duty without feeling tired…
Now, let’s not forget it’s all in the details. Leather accessories are a fantastic way to dip your toe in the water of wild, without getting your hair wet. A bold belt, thick and cinched at the waist is attention grabbing without seeking, and gives your curves a little leg up. Don’t even get me started on bags and shoes in leather! A whole novel could be written on the merits of a great clutch, pump or platform.
And how can you not mention leather trousers in a feature like this! Sure, they are not for everyone but pop on a sleek slippery pair and tell me you don’t feel sexy! The trick is to go for a good fit, not Glad Wrap. My pick is a tailored trouser that skims the body with a higher rise. These little beauties look great with a tailored jacket, button up shirt and sky high heels.
Some words of caution ladies–if all this talk of skin and hide has got you hot under the collar–beware! Less in leather is definitely more. These pieces are meant to be worn as statement, stand alone pieces. If you go head-to-toe you run the risk of catching the train to Trashville. There are only two women in the world that I feel have successfully pulled off this look–Suzi Quatro and Catwoman.
You can follow all the trends and buy the latest pieces but to me there is something incredibly satisfying about trawling through a market or spending a bit of time at a charity store and coming across a real treasure. It won’t always happen but when it does you have hit the jackpot! Why? Because someone else has done all the wearing-in for you!!!
Now….Get Hunting!!!