The Elegance of Leather and Lace

The best of fall fashion this year is whimsical, dramatic, flirtatious and delightfully unexpected. Designers have played with proportions, borrowed from menswear, and used luxurious lace to allow women to indulge their fashion fantasies elegantly.

Leather and Lace Fashions

Top designers are showing touches of leather and lace from top to bottom.

Skirts and dresses Short and flirty, skirts and dresses are combining the sexy leather and lace duo for the ultimate feminine look. If you have a playful personality, let it shine through with a flirty mini in a tulip or bubble shape, being shown by designers such as Dolce&Gabanna. The designer’s tulip-shaped tweed and lace skirt becomes almost scandalous -- in an adorable way -- when trimmed in black lace and cut into a cute mini.

Or, mimic the Louis Vuitton look, and pair a full and pale leather skirt with a dark lace blouse. This contrast of dark lace fabric combined with the fluidity of a leather skirt captures the mood of fall perfectly. This bold contrast of fabrics and colors can also be worn in a cocktail dress in show-stopping hues, such as red.

Jackets A good quality, fitted leather jacket is a worthwhile investment piece this season, as seen in Gucci’s line. Look for an elegantly tailored jacket that can be paired over slim trousers, shorts or even well-fitting jeans. To further feminize a leather jacket, look for collars and sleeves with full fur -- both real and faux. 

To stay warm without wearing a full jacket, look for capes with leather trim, as seen in Ferragamo’s line. Capes can be worn over a sporty luxe cable knit sweater and leather shorts. This sexy sportswoman look is perfect for the country club, the dacha or any type of country weekend.

Leather and Lace Accessories

Dramatic and feminine accessories are an easy way to update your look.

Boots The main fall essential is what you put on your feet. For day, try a strappy, tall motorcycle boot or short boot with buckles, which are both being shown by Christian Louboutin. Black riding boots, like those seen in Balenciaga’s line, are a sleek way to stay comfortable. For evening, try lace pumps or lace booties, as seen in Christian Dior and Valentino’s line.

Bags A simple leather bag can be used for almost any occasion, and will never go out of style. For day, sling a basic leather bag over the shoulder with a tailored pants suit. For night, it can complement a flirty mini.

Tights, Gloves and Scarves These fall and winter essentials are an inexpensive way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe. Stock up on dark tights to match your short skirts and shorts. Lace stockings are a subtle and simple way to update your wardrobe. Gloves in leather and suede add polish to any ensemble. A beautiful silk or lace scarf at your neck will set off your face and look fabulous with a tailored jacket. A crisp white scarf will go with any outfit, while gold or other soft neutral will help flatter your skin tone.