You probably know by now that I love fashion and most definitely consider shopping an excellent form of cardio. Something that I love just as almost as much as shopping for myself is doling out fashion advice! Sometimes my friends ask me for it, and sometimes I just give it out unsolicited. How annoying generous is that? I’m just looking out for you!
Here’s a question I received from one of my readers:
Dear Lady Olive,
I need your expert style advice. I tried this leather dress on today at BELK and LOVED it? What do you think? I’m debating whether I can pull off the leather trend!
-Fear and Leather
The leather trend (real and faux alike) has been gaining momentum for a while and I don’t know about you but I…can’t…stop…(the Miley Cyrus jokes are getting old, so I won’t even go there.)
Sure, leather can be edgy and a little bit rock ‘n roll, but it can also be chic, elegant and classic! It all depends on how you style it.
So, my short answer is:
YES YES, like an Herbal Essences commercial, YES you can pull off the leather trend.
Here I have selected three leather/faux leather dresses that are TAILORED and more FITTED than a typical shift dress. The fit of a leather dress is CRITICAL to how it flatters your body.
Top to Bottom: Halogen/ BB Dakota/ Express
I would pair a leather or leather-look dress (I own the one pictured from Express) with dark grey polish, black or neutral shoes and a bold pink lip for a classic yet subtly edgy look. I’d wear my hair in a high bun or in a teased ponytail with a cat eye made with my favorite STILA liner! Maybe throw on some pearls for a little juxtaposition.
For my readers with curves: Don’t think that a loose dress will suddenly make you look like Audrey Hepburn. No. Audrey could pull off loose fits because of her petite frame and she was not exactly bootylicious. A womanly body is not only beautiful, but begs to be accentuated by curve hugging shapes, not hidden in a baggy shroud of fabric. Extreme bagginess is not your friend!
For my more athletic shaped readers: You can pretty much wear anything without having to use visual tricks aka fashion sorcery (and I’m jealous). However, if you’re looking to add the illusion of a more feminine shape, the tailored cuts of these dresses nip in your waist, creating a more hourglass appearance.
So you see, it’s a win-win situation.
Fear not the leather trend. You may be surprised by how versatile this look really is!
Please email me with any style questions you might have! I would LOVE to help you create the perfect outfit for your body, budget and taste!
theladyoliveblog@gmail.com
Love leather dresses! I agree that the fit needs to be perfect though, you are totally right!