7 Ways YOU Can Wear Leather & Keep It Classy

If you were to ask younger me if I could wear a leather ________

( jacket, skirt, bracelet, WHATEVER) the answer would’ve gone something like this: (*nervous giggle)….”oh wait, you’re serious? No, um I’m not really the ‘biker type.’ I’ll leave the leather jackets and Harley’s to my Dad.  Unless…shoes? Do, leather shoes count?”

I was obviously extremely well rounded and not sheltered at all.

From time to time we love to do a style post as a practical way to help you celebrate life. And while this post is definitely going to lean more towards the ladies, guy readers, you are about to get SO many gift ideas and even links to purchase said gift ideas. So basically, you’re all welcome 😉

Has there ever been a trend that you wanted to try but didn’t have the confidence to pull off?  (like Camo maybe?) A look you thought was so cute, JUUUUUST not for you. It was reserved for “other” people.

You know the ones. More confident, skinnier, better hair, popular, bigger bank account?

Well guess what you- that is a lie in your head.  You can adapt and pull off just about any fashion trend you set your mind to if you’ll just believe you can.  Your style doesn’t define you. It enhances who you already are and is a reflection on how you view yourself. C’mon you know its true.  How many times are you having “one of those days” and all you want is your giant gray sweatshirt. 😉

But here’s the thing you forget, lovely one: you have been formed together and wonderfully made by a God who is CRAZY in love with you.

SIDE RANT: When I was in 9th grade I went on a missions trip to Russia. And one of our interpreters frequently used the phrase, “Crazy, Nuts, Insane.” Please imagine that in a thick Russian Accent.  So awesome.

The moral of that side rant is this: that’s how much you’re No Small Life is adored and celebrated by heaven.  You are loved in a manner that is so over the top crazy that our human minds can’t even comprehend it.  Let that sink in and boost your confidence. And let that confidence spill over and nudge you to try a few things outside your comfort zone.  You know, like something a little more fun that your college sweatshirt. 😉

Now, if you’re anything like younger me and perhaps shied away from the leather trend reserving it for “other people,” I’ve got fantastic news for you. I’m going to show you 5 pieces and 7 outfits that’ll help you easily wear leather or ‘pleather’ for all my vegan buddies out there.

Ready to have a little fun? Well, buckle up because I refuse to take myself too seriously when doing a fashion shoot for a post. To easily shop this post, click the links throughout AND the handy dandy graphic at the end of the post.

*this post contains affiliate links

For those of you just dipping your toe into the trend, here is your new best friend: ¾ leather accent sleeved cardigan.

Here’s a similar one for $12 DOLLARS!

This is EASY to pull off no matter what your body type or areas you’re not looking to accent may be. The attention is drawn to your fore arm. Your FORE ARM. Fore arm’s don’t have fat days! You will basically just feel cute all the time when you wear this 😉

Here I paired it will an Express tank, Express girlfriend jean, grey booties and a double layer necklace from The Limited. Can we all just have a moment of silence for The Limited. Sad day. But here’s a similar necklace for $6!

Alright, when you think of leather what’s the first thing that pops in your head? Jacket immaright? Why not update it with a fun color? I got this burgundy “leather” on clearance at in Florida. WHERE WE SHOULD ALL GO TO BUY LEATHER BECAUSE WHO NEEDS A LEATHER JACKET IN FLORIDA?! Please forgive the bitter cold mid-western in me rising to the surface.

I’m showing you two ways here.  One a little more casual:

Striped Long Sleeved Tee, Express Distressed Mid-Rise Legging Jean, Target Slip-on Sneaker

AND…this is what happens when I tried to make my sister (aka photographer) laugh. If you listen real hard you can almost hear her rolling her eyes.

Yep and here we go. Real life kids. Necklace in the mouth. Totally #bitit. #nailedit #urwelcomeforincludingit.

Let’s “serious” this up a bit and go a little more business casual:

Boot-cut denim, plaid boyfriend shirt, Limited necklace (similar) RIP Limited.

While we’re on leather jackets, you know what combo I go “crazy, nuts, insane” over? ( You’re gonna use that phrase, just you watch.) Leather & Lace: feminine with a little edge. Love it.

Here I paired a Lace Express tank with a brown leather Express Jacket, my ‘Inspire’ Giving Keys necklace, Girlfriend jeans, and tan booties from F21.

And one more Leather & Lace look:

Navy Leather vest from Kohls (it’s old but here’s are similar ones in gray & black under $25!) Long sleeved lace shirt , Giving Keys necklace, girlfriend jeans, nude pumps.

Wanna take your leather to the office or a night on the town? Try a leather skirt. (on crazy sale btw) The key here? Fit. Tight leather sends the wrong message. Just let it “skim” if you will and you’ll be good to go.

Here I paired it with an Express chambray shirt, and accessorized (because “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”-Steel Magnolias :D) with a F21 statement necklace, animal print heels, brown leather purse, (check out this awesome & INEXPENSIVE clutch from Lime & Dot) and an Express wrap bracelet stolen borrowed from my sister.

and ONE last one because SHOES!

Similar, similar, similar.

Alright, lastly, if you’re feeling bold. If you’re like you know what Megan, I’m diving all into this leather trend thing. Well here you go, leather leggings. Just do yourself a favor and wear something looser and non-leather on top lest you resemble Sandy from ‘Grease.’

You’ve been warned.

Here I went a little more casual with an Express boyfriend plaid shirt, necklace, Target slip on, some of my favorite sunglasses (similar), and my puppy-nephew Corran. He’s very strong and has the energy of 4 toddlers on Redbull.

This look would also easily go from day to night by swapping out the sneakers for black heels and the casual necklace for a more blingy statement piece. Like this.

See wasn’t that easy? You’re No Small Life can totally wear leather or just about any other trend you’re intimidated by.  It’s one thing to know what flatters your body and dress yourself accordingly.  It’s a another thing altogether, however, to avoid something because you “don’t think you could pull it off.”  You are adored with a love that’s “Crazy, Nuts, Insane.” You’re worth the investment of time and thought it takes to put yourself together.  Not because you’re defined by it, but because it enhances who you already are.

And “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Col 3:14.

Until next time,

Meg

Loving these style posts? There’s more where that came from!

Here’s 3 Ways to wear Camo

5 Ways to wear a statement necklace

How to wear 1 dress all 4 Seasons

AND…how my No fail trick to getting ready quickly!

SUBSCRIBE HERE