Why You Need Leather Leggings + Tips on How to Style Them

It’s true I love leather leggings, but they weren’t always a closet staple for me. I would be scared that they were too edgy and I didn’t want to look like an edgy rocker chick. I mean that look is awesome on some, but simply not me. I have a fun and girly personality and think that when styled appropriately leather leggings can definitely reflect that. You may have seen me style them in all black before, but today I’m sharing with you how you can pull them off and bring out the fun and feminine side of things.

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels
Mixing prints will show off your fun side.

In addition to the edginess of leather leggings, various prints will show off your fun side. Throw in leopard and you are showing some sass. Add stripes and you are playful. Combine both in the same outfit and you have made a bold mixed prints statement. It’s especially easy to do when they are found in your accessories. Prints on your shoes and bag can be the easiest way to mix prints without looking overly print mixed.

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

A flowy top and jewelry can show off your classy side.

I like to create a classy contrasting look by adding flowy top and feminine jewelry. I have found this tunic to be SO versatile and extremely flattering on all body types. I’ve worn this outfit before with this top in a different color and left it untucked. Depending on your mood, and the look you’re going for, it’s easy to tuck this tunic in or out. I love versatility to be able to mix up my wardrobe whenever possible! Lucky for you, it’s 40% off and only $25 right now.

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

Why you need leather leggings:

These skinny faux leather leggings are a staple in my closet. They can be dressed up in a way that makes you look super edgy. For casual weekends, you can pair it with a tee and flats. For comfortable days, you can wear a sweater and riding boots. For a fun night out, you can wear a flowy top or tank and heels. Whatever your occasion, you can find a way to style them and keep it classy!

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels
To help you find a pair you love, here are three tips:

1. Faux or real leather? I choose faux every time. Not only are they cheaper and vegan-friendly, but they are also much easier to care for than leather. They wash well and the spandex nature of them make them a great fit too!

2. Avoid high glossy styles. I find these too loud and flashy. They call a lot of attention to your pants, and since leather leggings already make a sexy statement it’s not necessary to be calling that much attention to your legs.

3. Look for pant-like styles. Every time I tried on a pair of the cheap spandex leather leggings, they just would not fit. They were either too tight or saggy, or too short for my long legs. They just didn’t fit right. I finally invested in a pant’s version of these leggings and don’t know how I ever survived without them! With the addition of pockets and belt loops, they are an awesome multi-purpose style.

Leather leggings, olive green tunic, striped clutch, and leopard print heels

I’d love to hear, what’s your favorite way to style leather leggings?

Keep smiling!
missMollyHeader


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I’m wearing Elizabeth and James Fillmore sunglasses from Ditto. Get endless rotation of designer eyewear shipped to your door. Use my code ‘STYLEMISSMOLLY’ to get your first month FREE!

Other related posts I think you might enjoy:

Why Wearing All Black Doesn’t Have to Be Drab

Mixing Textures in All Black

Mixed Prints for Beginners

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Molly Lawson

I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!

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39 Comments

  1. Monika
    February 8, 2016 / 12:09 am

    Great tips! I am always scared to try leather pants (reminds me Friends episode with Ross and his leather pants :D).. You have styled the entire look so well and it looks girly/fun/stylish/edgy all at the same time 🙂

    Love, Monica
    http://www.palateforstyle.com

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:36 pm

      Thanks Monika! That’s so funny what you said about leather pants! Thanks for the compliments! I love to style them different ways!

  2. Ruthie Ridley
    February 8, 2016 / 2:08 am

    The clutch and the shoes are amazing!!!!! I need those pants too. Just perfect love! Xo

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:38 pm

      Thanks! Stripes and leopard!? I’ll take it! Have a great week!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:39 pm

      Thanks Mikayla! You could totally rock a pair of them! And this olive top has gotten me through the fall and winter so much!

  3. February 8, 2016 / 8:05 am

    I used to have a pair of faux leather leggings, but recently got rid of them. I love the style you feature here and definitely wishing I hadn’t tossed mine!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:40 pm

      I tossed a pair recently, but that’s because they were old and didn’t fit right. Hope you get a new pair that you love! They would look great on you!

  4. February 8, 2016 / 8:40 am

    I like to look for pant-like styles too for any legging including faux or real leather. Also, I feel you on the whole not wanting to look like an edgy rocker chick thing. Not me either. I mean, I’ve got a spunky personality but not necessarily biker jacket, leather leggings type of spunky lmao. You did a great job of taking the edge out of the legging while still leaving a little.

    http://www.dressupchowdown.com

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:41 pm

      Thanks for saying that! I definitely don’t want to be too edgy so adding feminine accessories and other delicate pieces definitely helped.

  5. February 8, 2016 / 2:33 pm

    I just bought my first pair of leather leggings a couple weeks ago and am OBSESSED! My husband isn’t too sure he likes them, but too bad! I feel hot in them! Mine are a bit more shiny, but since I tend to dress them up, I think it works! Love how you styled them here!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:42 pm

      That’s so funny your husband doesn’t like them, but I’m sure you look amazing! Keep wearing them! 🙂

  6. Kait Elizabeth
    February 8, 2016 / 5:13 pm

    I love love love my leather pants. They add such chicness to any look! Hugs, Kait
    http://makeminemaroon.com/

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:42 pm

      I’m sure you look great in leather pants! You can rock anything!

  7. Autumn Dickens
    February 8, 2016 / 6:56 pm

    Leather leggings are awesome! I had a pair I use to wear every other day. Haha. I love them, and they go with so many pieces. Love this outfit!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:43 pm

      Thanks! I love the versatility! So awesome that you find so many ways to wear them too!

  8. Belle Vie A Deux
    February 8, 2016 / 7:05 pm

    Ugh I need all of this! My leather leggings are about ready to be replaced and I need to get these!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:44 pm

      Girl, get it! You deserve it and they will look great on you!

  9. February 8, 2016 / 8:04 pm

    I love my leather leggings! But mine are true leggings, so I’ve got to keep my bum covered. I love yours since they are more like pants. It really is amazing how many different ways you an style them.

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:45 pm

      That’s smart to keep the bum covered! I have many leggings that i have to do with this. Often even when wearing these skinny leather pants I will wear this shirt untucked. Makes for an entirely different look and I love it too!

  10. February 8, 2016 / 8:06 pm

    You are ROCKING those leather leggings, girl! One day, I WILL buy a pair in full confidence! lol

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:45 pm

      Oh girl I know you will and will ROCK them too! 🙂

  11. Shell Peterson
    February 9, 2016 / 8:15 am

    Great post Molly! I love my leather pants…maybe a little to obsessed with them! LOL
    Also, LOVE the stella and dot clutch!
    xo, Shell
    http://acourageousbeauty.com/

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:47 pm

      Glad you liked the post, thank you! Think it’s so funny you’re obsessed with leather pants too! You look great in them!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:47 pm

      Leopard and stripes!? Can’t go wrong with that! Thank you!

  12. February 9, 2016 / 6:26 pm

    Leather (well, plether…) leggings are so fun! I have a pair that I pull out for fun occasions!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:47 pm

      Ahhh yes, “pleather” lol I love them too!

  13. Aiko Cunanan
    February 9, 2016 / 6:36 pm

    Gorgeous! Thanks for the wonderful tips! I’ve been trying to find the perfect pairs… Definitely a great closet staple!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:48 pm

      Thank you Aiko, I’m so glad you love them too! They would look AMAZING on you!

  14. February 9, 2016 / 7:03 pm

    I bought a pair of leather leggings a couple of weeks back and absolutely love them. You look so pretty and love your tips to style leather pants, I am definitely on it 😉
    xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:48 pm

      Thanks Kusum, so glad you found a pair you love! Can’t wait to see you style them!

  15. February 10, 2016 / 5:36 am

    Loved this post. I’ve been considering getting some leather leggings and you’ve convinced me that I should give them a go. Thank you!

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:48 pm

      You’re welcome Cassandra! Glad I could help! Hope you find the perfect pair! Thank you!

  16. February 13, 2016 / 7:06 pm

    molly–this is an item i need to get! i’ve seen a lot of bloggers sport the blanknyc faux leather leggings and they always look great. i haven’t been able to find a pair, but maybe bc it is what you said, to look for a pair that look like pants vs leggings. did you know they are on major sale right now?!?! gah, sad they don’t have my size anymore but oh well. i will keep looking! happy galentines babe! xoxo,

    janna | http://www.jannadoan.com

    • February 15, 2016 / 10:44 pm

      What, they’re on sale!?! That’s awesome! They weren’t when I posted them. So sorry they don’t have your size! I hate it when that happens. Hopefully you’ll find a pair you love soon!

  17. February 15, 2016 / 10:46 pm

    Thanks Natasha! Leather pants don’t have to be all edgy!

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