Think leather always seems to look tacky? This is how to be more Kate Moss cool rather than Kim Kardashian overkill – and avoid Hailey Bieber’s fashion faux pas, stylist reveals

Love them or hate them, leather ensembles have often been a mainstay of winter fashion.

Some women adore the shiny figure-hugging fabric, while others are convinced that it will appear tacky and uncomfortable.

Indeed, some celebrities have certainly struggled to pull off leather – with Victoria Beckham said to still be haunted by her unflattering skin-tight black leather bomber jackets adored by her and David in the late 1990s. 

But in recent months, leather looks have proved immensely popular, with Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss and Hailey Bieber seen embracing the material in a bid to elevate their outfits.

Yet, how does one avoid falling victim to looking tacky if they’re to embrace the leather trend? According to fashion stylist Lisa Talbot, leather done badly ‘can tip into try-hard territory very quickly’. 

‘But styled well, leather trousers can be one of the most flattering, confidence-boosting pieces in your wardrobe,’ she added.

To achieve Kate Moss’s ‘effortless’ leather look, rather than Kim Kardashian’s ‘excess’, Lisa gives the following ‘essential’ dos and don’ts when wearing leather… 

Opt for a more relaxed fit

When choosing a leather outfit this season, Lisa advises selecting a ‘straight-leg, relaxed or softly tailored fit that skims the body’. 

While tight-skinned leather may once have been all the rage, she adds that leather is meant to ‘move with you, not look sprayed on’. 

A loose cut set of trousers, rather than leather leggings, are set to elevate your spring wardrobe and could even add to your workwear wardrobe. 

Lisa adds: ‘Ultra-tight leather leaves very little to the imagination and very little room for comfort.’

According to the stylist, Kate Moss’s more relaxed leather trousers allow her to style her outfits with impeccable ‘ease’.

However, while Kim Kardashian is often partial to a body-con leather look, she adds that they are ‘dramatic and rarely wearable in real life’. 

In contrast, however, she adds: ‘Zendaya opts for tailored leather trousers styled with elegance and restraint.

Don’t wear leather head-to-toe

While a head-to-toe leather outfit is certainly making a resurge, Lisa strongly advises against leaning into that option. 

She explains that by combining a leather jacket with leather trousers, one can ‘feel heavy, dated and costumey’. 

There are, however, exceptions, with the stylist adding that if the look is carefully crafted and ‘you’re very deliberate’, you may be able to pull it off. 

To avoid coming across tacky, Lisa explains that leather should be ‘balanced’ with ‘soft or structed fabrics’. 

These can include the following: crisp white shirts, cashmere knits and tailored blazers. 

‘This contrast instantly makes the look more grown-up,’ she explains.

Keep accessories simple

When planning out your summer outfits with a leather addition, Lisa advises against the tendency to ‘overstyle’ your outfit.

She explains: ‘Leather already makes a statement, piling on bold jewellery, logos and heels can push it into “trying too hard”.’

Instead, she suggests one should lean into more simple and intentional pieces in your repertoire.

To achieve this, Lisa suggests adding the following: minimal gold jewellery, a classic handbag and clean footwear. 

‘Think polish, not performance,’ she advises.  

Avoid really shiny leather

While shiny leather may be tempting, it can ‘feel harsh’, especially in the light of day. 

In contrast, pieces such as matte leather typically looks more expensive, while pieces such as chocolate brown leather or even a burgundy or deep olive can, according to Lisa, be ‘easier to style’. 

The fashion expert adds that by incorporating ‘softer finishes and colours’ into your wardrobe, you can truly dress to impress. 

Indeed, while previous seasons have been almost exclusively dominated by black or brown shades of leather, more colourful leather options have now began to take prominence.  

Keep the top half lighter and more fitted 

While one may be tempted to add a more bulkier item on your top half, Lisa notes that ‘chunky knits and oversized tops paired with leather trousers’ are a big no.

Combining a more oversized item with leather trousers ‘can overwhelm your frame’, she warns.

Instead, Lisa advises opting for a lighter and more fitted item on the top half, to ‘create balance’ and also ‘define the waist’. Items she recommends include: fine-gauge knits, ribbed tops and tucked-in tees. 

Don’t wear heavy, clunky shoes

When it comes to footwear, one must think carefully about how it ties an outfit together, particularly when wearing leather.

Lisa notes that as we move into the spring months, ‘heavy’ and ‘clunky’ shoes are not the best option.

‘Thick trainers or bulky botos can shorten the leg line and make the outfit feel awkward,’ she warns.

So, she instead suggests opting for footwear that can ‘elongate’ and adds: ‘the cleaner the shoe, the more elevated the look’. 

To achieve this combination, Lisa suggests selecting: pointed-toe flats, sleek ankle boots or a low heel. 

Add structure to your outfit 

One thing is for sure: leather trousers are a far cry from the relaxed look of joggers and therefore should be styled accordingly. 

Lisa insists that ‘treating leather like casual loungewear’ is a firm no. If one is committing to a leather look, they should instead be adding a strong sense of structure. 

‘Leather trousers aren’t joggers and styling them too casually can look sloppy rather than cool,’ she explains.

Instead, choosing pieces such as blazers, sharp shirts and belts can help to ‘define shape’ and bring a look together. 

‘This is where leather really comes into its own,’ she adds.

Ultimately, when looking to pull off leather this spring, the key is achieving a ‘effortless’, rather than ‘engineered’ look.

Lisa explains: ‘If you feel uncomfortable, restricted or overly “done”, the outfit isn’t working.

‘Get the fit right, soften the styling, and keep the rest of the outfit simple and leather trousers can be one of the most chic pieces you own.’