Over 60 and a Size 8 on Mounjaro: How I Style Leather

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Anyone planning an autumn/winter wardrobe refresh will have noticed that leather and faux leather are dominating the season. From trousers, culottes and skirts to dresses, shirts and jackets, the trend is appearing in a rich variety of colours.

Back in the 1990s, I practically lived in my black Jigsaw leather trousers. At £90, they felt extraordinarily expensive at the time — more than my weekly rent — but they proved to be a brilliant investment. I wore them throughout the weekend, on nights out and whenever I wanted to make an impression on a date.

I was in my early 30s then. Now, at 60, I had accepted that my days of wearing leather were behind me.

That changed in September, when I saw Marie-France van Heel, the 56-year-old wife of PM Andy Burnham, arrive at the Labour Party conference looking incredible in a burgundy faux leather skirt from Next (£46 and still available), styled with a crisp white shirt.

Not long afterwards, Catherine Zeta Jones, 57, was photographed in New York looking equally glamorous in skin-tight leather trousers.

Perhaps I’m not too old to feel fabulous in leather after all? I’m also still enjoying the novelty of being a size 8, thanks to Mounjaro. After taking it for six months, until May 2025, I lost four dress sizes, moving from an 18 to a 12. I have continued to lose weight and have been a size 8 since Easter.

The question was how to wear leather successfully. I wanted to look polished and stylish — not like an ageing Hell’s Angel.

The fashion team reassured me that modern leather pieces are versatile, beautifully cut and suitable for every age. Crucially, the choice extends far beyond the traditional jacket or pair of trousers.

Alongside classic black and brown, designers are offering an expansive palette of luxurious shades. Faux leather has also improved so dramatically that it can now be almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing.

Here is my verdict on the pieces I tried — and the styles that could delight any midlife leather fan.

TAILOR-MADE FOR WORK

When I first began wearing leather, around 1996, it was considered completely unsuitable for the office — unless you happened to work in a Harley-Davidson repair shop. This tailored pencil skirt, however, is thoroughly work-appropriate.

Its mid-length cut and deep purple shade make an impact, particularly when paired with a contrasting scarlet polo knit. The skirt is so well made that, had the label not revealed it was faux leather, I would never have known.

SOFTLY CHIC SHIRT

Claudia models a ‘butter-soft’ leather shirt (£350)

A leather shirt had never previously crossed my mind. I assumed it would be stiff, restrictive and uncomfortably warm. In reality, this one was a pleasant surprise.

The reddish-brown shirt has a relaxed fit and looks youthful and contemporary with my favourite high-waisted flared jeans. I could also wear it with a smart midi skirt or open over a T-shirt in warmer weather. That versatility makes the price easier to defend, while the leather itself is wonderfully soft.

For a more affordable alternative, Zara sells a fitted leather-effect shirt for £27.99.

WHEN DENIM WON’T DO

Jeans are my usual choice for relaxed dressing, but leather and faux leather — such as these trousers from Sosandar — can instantly elevate a casual outfit while retaining its easy feel.

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With a high waist, straight leg and soft olive-green finish, these trousers gave me a touch of rock-chick attitude. They looked particularly good with an on-trend argyle knit.

MINI MARVEL

Claudia wears a Sosander leather mini skirt (£145, sosander.com)

I was already feeling brave about leather, but a leather mini skirt seemed like an even bigger leap. Surely that would be taking things too far?

This A-line design proved me wrong. Styled with a relaxed low-heeled boot and an elegant high-neck blouse, it creates a youthful, effortlessly polished look without veering into the ‘mutton’ territory I had feared. It is also excellent value for genuine leather.

DARING DOUBLE-UP

I have always treated leather like denim and generally avoided wearing two pieces together. I worried that trousers teamed with a long coat would make me look like Neo’s mum from The Matrix. Instead, the combination was surprisingly sophisticated.

I particularly like culottes as an alternative to close-fitting trousers. The long coat feels wonderfully luxurious and is polished enough to wear over an outfit for a Christmas party.

For a less expensive option, New Look offers a selection of faux leather coats from £63.99.

A-LINE LUXE

When you pay a premium for a piece, you want it to look and feel special. This skirt delivers on both counts.

Crafted from exceptionally soft Nappa leather, it has an elegant A-line shape, deep front pockets and a central pleat.

The structured cut creates a beautiful silhouette and makes it easy to style with almost anything, including this gorgeous slouchy striped jumper from Baukjen.

BRING ON THE BOMBER

For anyone investing in a single leather piece, a bomber jacket is a timeless choice. Black may be the obvious option, but a lighter shade gives this classic shape a fresher, more feminine feel.

This beautiful jacket comes with an investment-level price tag, but it is exquisitely made from soft Napa leather and finished with distinctive details at the cuffs, collar and hem. With proper care, it should last for years.

It looks effortlessly cool with jeans, while also working beautifully over a smart skirt or dress.

For standout designs at a more approachable price, Topshop — available through johnlewis.com — has a strong selection of faux leather jackets from £59.99.

LOOKING SWISH

Leather and cashmere make an exceptionally chic pairing, combining luxury with the cosy appeal of autumn/winter dressing.

This chocolate-brown faux leather midi skirt brings unexpected movement to the fabric. Its high-waisted shape is flattering and beautifully swishy, especially when styled with soft oatmeal-coloured cashmere.