6 leather trouser outfit pairings to try this winter

When it comes to winter wardrobes, it goes without saying that leather jackets are a perennial favourite once the chill sets in. But we firmly believe that a leather trouser deserve equal billing. Warmer than denim, as sleek as tailoring and capable of making even a simple knit or T-shirt look intentional, they offer one of the easiest routes to an instantly elevated cold-weather outfit.

Some of the most stylish celebrities are in agreement. Dua Lipa has styled hers with a minimalist tank and strappy heels, while Gigi Hadid has slipped into many styles, including a low-rise pair worn with a white corset top, and a more wearable balloon-leg style teamed with a white T-shirt, beanie and leather bomber. Not to mention Bella Hadid who has practically made leather trousers the cornerstone of her rodeo-ready rebrand.

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Aeon

Designers are equally invested. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali’s kick-flare styles in deep burgundy, chocolate and smoky grey were paired with fuzzy jackets and lace camisoles. Zimmermann showed voluminous khaki balloon legs, and Max Mara added warmth with camel tones, while rich pinot noir shades appeared at Ferragamo, MSGM and SS Daley.

If you’re considering investing in a pair, remember: fit is everything. There are plenty of silhouettes to choose from, including baggy, high-rise, skinny and flared. Our advice? Try several pairs from different brands and style them with your favourite shoes and accessories to get a sense of whether they work for you.

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Stefania Danese

As for styling, pair high-shine leather with something soft and tactile, say a chunky roll neck, a brushed wool coat or a slouchy cashmere cardigan. For daytime, trainers and a crisp cotton shirt will do, by night, switch to strappy heels or pointed boots and add a lace cami for the full Chloé-effect. Or take a cue from Gigi’s everyday formula and throw on a matching leather bomber, a simple white T-shirt and ballet flats.

Here are six simple outfit formulas to help you get the most wear out of your leather trousers this winter.

Contrast is key

Play with texture and opt for sumptuous silk and plush faux-fur to counteract the polish of a classic pair of kick-flare leather trousers à la Chloé.

Massimo Dutti – Long 100% Silk Camisole Top

M&S – Faux Fur Aviator Coat

Harvey Nichols – Tafira leather trousers

Free People – Ultra dreamy chain belt

CHLOÉ – Paddington embellished leather tote

Arket – Leather riding boots

High shine

Matte leather is a popular choice, but coated leather comes a close second. Patent trouser styles look best when they’re a slouchy fit or barrel-leg, especially when in a glossy cherry red hue.

Arket – Chunky cashmere-wool jumper

Soeur – Coligny double-breasted wool coat

M&S – Leather look textured barrel leg trousers

Burberry – Check cashmere scarf

Marco Panconesi – Huggie earrings

Miista – Bibi courts

Leather-on-leather

Why wear one leather item when you can wear two or three? Like double denim, leather-on-leather is powerful when done right. Match tones and textures to achieve a polished look.

M&S – X 16Arlington leather jacket

Veronica Beard – Mylie ruched knitted turtleneck tank

M&S – X 16Arlington leather trousers

Numbering – Sterling silver earrings

H&M – Rectangular crossbody bag

Harvey Nichols – 75 leather ankle boots

Keep it casual

Consider the leather trouser a key part of your everyday uniform. Keep it simple with a T-shirt and trainers, then slip into kitten heels to carry you into the evening.

Conner Ives – “Protect The Dolls” T-Shirt

RE/DONE – Cropped padded plush-trimmed shell bomber jacket

Mango – Faux-leather trousers with elastic waist

Arket – Wool-cotton zip cardigan

Miu Miu – Suede beau bag

Dries Van Noten – Nylon sneakers

Be bold

Venture away from classic black leather and add a splash of bold colour, like bright red – the colour of the season – into your wardrobe. Wear matching pieces for maximum impact.

KHAITE – Oxblood leather sue jacket

The Underdays – The tank

Harvey Nichols – Callum straight-leg leather trousers

Sessun – Shimoteka high-neck cardigan

Wales Bonner – Leather bowling bag

Dune – Leather ballet flats

Prep it up

Cos – Striped long-sleeved polo shirt

& other stories – Cropped bomber jacket

Reiss – Leather slim-leg trousers

Cos – Marais mini bowling bag

Astrid & Miyu – Bold large hoops

Harvey Nichols – Brown le loafer 15 suede loafers

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk.