Leather sleeved tops, jackets and coats have been at the top of our most-wanted lists for quite a few fashion cycles but it wasn’t until this season that we saw the trend really gain momentum with designers using hides of all kinds from snakeskin to lambskin to toughen up and add an edgy contrast to even the most classic of pieces.
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From heritage minded trench coats to traditional black wool toppers, outerwear of all kinds were given a dose of tough cool with leather sleeves and even epaulets like those seen at Chloe.
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Here’s a crash course on nailing the trend and a look at some of our favorite iterations of it…
Chloe (and above)
Hannah MacGibbon’s swan song at Chloe had a covetable assortment of leather sleeved trench coats but it was her use of graphic python that made for a smart, unexpected statement.
DKNY
Always on trend, DKNY’s prim color-blocked navy and black overcoat was punctuated with thick leather sleeves for a more street ready appeal and unlimited wardrobe potential.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Lim’s army green parka teetered along the masculine/feminine divide with its curved pajama hem and rough & ready contrasting arms in lacquered leather.
What to look for-
- Stick to classic shapes: the trench, the parka, the overcoat, and avoid shapes that are too tough to begin with i.e the motorcycle jacket
- Choose neutrals: look for sleeves in khaki, black, or grey to get the most out of your investment
- Look for well made pieces: the juxtaposition of hide meets fabric calls for proper tailoring and the best of fabrications
- Keep it simple: a clean silhouette that’s print free and unadorned should be the top notes on your agenda
- Remember: that while this is a great way to revitalize your fall wardrobe, it also makes for a fresh and chic update to your cold weather gear and is destined to keep you warmer –-Naveed Hussain