Faux leather is your new favourite "basic".

Gone are the days when faux (and real) leather was reserved for only the edgiest of fashionistas and Lenny Kravitz's cool crowd (of which I'd love to become a member!!!)... I am thrilled to share that there are now trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, tops and accessories readily available to add that cool edge that only leather (faux or the real thing) brings to any outfit. Let's break this look down and dismantle all of the "I could never get away with that" mystique around this cool girl aesthetic.

Why add faux leather to your wardrobe?

Textile is a great place to add interest to your outfit and vegan leather specifically brings colour, texture and shine to the conversation and, quite simply, changes the language spoken altogether. And there is no doubt that any garment in this fabrication will level up your ensemble and bring some edge to your style statement.

Where can I wear this cool upgrade?

This is where it gets fun... in today's style landscape, this look can be rocked for day to evening to formal and everywhere in between! Take a peek at the bits I've sourced below and know that this edit was HARD as there are about 100 current pieces out there at the mo that I'd love to break down for you, but I've got to narrow it down or these emails will blag on forever :)

Links and How-to's

Let's kick it off with the faded black bomber : This might be the easiest way to ease into this trend. The bomber is a super flattering jacket style which is showing up in every fabrication from leather to sequins both on the runway and on the streets. Rock this to school drop off, dinner with the girls, date night or even over your gym kit for that sweat sesh. Bottom line: The versatility of this piece is endless and accessible to every body type and any personal style.

The Knee High Boot Here's what to note here: Snake print embossed faux leather, a long pointed toe and a mid-height heel gives this under £100 boot a super chic vibe that could easily look designer.

Wear this Pinafore Faux Leather Dress with a crisp white blouse underneath for an equally preppy/edgy date night look.

These Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers are just a vibe and can be dressed down for day with an oversized jumper for a "baggy on baggy" look worn with chunky trainers or with a fitted knit and a heel for night. This is a *MUST BUY* for a quick update to any wardrobe.

Play with colour and fit of your vegan leather! This rouched dress in olive green is both unexpected in this colour and super flattering on! Perfect for an autumn/winter wedding guest fit or any night out.

I might be obsessed with these shiny black trousers... I would rock these day and night with both trainers and the amazing Mary Jane platform pictured above! FYI: I sized up in the trouser as they have zero give and I wanted a looser, hip slung fit. Never concern yourself with the size number... focus on how you want the garment to flow on your body (ex. more fitted VS. drapey). I could bang on about this for AGES.... but that's a whole other blog post :)

This Autumn / Winter is all about SILVER and primarily coated denim or faux leather in this fun and festive metallic. Going with a silver mini is a really safe way to rock this trend as you can tone down the whole look with a creamy jumper and neutral boots. View the metallic as a neutral this winter and keep it playful to keep it current.

The saddle brown Pleated Midi Skirt combines loads of key trends for this season: Midi length, faux leather, full zip hardware and belted waist... add the richness of this neutral colour and you've got yourself a trophy piece that can be worn to the office, or a boozy lunch with the girls or with a sleeveless top in the evening. Slip on a pointy toed kitten heel pump or boot for the full SJP effect. *FYI - The midi length has historically been a challenging length for many, but I'd argue that it can be rocked by every body type if the fit is right! Go on.... try it for yourself!!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on adding faux leather to your wardrobe for AW23 and DM me with questions

Happy Shopping, my stylistas!!

LGxx