There is no other fashion material that comes close to leather. In terms of style, timelessness, and long-lasting quality, it is really up there all on its own. From a classic biker jacket to a pair of Italian leather shoes, no closet is complete without a few key leather items. Choosing the right leather clothes and accessories can be difficult as there are so many options on the market. There are so many choices to make such as which type of leather to choose and which brands offer the best quality and value for money. As leather can be expensive, it is always worth knowing as much as you can before making a purchase.
To help everyone who is looking to add some quality leather items to their wardrobe, here are some leather fashion tips from the pros.
1. Invest in Quality Leather
When it comes to buying leather, you get what you pay for, and it is always worth spending a few extra dollars. The highest grade of leather is full-grain leather and while this is more expensive than lower grades, full-grain leather jackets and other items will not only look great, they will last a lot longer too. A full-grain leather jacket will still be as good as new after twenty years as long as you look after it, so your initial investment will be well worth it.
2. Choose the Right Style
Once you have chosen the best leather, the next thing to consider is which style will best suit you. There are various styles of leather jackets such as bikers, flight jackets, and full-length Neo-style coats. When it comes to leather shoes, there are even more different styles. Certain items are a must-have for every wardrobe and this certainly includes a quality pair of leather boots. These are great for cold, wet days and are also incredibly versatile fashion items.
3. Keep it Simple
When it comes to leather accessories, the number one rule is always to keep things simple. If you invest in handmade leather wallets, you want to let that leather speak for itself. Unfussy, classic designs will provide a timeless accessory that will look better and better in the following years as the leather starts to age and get that vintage look. Leather wallets come in every color, but a beautiful chestnut brown finish is always the choice of the fashion pros.
4. Let it Shine
Generally speaking, when you buy a genuine leather item, you don’t want it to be too shiny as it may look cheap. Where the exception must be made is when you buy anything in patent leather. Patent leather shoes, in particular, are an opportunity to be really glamorous and let your feet shine. It is important when wearing patent leather shoes that you match them with the right outfit, or they can appear cheap and tacky. While they are usually worn with formal wear, it is possible to wear patent leather in the office if you match them with dark-colored heavy fabrics. Think charcoal wool suits and skirts.
5. Match Colors and Grains
There is no better material for accessories than leather and a quality leather item can really bring another dimension to an outfit. The most important thing when it comes to leather accessories is to always match the colors and grains. For example, if you are wearing tan leather shoes, make sure your shoes match exactly. It can sometimes be hard to find two items that match exactly, but one solution is to have multiple items handmade from the same piece of leather. This will give you a unique set that you can mix and match to suit your outfit.
6. Give Faux a Go
Faux leather often gets a bad reputation but there are a time and a place for giving faux ago. Many vegans do not wear leather for moral reasons and other people find genuine leather to be out of their price range. It is possible to find quality faux leather items, particularly to just wear occasionally. While faux leather will not last anywhere near as long as genuine leather, it can be a good substitute for a year or so.
Leather is number one for all fashion-minded people and everyone should have a few essential leather items. Leather is so versatile and can be mixed and matched to create any look, casual, formal, or downright glamorous. If you are looking for some new leather fashion items to set your style off with a bang, follow these expert tips, and you will be able to make some great choices.