There aren't many fabrics that have such loaded associations as leather. If tweed is synonymous with bookish librarians and English aristocracy, leather sits at the opposite end of the spectrum with an altogether more rebellious crowd.
From Marlon Brando and James Dean to Blondie and Joan Jett, it has always been the unofficial uniform of the cool kids. Leather has gone through a variety of guises since the anarchic '60s and '70s (a biker jacket is now a mainstay in most wardrobes); however, this season has revealed a new side to the enfant terrible of the fabric world.
Thanks to brands such as Kitri and Nanushka, the leather dress is having a moment in autumn/winter 2018. Forget skintight dominatrix-style numbers—the leather dress 2.0 is elegant and refined, rendered in buttery soft leather (both real and faux) that drapes flatteringly on the body.
While real leather styles still have plenty of mileage, this year, the fashion crowd has gone wild for vegan leather. For example, Nanushka's faux-leather Penelope dress was spotted everywhere at fashion week, with its distinctive wrap style and calf-grazing length.
"Sustainability is a concept close to my heart, as it's very important that we take care of our planet and we protect it for the next generations," explains Sandra Sandor, founder and creative director at Nanushka. "Vegan leather is part of this process. It doesn't harm any living creatures and you don't have to compromise. You can be still stylish in our certified vegan leather."
The high street, meanwhile, has also offered up plenty of affordable options. Warehouse's faux-leather dress feels very now (wear it with a white polo-neck for Calvin Klein vibes). For a more minimalistic interpretation, COS's cream-coloured shift is so chic.
Style Notes: Pernille has taken monochrome style to a whole new level with this ying yang outfit. We would update for winter with tights and knee high boots.
Style Notes: Susan Stjernberger keeps it simple with Stand's belted leather dress and a pair of on-trend hiking boots.
Style Notes: Kitri's vegan leather dress was a hit last fashion week and is the perfect layering device: Try throwing on a roll neck or pairing with your favourite jeans.
Style Notes: With its nipped-in waist and three-quarter length sleeves, Nanushka's Penelope dress is the stuff of dreams.
Scroll down to shop our full edit of leather dresses.
Shop Leather Dresses
A more colour twist on the trend.
One of the best real leather high street options.
This mint green mini feels very '60s.
Wear this Zara look with sheer tights or over jeans.
A cold weather must-have.
Related: I Tried on All the Autumn Essentials in Mango, and This Is What I'd Recommend
This would look great with a roll neck.
A bit of '80s action for you.
Make a statement with this snake skin dress.
This would look chic with knee-high boots.
The cream hue looks so expensive.
This will slot nicely into your capsule wardrobe.
A softer alternative for beige-lovers.
Western details make this dress.
Perfect for layering.
The ruffled hem is so fun.
Next Up: The 2018 Take on Wearing Leather Trousers
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