If you're a regular reader of the Cosmo fashion section (hi, friend!), we'd bet good money you likely have a leather jacket hanging in your wardrobe. Chances are, if you've had your finger on the fashion pulse, you may also own a pair of leather trousers or perhaps a leather skirt, too. Or, if neither of the previous statements apply to you, then we'd guess you *want* to own more leather in your wardrobe. Why else would you have found yourself here on this article?
Well, whether you're looking to expand your existing leather looks or dabble in the fabrication for the first time, you couldn't have chosen a better time. Thanks to its wind and water-resistance making it harder-wearing than suede, plus its insular properties, leather is well-suited to the colder months. But practicalities aside, in autumn/winter 2025, we're seeing more daring takes on leather than ever before.
Below, find our favourite on-trend ways to wear leather now with inspiration from the street style set.
Trench coat
Whether full length or cropped, leather trench coats in neutral hues will add extra edge to everyday outfits. Or stand out in a colourful, high shine coat. Joseph (of Biblical fame) would approve.
Knee-length shorts
Leather Bermuda shorts are having a real moment in AW25. While leather short shorts were made for wearing with tights and knee-high boots, a longer length short works better with pumps (heeled on flat, depending on personal preference) or socks and loafers.
Blazer
Take jeans and a nice top to the next level for date night with the addition of a leather blazer. Black is natch a classic, but we love a burgundy red colourway for an extra autumnal touch.
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Trousers
Leather trousers may seem scary, but we promise they're actually really wearable. Pair yours with a slouchy knit jumper and introduce another texture through your footwear. Think suede boots, trainers or shoes that show a bit of skin between trouser hems and your foot, like ballet flats, to visually break up the look.
Shirt
Faux fur is a huge autumn/winter jacket trend this season, and you bet we'll be wearing ours with a leather shirt to toughen up the look. In fact, we're planning on recreating this outfit entirely. Obsessed!
Double up
Just like double denim, double leather is 100% a look. Mix two neutral hues – like brown and black – to stop it from feeling too The Matrix.
Head-to-toe
We won't lie, pulling off leather head-to-toe isn't easy. The key is in your proportions. Balance an oversized shirt with a mini skirt, and ensure there's enough skin between the hem of your leather skirt and your leather boots. If executed properly, the result will be *so* good.
Jacket
A leather jacket is a classic for good reason. If you want the look to feel fresh in AW25, try out a different silhouette like a leather bomber jacket or oversized style.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
