I love adding edge and contrast to an outfit and a leather shirt gives exactly that. This one is the Will Shirt from Sézane and one I’ve had for a few years but I still love finding new ways to style. Throw it on with jeans or tailoring, button up or leave undone, layer or wear on its own - the options are endless. A leather shirt is such a big part of my autumn wardrobe, I’m showing you the three ways I wear it.
With tailoring
The texture of the leather instantly makes tailored trousers feel less corporate and adds edge. The slim fit of the trousers works with the relaxed fit of the shirt and the pointed, shiny shoe works to keep the look feeling elevated and the suede bag adds another texture and dimension to the outfit. I’ve kept the shirt done up with nothing underneath, but you could play around with the style and add a silk tank underneath leaving the shirt undone. Or a great way to add layers when it’s chilly with a Uniqlo Heattech - practical underneath, but still sexy on the outside.
I love that I could wear this outfit to the office or a meeting but would feel equally as comfortable going for drinks or dinner in it. Not only does a leather shirt work hard with styling, it also works for many occasions too. A leather shirt instantly adds something if my outfit is feeling flat - the texture of the leather has that instant effect of elevating whatever I’m wearing.
With white denim
Letting the contrast of the white denim against the black leather do all the heavy lifting. A high contrast outfit is what I’m drawn to and I often use my leather pieces to create it. Wearing white denim in A/W feels cooler to me than in the summer months, it’s almost unexpected - as are the flip flops (probably the last week I’ll be wearing flip flops for a while). The smartness of the bag again pulls against the casualness of the flip flop and the relaxed fit of the jeans but again, this is part of what makes the look work. I tend to go for a looser, relaxed fit when wearing white denim, it stops them from looking too twee or polished. The leather shirt casually thrown over the top pulls the look together. An easy to throw together look that feels high effort.
With vintage denim
A go-to formula of mine. Vintage Levi’s with Leather. Vintage jeans just have that worn in look I love and are by far the comfiest jeans I own.
I mix up the look every time I wear it by swapping out the jewellery and accessories. This By Malene Birger Bag and Shannon Bond necklace instantly elevate and add personality.
It’s all about playing with the high / low - beat up jeans and a relaxed fit shirt need something to elevate the look - the necklace and bag do this is a subtle but effective way. I’m constantly trying to strike that perfect balance between too casual and too polished.
I’ve only just touched the surface on the many ways you can style a leather shirt from dressed up with a silk slip dress or dressed down with joggers and trainers. The beauty of this piece is in the versatility. You can feel modern and feminine while creating an edge to your outfits. It’s all in how you style to balance out the leather.
Jeans: Vintage Levi's kick flares via Pin Denim.
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Emma Thatcher is a stylist and the creator of Over Dress. With almost twenty years in the fashion industry, from editorial styling and commercial campaigns to fashion buying - she’s developed a modern, realistic approach to getting dressed.