Faux Real? Imitation Leather Trends
From a young age, no doubt inspired by my stylish fashionista mother and all her 80s leather garms, I have always been drawn to leather, whether coats, jackets, skirts, dresses, hats, gloves, bags or shoes.
So, when the faux leather trend became a “thing”, I must admit that I turned my nose up slightly, but not for long! Imitation leather aka faux leather or pleather comes in various forms, including PVC (vinyl), PU (Polyurethane, which tends to be more breathable than PVC) and leatherette.
Here is an edit of some of my favourite pieces out there at the moment for a range of budgets (from low to high).
Image courtesy of River Island website
River Island, £42.00
Super flattering and glam style, with the puff sleeves, low V and belt to accentuate your waist. Lovely with jeans and a pair of killer heels or wear over some skinny faux leather trousers for a complete pleather look (just don’t go anywhere too sweaty!).
Image courtesy of Warehouse website
Warehouse, £49.00
Leopard print and pleats, what more could you want! A great skirt, which can be worn with a chunky knit and trainers or boots. And no need to keep it neutral, wear with a neon pink or bright purple top and lots of layered gold jewellery.
Image courtesy of Topshop website
Topshop, £65.00
An everyday classic biker jacket made from PU with a faux fur collar. Lovely with jeans, trousers or over a midi dress or skirt.
Image courtesy of Mint Velvet website
Mint Velvet, £69.00
You can’t go wrong with these faux leather joggers. I wear mine on repeat, a lovely alternative to jeans. Can be casual with a tucked in chunky knit and trainers, or dressed up with heels or boots and a lacey top and blazer.
Frankie Shop from Net-a-Porter, £155
Loose fitting, comfy and stylish – love these and the paper-bag waist which is great for creating curves and emphasising your waist. Dress down with trainers and a tee or glam up with some strappy sandals and a silky animal print top.
Wow! That moved quick. This product is no longer available.
Image courtesy of BA&SH website
BA&SH, £265
This fab leather-like dress with a zip top and wraparound skirt comes in black and brown. I have the brown one and is a real crowd pleaser – wear with comfy leopard print trainers, ankle books or with a sexy strappy sandal. And it can be worn with a top underneath for a more relaxed look, or without for a sexier “out out” vibe. Either way, you will look fab.
Image courtesy of Net-a-Porter website
Stand Studio from Net-a-Porter, £390
If you want a showstopping outfit, look no further. Not for the faint-hearted and no doubt a bit Marmite, but I love it!
So, don’t get me wrong, I won’t be metaphorically hanging up my leather garments any time soon (I mean, nothing beats the feel of buttery leather and the smell of box-fresh leather shoes), but for now, I will be mixing and matching the two in style. The tough bit is choosing from the abundance of choice out there!
