- / Fashion
12 Faux-Leather Staples So Good, You Won’t Even Miss the Real Thing
- by Gretty Garcia
- Last Updated: Mar 30, 2021
Out with the old, in with the faux.
- by Gretty Garcia
- Last Updated: Mar 30, 2021
Faux leather has become one of the top trends of the season—and with reason. The fabric lends a timeless edge to classic pieces from laidback tops to retro-inspired trousers to the all-important faux-leather legging. Even more, the trend has been reimagined vis-à-vis new releases from luxury houses and contemporary brands including Nanushka, MSGM, and Emilia Wickstead, proving that faux leather is no longer a fast fashion solution.
With the increased pressure on brands to opt out of using real leather and fur in their collections, the demand for faux leather has skyrocketed in recent years. And because the material has gone through a major upgrade in terms of look and feel (goodbye, pleather), we can hardly tell the difference. Case in point? All of the key pieces in our comprehensive edit of faux-leather fashion, below.
To say we love a mini anything is an understatement. When styled just right, these leg-baring pieces can look ultra-chic for an edgy afternoon outfit and a daring evening ensemble alike. This dress from Nanushka is no exception. Beautifully crafted from faux leather and outfitted by a robust shoulder silhouette, peak lapels, a tie perfect for emphasizing your waist, and a single-breasted front, this piece channels both masculine and feminine vibes.
The ultimate boho-inspired piece, Staud’s Luna Faux-Leather Blouse is a flattering top rendered in a versatile, neutral-toned hue, that looks good and is even better for the environment. All of the blouse’s elements—from its cinched waist to its balloon sleeve and knotted back—lend a feminine touch to the piece, which pairs perfectly with the brand’s faux-leather trousers.
If your vibe veers more utilitarian than over-the-top, Rowen Rose’s Faux-Leather Jumpsuit is definitely going to be your next Holy Grail piece. Inspired by the jumpsuit trend that has made its way onto the catwalks of designers like Chanel, Victoria Beckham, and Off-White, this iteration is sleek and anchored by black faux-fur, shoulder straps that can unfasten, and an on-trend, wide-leg silhouette that makes it easy to dress up or down no matter the occasion.
For a dose of chic ’70s nostalgia, look no further than Nanushka’s Artem Faux-Leather Mini Skirt. With duo-chromatic hues in warm brown and cream, this piece is amazing no matter the season. Whether you wear it with a ribbed tee or a tucked-in cashmere top, we guarantee that this skirt will never go out of style.
One trend that surfaces time and time again is dramatic, over-the-knee boots. Able to accompany absolutely any piece in your arsenal, these faux-leather shoes from ethical and highly-coveted brand Proenza Schouler feature a round toe and flat soles for a comfy-yet-sophisticated vibe day or night.
An edgy iteration of a distinctly quintessential Bermuda style, Maison Margiela’s Faux-Leather Culottes offer an elevated option to style in a looser, yet still luxe, material. These faux-leather culottes channel the revival of the utilitarian trend with a full cupro lining and a roomy fit that makes a major statement.
Stella McCartney’s uncompromising stance on using cruelty-free, organic, and recycled materials makes her a pioneer in sustainable luxury fashion. This season, she’s released a fun top-handle bag with a chain strap, whipstitching, and mini crystals that instantly inject a dose of glamour. A stylish staple day or night, this bag can be worn in a bevy of ways to complement a range of outfits, from blazer and trouser combos to jeans and casual sweaters.
The key to mastering this season's bold, power dressing trend is choosing impeccably tailored pieces, like Matériel Tbilisi's Faux Leather Minidress. This ultra-chic mini dress is designed to be worn with everything from white boots for a ’70s retro feel or cool chunky sneakers for an updated look some of our favorite street style mavens are donning. Plus, the full lining makes it easy to layer with ever-stylish turtlenecks for a cozy winter update.
Emilia Wickstead takes fashion’s recent emphasis on minimalism to a different level with this Basset Sleeveless Faux-Leather Top. Beautifully crafted from black faux leather and adorned with barely-there straps and contrast stitching, it guarantees a glamorous entry and exit regardless of where you wear it. Plus, its square neckline and nipped-in waist create a shapely silhouette.
MSGM’s Faux-Leather Pants add an effortlessly cool vibe by way of this season’s utilitarian fad. The pants feature a relaxed leg with elasticated cuffs and a smocked waistband—all of which lend the piece a playful ’80s-inspired slant.
For a modern twist on classic tailoring, look no further than this skirt from Stella McCartney. With its intricate, lace-up sides, the skirt can be styled in a more edgy manner or even in a preppy style. We recommend grounding it with a chic, utilitarian boot for a tough-luxe finish, and topping it off with a trench coat for a transeasonal daily uniform.
If you’ve recently been feeling like you’re having an early-2000s flashback moment, it’s because you are. Bucket hats are everywhere and on everyone right now. All you need to do to tap into the trend? Shop this sleek black Vida Faux-Leather Bucket Hat from Staud’s FW21 collection.
