Introducing: The Little Leather Dress

Every season something (a print, a colour, a texture..) catches on amongst designers and fashionistas deem it the “It” blank of the season, playing it out until the next micro-trend comes along. It’s been cheetah, it’s been neon pink, it’s been everything under the sun, but this time around “It” is a universal favourite– leather.

Calvin Klein A/W 2012

Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com

Long gone are the days where we reserved it simply for jackets or shoes. We want it on trousers, we want it in crop tops, we want it in baseball caps… frankly, we can’t get enough. It’s overtaken black as the new basic, and as it was only a matter of time until textile made it official by shaking up the classics and producing: the little leather dress (LLD).

Few things can be deemed more autumn than awesome leathers, and what better a transitional piece than the insulating fabric in a flirty silhouette.The little leather dress is proving shockingly versatile – casual enough to wear on weekends out, chic enough for evening cocktails, and even smart enough for perfect office polish. Dress it up, dress it down, dress it ‘round because it’s here to stay.

Sachin & Babi Leather Peplum Dress

If the idea of the neutral textile wasn’t universally versatile enough, with the number of options already available on the market, there’s an LLD out there with your name on it. Coveted shapes include classic A-lines from the likes of Milly and Monique Lhuillier, sleek shifts like those of Celine and Vince, and even trend styles like sweet peplums and slitted maxis. It’s undeniably easy to look fashion forward in just a single piece of buttery leather, and keeping with the minimalism of a LLD, you don’t need much accessorising either.

Joie Aloisa B Leather Contrast-Hem Dress

Even boxy cuts will do the trick if you stick with an understated shoe, a few bangles or a cuff, and a clear envelope clutch. This recipe will have the street style blogs pining for your photo, and thanks to vegan options, friends drooling all over your sophisticated style at a fraction of the price. Go classic with black, brown and tan, bohemian with a patchwork style, or vamp it up with the shade the fashion world can’t stop lusting over– oxblood. Maybe you’ll want to go with a few options when you see the variety of Little Leather Dresses out there…

Warehouse Black Layered Detail Leather Dress

Remember that you’re using leather as your neutral substitute so don’t be afraid to layer on the prints and textures. Think of your LLD just like you would your LBD, elegant and classic, but a blank canvas. Switching out a few basic touches takes the style from day to night and everything in between. This new basic will get wear through at least the spring seasons, possibly even summer if you choose a lightweight and sleeveless style, but for now mix it right in with your plaids, tweeds, and velvets.