Shop These 13 Effortlessly Cool Leather Dresses This Winter
Take it from the original It girl of the Upper East Side, Blake Lively, leather dresses are the trendiest look of the season.
On December 13, Blake Lively stepped out onto the streets of the Lower East Side in New York City en route to Taylor Swift's birthday party in a black leather dress from Michael Kors paired with black striped tights, knee-high Louboutin boots, and chunky gold jewelry. As an homage to her longtime close friend, the actress wore her hair in long, loose blonde waves and finished off the look with a classic red lip, a T-Swift signature. Lively has sported leather dresses in the past, ranging from a sultry, deep-cut chocolate brown piece all the way to a fresh, feminine mustard yellow halter neck dress, but neither have garnered so much adoration as her most recent look.
This stunning look worn by Lively, who has been vocal in the past about her lack of stylist, was received with praise and appreciation by fans and fashion aficionados alike, causing searches for similar versions of classic leather dresses to skyrocket overnight.
Whether you're hoping to emulate Lively's party look or just looking to switch up your style ahead of the new year, opt to shop leather dresses this winter for the perfect blend of chic sophistication and edgy elegance.
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If you're looking for the dress, meet the Michael Kors dress as seen on Blake Lively on the night of Taylor Swift's electrifying annual birthday event. Complete with a sweetheart neckline and a precise, seamed tailored look, this alluring dress offers a fresh, contemporary take on the classic black leather dress.
Michael Kors Plongé Leather Sheath Dress, $2,990, Michael Kors
With an elegant tie-front detail, this black leather offers an elevated, sleek twist on a classic, everyday style. Don't be fooled by the leather exterior though, although leather dresses can at first glance appear stiff and uncomfortable, this piece delivers soft, comfortable wear every time thanks to the plush interior lining, perfect to keep you warm this season.
J.Crew Button-Front Faux-Leather Dress, $228, J.Crew
Berlin-based label Ottolinger is known for its abstract, avant-garde signature style, and this black leather dress is no exception. Complete with an asymmetrical twist detail at the shoulder, white leather components, and a square neckline, this unique dress is an excellent option if you're looking to step outside the norm of leather dresses this season.
Ottolinger Black Scuba Faux-Leather Mini Dress, $209, Ssense
Can't get enough of the Barbie pink trend this year and tired of all the classic black leather dresses? Opt for this metallic leather dress, finished with tie details at the side and a flirty black lace hemline. You can't go wrong with this dress, no matter what you pair it with, as the shimmery pink look from Anna Sui is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Anna Sui Pink Metallic Faux-Leather Mini Dress, $227, Ssense
Drop waist dresses have had a big moment this fall, and the trend doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon, as evidenced by this black leather dress from New York-based luxury label Proenza Schouler. With details like a drop waist silhouette, a square neckline, and a pleated skirt, this piece is a breath of fresh air against other mid-length leather dresses out there, exuding an effortlessly cool energy you'll want to emulate all season long.
Proenza Schouler Black Drop Waist Faux-Leather Midi Dress, $285, Ssense
This pistachio-green strapless leather dress is the epitome of elegance. Finished with a straight-across neckline, flared hem, and accentuated seamed bodice, this piece is both timelessly chic and universally flattering. Whether you go for casual and style this dress with a trendy leather jacket for the leather-on-leather look we've been seeing everywhere, or opt for classy, finishing the look with a simple necklace and your favorite pair of heels, you can't go wrong.
Paris Georgia, Khaki Bodice Faux-Leather Midi Dress, $286, Ssense
From the runways to street-style looks, cherry red is the color we've been seeing all season long, and this leather dress is the perfect way to incorporate two trendy looks into your own wardrobe. With a pleated skirt and flared puff sleeves, this mini dress would shine in a preppy look, complete with loafers and tights, a headband, and your favorite cold-weather jacket.
LDT Alexis Faux Leather Mini Dress, $345, Saks Fifth Avenue
Take this edgy, zipper-laden leather dress as your cue to try out the grungy biker-inspired aesthetic that's been taking the fashion world by storm in recent months. Go for the full biker look and pair it with motorcycle boots, or opt to juxtapose the edgy vibe of the black leather dress with a layered white button-down and your favorite pair of ballet flats.
Juun.J Black Utility Rider Faux-Leather Mini Dress, $421, Ssense
Metallics are yet another look we saw time and time again on the runways this year, appearing on pieces ranging from puffer jackets to dainty ballet flats. If you've been watching the trend from the sidelines, take the wide variety of leather dresses on the market right now as your cue to join in on the glitzy trend. This chic strapless silver dress would make the perfect piece to sport out this season. Whether you're in need of a new dress for a holiday party or a fun look for a night out with friends, you're sure to dazzle your company either way.
Retrofête Casmir Dress in Silver, $698, Fwrd
If you can't get enough of the outfit that Blake Lively wore to Taylor Swift's birthday party this year and have since been scouring the internet looking for leather dresses, look to this AllSaints piece as an alternative. Made of 100 percent sheep leather and complete with a flattering scoop neckline and side skirt slit, this piece is sure to stun. Take inspiration from Lively's look and pair it with striped black tights and chunky knee-high boots, or go for a classically chic look and slip on your favorite pair of heels.
AllSaints Norlene Leather Midi Dress, $429, Saks Fifth Avenue
The '90s are back—although we're not sure they ever really went out of style—in a big way, with inspiration from the memorable decade appearing in trendy hairstyles, makeup looks, and fashion. This black leather dress from Frame is a chic example of that influence, with its sleeveless, button-front style, fitted waist, and longer hemline. Pair this piece with a white shirt layered underneath, your favorite chunky loafers, and a messy updo for a revamped '90s look to sport this season.
Frame Sleeveless Leather Button-Front Midi Dress, $1,498, Saks Fifth Avenue
As a label, Jean Paul Gaultier is known for its unconventional, edgy designs, and this tattoo-motif leather dress fits right into the highly coveted JPG aesthetic. Pair this deep brown strapless mini dress with a leather jacket and a pair of chunky boots for the ultimate grungy look.
Jean Paul Gaultier Brown 'The Ebony Tattoo' Leather Mini Dress, $1,750, Ssense
Complete with thin spaghetti straps, a sultry scoop neck, and seam detailing, this corset-inspired leather dress offers a universally flattering fit. Offering both the elegance of midi-length corset style bodycon dresses and the refined edginess of leather dresses, this cleanly tailored, minimalistic piece is perfect for any occasion. The warm, brown tone of the leather and the simple silhouette exude that highly coveted "quiet luxury" aesthetic.
Zeynep Arçay Corset Seamed Leather Midi Dress, $2,350, Saks Fifth Avenue