Whether you know me from my fashion blog or as a personal friend, if you see me around more than a couple times a year, you know my best friend is a pair of quality leather leggings. In fact, if you see me a few times a week, the likelihood of you seeing me in a pair is pretty much 100%. Leather leggings are the ultimate minimalist fashion must have, making paring outfits and looking effortlessly chic a breeze. As one of my most worn items, I partnered with David Lerner to give you the whole scoop. Here’s how to wear them, where to where them, and what to look for in quality leather leggings.

Let’s start with what to wear with leather leggings. The beauty of this fashion trend – the combinations are endless. Consider your leggings the sexier version of a black skinny jean. You get the point, but if you want a bit more guidance, here are a few of my favorite ways to wear them.

Everyday style in leather leggings

Like the look I’ve styled for this post, leather leggings are a great combo with loose, long sleeve sweaters. This lightweight knit from David Lerner is just lower than crop length, offering a flattering line just below the waste. If you’re looking for a cozier combination, go for an oversized, chunky knit and tuck just the front for a look that’s casual, yet effortlessly chic. You can wear this look to the office, out with friends, or even running errands.

Rock on in leather leggings

Want to bring out your inner Nirvana? Leather has long since been a tradition of classic rock groupies. Pair them with your favorite band T or cutoff and a pair of western booties for a boho-rocker vibe. This is a great look for festivals, concerts and pub hopping.

Sex it up in leather leggings

For my girl bosses, if you want to make a bold, sexy statement, leather leggings can be the highlight of your evening attire. The important attention in this look is paying attention to your body type. If you’re top heavy, skin-hugging leather leggings can make your bottom half look even slimmer, making your body look less proportioned. If you’re trying to balance out leaner legs, go for a blouse that falls over the waistline of your leggings. If you’re straight, hourglass or bottom heavy, you just might be able to get away with a mid-drift bearing crop if you’re really trying to stop traffic. Try it on, see how you feel most comfortable. Wear this look out to club-bars and edgy cocktail venues.

Types of leather leggings

As a huge fashion trend for 2018, there are now dozens of types of leather leggings available on the market for every look you’re going for. You can find them cropped, flared, skinny and bootleg. There are also several design features like lace-up sides, color blocking, and stitched details to choose from. I tend to go for a more classic, cropped-skinny leg which is the most versatile in a minimalist fashion wardrobe. But do shop around to find the pair that best fits your personality! I’m also a huge fan of wet-look leather leggings, they fit perfectly into the vinyl fashion trend, and add a real pop of texture and shine to your look.

How to choose your leather leggings

If you’re like me and plan to wear your leather leggings on the regular, knowing what to look for is going to be important. From Forever21 to Givenchy, the price range for leather leggings has a huge gap, but not all have been created equal. If you opt for a low-cost pair from a fast-fashion store, don’t expect them to last long. Because most leather leggings are made from synthetic materials, cheaper versions may rip or tear during wear (or even just trying to get them on). I’ve also seen them stretch, shrink, and deform in the wash… so understand for this item, you’re going to get what you pay for.

Look for a pair with a little bit of stretch so they hug your curves in the most flattering way. This is also a piece I recommend going for the investment – your cost-per-wear will definitely pay off now that you can wear them for every occasion! I have a half dozen pair from David Lerner, and have always found their quality exceptional… I even through them in the wash and dryer week after week, and they’re still good as new (some nearly a year later!). If you want my recommendations, you can shop my favorites on their site. Happy shopping, and here’s to looking effortlessly chic and sexy in leather leggings for every occasion!

In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this is a sponsored post in collaboration with David Lerner. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!