Photo Credit:@browngirlbeautynyc ;@zeexonline; @muanessa
Every fall I tell myself I'll wear my leather pants more, and every fall they end up saved for one dinner. This year I'm actually wearing them, and the outfits that keep working are surprisingly simple: a white tee, a fuzzy sweater, a blazer I already own.
If you've been wondering what to wear with leather pants without looking like you're headed to a concert at 10 a.m., these 15 leather pants outfits cover the office, dinner plans and the weekend. Black, brown, green and one very convincing silver pair included, and each look notes where it works best.
1. Black Leather Pants + White Tee + Sneakers
Photo Credit:@laurajadestone
If you only try one outfit on this list, start here. A slightly oversized white tee with a front tuck and white sneakers is the most wearable leather pants outfit there is. Straight-leg pants with seam details look especially good with it, and the whole look takes about two minutes to put together.
Outfit formula: black straight-leg leather pants + oversized white tee + white sneakers.
Best for: weekends, errands and casual coffee dates.
2. Brown Wide-Leg Leather Pants + Suede Blazer + White Tee
Photo Credit:@immegii
Brown leather pants read softer than black, which makes them easier to wear to the office. A suede blazer in a similar shade keeps everything in one warm color family, and a plain white tee stops it from feeling too matchy. A black belt and mini bag add just enough contrast.
Outfit formula: brown wide-leg leather pants + brown suede blazer + white tee + black belt + black mini bag.
Best for: the office, client lunches and creative workplaces.
3. Brown Leather Joggers + Burgundy Top + Leather Puffer
Photo Credit:@browngirlbeautynyc
For a cold day in the city, leather joggers are the comfortable answer. A burgundy top adds warmth to the brown, and a black leather puffer and gloves make the whole outfit feel coordinated. Pointed ankle boots keep the jogger shape from looking too sporty.
Outfit formula: brown leather joggers + burgundy fitted top + black leather puffer jacket + leather gloves + pointed ankle boots.
Best for: cold weekends and running around the city.
4. Black Leather Pants + Double-Breasted Blazer + Satin Cami
Photo Credit:@cheesmalls
A sharp black blazer over a satin cami is the date-night version of a work outfit. The satin peeks out just enough to soften the leather, and metallic strappy sandals make it feel dressed up without trying too hard.
Outfit formula: black slim leather pants + black double-breasted blazer + bronze satin cami + metallic strappy heels + statement clutch.
Best for: date night and dinner reservations.
5. Green Wide-Leg Leather Pants + Moto Jacket + Jersey Tee
Photo Credit:@everyday.elise
Green leather pants are an easy way to wear color in fall. A distressed moto jacket and a sporty jersey tee make them weekend-friendly, and layered gold necklaces pull the look together. Swap the sandals for sneakers when it's cold.
Outfit formula: dark green wide-leg leather pants + distressed black moto jacket + jersey tee + layered gold necklaces + strappy sandals.
Best for: weekend plans, game days and brunch.
6. Black Leather Pants + Fuzzy Sweater + Slouchy Clutch
Photo Credit:@irmatessar
A fuzzy sweater is the best way to tone down the shine of leather. Let a white tee peek out at the hem for an easy layered look, then add gold earrings and a soft oversized clutch. It's cozy enough for brunch and polished enough for a gallery afternoon.
Outfit formula: black slim leather pants + black fuzzy crewneck sweater + white tee underneath + gold earrings + slouchy black clutch.
Best for: brunch, shopping and casual afternoons out.
7. Leather Moto Jacket + Matching Leather Pants + White Top
Photo Credit:@zeexonline
A matching leather jacket and pants feels like a power suit for the evening. A white tube top or fitted tank adds a clean break at the neckline, and pointed black heels keep the line long and polished.
Outfit formula: black leather moto jacket + black leather pants + white tube top + pointed-toe heels.
Best for: nights out, events and concerts.
8. Silver Leather Pants + Oatmeal Blazer + Sneakers
Photo Credit:@andicsinger
Metallic leather pants sound like a lot, but a neutral blazer and gray knit calm them right down. Gray sneakers keep it relaxed enough for daytime.
Outfit formula: silver metallic leather pants + oatmeal blazer + gray crewneck sweater + gray sneakers + burgundy shoulder bag.
Best for: creative offices, casual Fridays and weekend plans.
9. Black Leather Pants + Cropped Gray Sweater + Chunky Boots
Photo Credit:@erika_style__
A cropped fuzzy sweater shows off a high waist and balances straight-leg leather pants. Chunky black boots make the outfit practical for a full day on your feet, and a woven knit bag keeps it relaxed.
Outfit formula: black straight-leg leather pants + cropped gray mohair sweater + chunky black boots + knit shoulder bag.
Best for: weekends, travel days and fall outings.
10. All-Black Leather Pants + Turtleneck + Leather Trench
Photo Credit:@muanessa
Leather on leather can look sleek instead of costume-y when the shapes are long and simple. A fitted turtleneck, wide-leg leather pants and a floor-skimming leather trench make a strong winter outfit. A cream bag breaks up all that black.
Outfit formula: black wide-leg leather pants + black turtleneck + long black leather trench + cream handbag.
Best for: winter workdays and evening plans.
11. Leather Pants + Oversized Denim Jacket + Knee-High Boots
Photo Credit:@maddieperry
For a dinner party or rooftop drinks, an oversized denim jacket with a shearling collar keeps glossy leather pants from feeling too formal. Tuck the pants into knee-high boots for one long, dark line from the waist down.
Outfit formula: glossy black leather pants + oversized shearling-collar denim jacket + black knee-high boots.
Best for: dinner parties and drinks with friends.
12. Leather Cargo Pants + Graphic Tee + Strappy Heels
Photo Credit:@tawanamorris_
A vintage graphic tee with leather cargo pants is the night-out outfit for anyone who doesn't want to wear a going-out top. Strappy heels and oversized sunglasses dress it up, and the cargo pockets keep it from feeling too serious.
Outfit formula: black leather cargo pants + vintage graphic tee + strappy heeled sandals + oversized sunglasses.
Best for: nights out and casual dinners.
13. Black Wide-Leg Leather Pants + Oversized White Shirt + Leopard Flats
Photo Credit:@cherifaakili
An oversized white shirt worn open like a jacket gives black leather pants a crisp, office-ready finish. Leopard flats are the fun part, and they keep the look comfortable enough for a full day of walking between meetings.
Outfit formula: black wide-leg leather pants + oversized white button-down + white tank + leopard flats + structured tote.
Best for: the office and busy workdays.
14. Chocolate Leather Pants + Black Turtleneck
Photo Credit:@mila_magdiy
This is the easiest work outfit on the list. A fitted black turtleneck with chocolate wide-leg leather pants looks polished with almost no effort, and the brown keeps the all-dark palette from feeling severe. Add loafers or a low block heel and you're done.
Outfit formula: chocolate wide-leg leather pants + black turtleneck + loafers + sunglasses.
Best for: the office and everyday errands.
15. Skinny Leather Pants + Graphic Sweatshirt + White Pumps
Photo Credit:@sincerelyjules
A sweatshirt with pointed pumps sounds like a mismatch, which is exactly why it works. Skinny leather pants give the outfit a sleek base, and the white heels make it dinner-ready. A small chain bag finishes it.
Outfit formula: black skinny leather pants + oversized graphic sweatshirt + white pointed-toe pumps + black chain bag.
Best for: dinner, drinks and city weekends.
What Shoes to Wear With Leather Pants
Sneakers are the fastest way to make leather pants casual (outfits 1 and 8). Loafers and flats keep them work-friendly (outfits 13 and 14). Pointed heels, pumps and strappy sandals dress them up for dinner (outfits 4, 7, 12 and 15). Knee-high, ankle and chunky boots work best in winter (outfits 3, 9 and 11). Wide-leg pants should skim the top of the shoe, while skinny pairs look best with a pointed toe or tucked into boots.
Can You Wear Leather Pants to Work?
Yes, in most business-casual and creative offices. Stick to matte black or brown, a straight or wide-leg cut, and pair them with a blazer, turtleneck or button-down. In a conservative office, check the dress code before wearing them.
How to Style Leather Pants So They Look Expensive
Choose a pair that fits at the waist without pulling across the front. Mix in softer textures like knits, suede, cotton shirting or satin. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the leather be the statement piece.