Leather

After seeing all the sleek leather pieces on the Spring '13 runways, it was pretty easy to forget which season we were in. Brands like Fendi, Marni, and more sent chic, colorful leather looks down the catwalk, skillfully dispelling the myth that leather is only appropriate for cooler weather. The secret seems to be a simple switch of the color palette, as well as pairing your bright leather pieces with lightweight fabrics like cotton, crepe, and linen. If you needed more proof that this trend does indeed work (and work well), just take a cue from eternally stylish celebrities like Diane Kruger, Solange Knowles, and Ashlee Simpson, who effortlessly showed how powerful colored leather can be. Whether sexy and sophisticated like Diane's fire-engine red Vanessa Bruno pencil skirt, cool and laid-back like Solange's colorblocked Clover Canyon ensemble, or sweet and Spring-ready like Ashlee's pastel blue number, this is one trend we're looking forward to trying in just about every iteration this season. Click below to shop our bright, statement-making Spring leather pieces now.

The next time you're searching for that perfect Fall jacket this season, try going for a leather motorcycle jacket — that's what the stylish set did in Milan during Fashion Week. This chic bunch edged out everything from t-shirts and jeans to polished plaid pants and killer platforms. We love the idea of pairing a slick motorcycle jacket with a silky femme blouse to balance out the opposites. Black not your favorite? Try out this tough shape in vibrant colors and even metallics, to add a bit of shine to your autumnal ensembles.

Source: Film Magic, Greg Kessler

We've already introduced you to this season's must-have denim, and there's a little bit of a twist in Fall's mix: leather-like jeans are replacing our tried-and-true staples as the most desired silhouette. The reason: they're undeniably sexy and slick, but in everyday silhouettes — seriously, what's cooler than strutting your stuff in a pair of sleek leather bottoms? Just look to Fall's runways from Diane von Furstenberg's polished take, Phillip Lim's colored leather, and Balmain's rocker-chic iterations for the proof. Now, we can think of few things that meld so seamlessly with our black ankle boots and a chunky sweater — and give them such cool-girl edge. If you're looking to test the waters before diving head first into the trend, this is the perfect starting place. We've culled just 23 of the best on the market, all under $150 — just the right price to take for a test drive.

From left: Diane von Furstenberg, Phillip Lim, and Balmain

While out and about in NYC this morning, Paula Patton worked leather on leather, starting with a black leather biker jacket, which she topped over a printed tee, then adding more leather via black leather pants. She wore retro-cool round shades to protect her eyes, then got in on Hollywood's sneaker obsession via black-and-white high-top Chanel sneakers. While leather is fierce on its own, it has even more badass potential when paired with itself. For a Summer version of Paula's look, try a black leather vest with leather shorts or a leather miniskirt.