Leather and shorts: two words you might not typically put together for Summer. But brands like Theykens' Theory and 3.1 Phillip Lim made a pretty good case for leather shorts on their runways this season. To pull them off, we're reaching for lightweight options in relaxed styles and punchy hues. Watch on for our favorite picks. On Allison: Rebecca Taylor jacket, Line & Dot blouse.
If you're a Spring leather skeptic, look no further than Dree Hemingway showing off a fresh pair of black leather shorts with an easy white sweater for Madewell as proof of its wearability. Sure, the Spring runways from Alexander Wang to Marni and Fendi served up the inspiration, but if you've been hesitant to get on board, this laid-back take might be more your speed. Leather shorts don't require quite as much commitment as, say, a leather dress, and they're better-suited for Spring and Summer weather than your leather pants. All you need to channel the cool-girl vibe à la Dree is your favorite transitional knit or a great slouchy tee. Easy, right? We're about to make it even easier, too. We've done the legwork and narrowed it down to our 14 favorite pairs of leather (and faux leather) shorts. The rest is up to you — shop our editors' picks below and start thinking of all the ways you can wear them.
Miranda Kerr strutted her long limbs on the streets of NYC wearing sheer black tights with black leather minishorts. Up top the model sported a green Acne sweater ($306) and a black double-breasted Givenchy coat, then finished off her nighttime look with her black Givenchy bag and these Tabitha Simmons lace-up studded booties ($1,249). Next time you hit the town, mimic Miranda by pairing black sheer tights with your black leather shorts, then finishing off with a green sweater and a cozy black coat.
Kristen Stewart hasn't missed a stylish step while promoting the last installment of the Twilight Saga, and her latest look was right on point. The actress got leggy in black leather-panel Rebecca Minkoff shorts, a gray Alternative Apparel top, and embellished ankle-strap Barbara Bui sandals while on a variety show in Madrid. Kristen has been hitting fashion high notes in designer duds from LA to London, but we love how this effortless ensemble stayed true to Kristen's laid-back persona. Re-create this cool-girl style with a charcoal long-sleeved top, black leather-panel shorts, and ankle-strap sandals, or pair her exact bottoms in a bold python print ($428) with a chunky black sweater and matching ankle booties for a flawless Fall look.
Kourtney Kardashian hit a chic high note in green leather Gabby shorts and a black fur-collar coat while leaving The Dorchester hotel in London. Kourtney's favorite textured bottoms made an appearance earlier this month when she paired them with a printed blouse and bright orange tote, but we are equally smitten with this high-fashion look. The brunette beauty styled her textured separates with a sheer black blouse, opaque tights, and black leather ankle boots, then accessorized with a topknot bun, sparkling diamond studs, and her trusty Hermes tote. Re-create this sexy style with these green leather American Retro shorts ($388), a black fur coat, sheer black blouse, and a structured leather tote for your next dinner date.
Some may be wary of melding black and yellow for fear of looking like a bumblebee, but Nicky Hilton's New York Fashion Week look made a serious case for the dynamic color combo. Nicky worked a full Diane von Furstenberg ensemble — black leather shorts ($475), a printed tie-neck blouse, and a colorblock bag — with embellished ankle-strap Brian Atwood pumps ($1,473) while attending shows at Lincoln Center. The blond beauty accessorized her eye-catching ensemble with an emerald cocktail ring and glistening diamond studs. Score Nicky's exact edgy bottoms and elegant pumps to work with a printed blouse for a glamorous night out with the girls.
Eva Longoria was spotted in Cannes wearing tan leather shorts with a lace top, while at the same time in LA, Tiffani Thiessen worked her tan leather shorts in a menswear-inspired way via a black blazer and polka-dot blouse. Both ladies looked flawless in their respective ensembles and have inspired us to bust out our tan leather shorts pronto! Step inside to get a closer look at Eva and Tiffani's full ensembles and to re-create them for your Spring fun times.
There is no doubt about it, celebrities are obsessed with leather, and we particularly love how these eight ladies updated the trend by trading their leather pants for a pair of hot leather shorts. Eva Longoria, Miranda Kerr, Whitney Port, and way more have been spotted styling both black and colored leather shorts in every which way. Whether you aim for a professional yet playful look like Eva in tan leather shorts or want an edgier feel like Whitney and Miranda, step inside to shop our picks to find the perfect pair for you. Then be sure to also check out Hollywood's other leather obsessions: leather jackets and leather tops.
Leather — faux or for real — is our Winter wardrobe's slick best friend. Come Spring, it becomes much trickier to wear these tanned pieces for an ultralight feel. Not to worry, just look to the Spring '12 runways for instant gratification. Phillip Lim sent models out in pastel-hued leather moto-inspired vests, while Thakoon opted for bolder solid tones set against structured pleated skirts and cool-girl dresses, and Rag & Bone detailed its sportier pieces with leather trim. For an extra dose of styling motivation, celebs like Nicole Richie, Alexa Chung, and Miranda Kerr have all donned Spring-appropriate leather separates. The key is to juxtapose your edgier staple with lighter fare — a statement dress with an embellished belt, a pair of shorts with a sheer jersey tee, or a biker jacket with a floral pencil skirt. That way, you strike a harmonious balance between the season's softer trends and its more masculine ones. Click the slideshow below to shop your favorite pieces — and let us know how you'll be wearing your Spring leather.
We've seen some interesting leather shorts recently, and we're wondering: are they really wearable? OnSugar blog Black by Sara says yes, using an uber-chic, leather-shorted Olivia Palermo and five cool leather short styles as proof.
"I adore leather and shorts, so you guessed it, I love this new trend. Olivia Palermo is sporting this style in a right way with black heels and a camel tone bag. Love it!
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