Product of the week: The leather look dress

What is it:

The leather look dress is back at the forefront of trends, albeit in alternative, novel materials that bring the look up to date. Consumers are increasingly turning away from standard leather and looking for products that are both animal friendly and environmentally conscious – in keeping with their changing values. As a result, both designers and brands have turned to this type of material to accommodate customers, broaden the range of this product, and create more options for sustainable-minded consumers.

Image: French Connection

Why you should order it:

Even if a dress is not necessarily the first choice in general in the autumn/winter season, the model made of leather or leather alternatives is particularly suitable for colder weather. In this sense, the garment is a safe bet for the fall and winter months and often returns to stores as a winter-ready garment. The designers adapt the look so that it appeals to both the younger and the older generation. They offer shorter, 2000-inspired looks for Gen Z, while midi-length cuts or button-down shirt dresses appeal to a more mature clientele.

Image: Ella by Rafaella

Where we saw it:

While fast fashion relies on synthetic leather alternatives, some fashion houses have opted for real leather or innovations made from plant fibers during the fashion weeks. Proenza Schouler showed an intriguing take on an empire dress in a striking red in New York. In the same city, Brandon Maxwell showed a leather dress with cutouts and a flared skirt. Altuzarra’s dress is draped around the body and finished with a fitted silhouette. In Milan, Bottega Veneta presented a form-fitting dress with a dropped waist and a flared skirt, while in London, Dilara Findikoglu presented a corset dress with a zip fastening and side ties.

Image: Wolford

While the leather dress is a piece of clothing that stands alone very well, it can be upgraded with simple accessories. Add several necklaces with matching rings and bracelets to add some edge to the outfit. A crossbody or clutch bag made of a contrasting material makes it suitable for the office and for everyday use. If you want to counteract the leather dress, offer for lace-up ankle boots or boots. Alternatively, you can style it with a simple pair of sneakers if you want it to look casual. Pair with an oversized sweater or button down shirt to add comfort to the garment. In the colder seasons, a long-sleeved coat or bomber jacket can add extra warmth.

Image: Summum

Since people’s tastes are increasingly tending towards sustainability, and animal welfare is also becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions, the use of leather or leather alternatives by brands is being checked even more closely with regard to these requirements. This is why the development of leather alternatives has come to the fore and the styles made of this next-generation material are spreading quickly – such as the leather-look dress, which should not be missing in any range in the coming autumn/winter.

Image: Karl Lagerfeld

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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk.

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