Fashion Expert Shares Tips for Women Over 50 to Incorporate Leather Into Autumn Wardrobes

Fashion expert Shane Watson suggests that women over 50 can embrace leather as a versatile material for their autumn wardrobes, emphasizing strategic choices and styling to achieve a modern, anti-aging look. Watson points to actress Olivia Colman, 52, who recently walked the Miu Miu runway in a black leather blazer and pencil skirt, as an example of embracing leather at any age.

Miuccia Prada, the designer behind Miu Miu, has been noted for featuring 'real' older women in her shows, including 58-year-old Gillian Anderson previously. Watson highlights that the surprise element with Colman was seeing a woman over 50, not of sample size, and with greying hair, styled in an outfit predominantly of tailored black leather.

Watson argues that age should not be a barrier to wearing leather. The key, she advises, lies in how the garment is worn. A leather jacket might be a blazer rather than a biker style, and a leather skirt should not be tight or short. Instead, it can be worn like slouchy trousers, with hands in pockets, and styled to appear relaxed and easy for everyday wear.

While a fan of leather for its texture and depth, Watson also cautions against overdoing it. She suggests adhering to a "one-hit-only" rule to avoid "leather creep," meaning it's often better to choose one leather item or avoid wearing a leather blazer and skirt together, which can appear too heavy. For instance, Colman might have looked better in just the skirt with a navy sweater or the blazer with brown cords or blue jeans, a style reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

For those looking to incorporate a leather skirt this season, Watson recommends a below-the-knee pencil skirt. A leather-look panel pencil skirt from M&S is cited as an affordable option. Alternatively, a faux leather midi-kilt-style skirt in burgundy, as worn by Marie-France van Heel, wife of the PM, during the Labour Party conference, is presented as another grown-up option. M&S also offers a real brown leather pencil midi skirt at a higher price point. Browns and burgundies are suggested as softer, less stark alternatives to black for daytime wear. Watson stresses the importance of fit, advising against skirts with front splits, hemlines above the knee, or mid-calf lengths that could be swamping or hobbling. The ideal leather skirt should look free and relaxed, pairing well with shirts, sweaters, and coats.

When considering leather jackets, cropped and funnel-necked styles are currently popular for autumn. Mango's croc-effect brown jacket and M&S's black short jacket with lapels are mentioned as examples. While real leather blazers are available and generally priced upwards of £300, Watson notes that more affordable Miu Miu-style copies are expected in the spring. For now, a leather skirt is presented as a more accessible wardrobe addition.

For trousers, Autograph at M&S offers real leather straight-leg trousers for £200. These are described as a step up from smart jeans, suitable for pairing with tweed jackets or silky tops. Watson advises avoiding flimsy faux leather trousers, emphasizing the importance of a good cut, and notes that leather trousers can be warm, recommending against wearing tights underneath.

Regarding footwear, a black leather pencil skirt paired with knee boots with a block heel is a classic look, particularly when worn with a lighter top and a visible gap between the hemline and boots. Leather pencil skirts generally suit boots, block midi heels, and loafers, but not kitten heels or court shoes. The overarching advice is to avoid "va-va-voom vibes" to ensure a sophisticated look.