I Thought I Was Loyal to Jeans, But This Trending Trouser Is Winning Me Over

I can safely say my (faux) leather trousers from Mango are the most worn item in my autumn wardrobe. I found them in the sale two years ago after trying to track them down for months, and I've worn them so many times they're quite literally splitting at the knee. But I'll continue to sew them up, because once you find a great-fitting pair of leather trousers, you'll never go back. 

I will also tell you that they're one of the most complimented items in my wardrobe. And I often get a shocked response when I tell people they're years old. Something I also find when I wear them is my friends telling me "I would never think to wear leather trousers with a chunky jumper", or "I would never think of swapping my jeans for leather trousers." But that's the thing, they go with literally any top, shirt or knitwear.

No matter whether you choose faux, vegan or real leather, though, I think it's best to go for a looser fit. Because let's face it, no one wants a Ross Geller leather pants moment when they're so tight you have to peel them off. Want to know how to style leather trousers for winter? Here are 7 looks I'll be trying out with my trusty Mango pair, and some other new-season iterations you can shop direct from below. 

1. Leather Trousers + Blazer + Boots

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(Image credit: @astyleedit)

Style Notes: There's something so polished about the combination of black and brown. Pull together your staples to recreate this chic look. 

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2. Leather Trousers + Breton Top + Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Leather trousers needn't always be black. Give them a fresh new season overhaul by opting for a coloured pair and team with a slouchy Breton. 

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3. Leather Trousers + Cut-Out Top

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(Image credit: @charlottekuhrt)

Style Notes: It's all about layering as we adjust to colder weather, and Charlotte shows how to make leather trousers feel super relaxed with a cardi-and-jacket combo. 

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4. Leather Trousers + Vest Top + Knit

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Leather strides are a minimalist's favourite. Make like Sylvie and style with basics such as a white vest and a cable-knit ready for cooler days. 

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5. Leather Trousers + White Shirt + Knit Vest

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: If you opt for a cropped pair, this will ensure they go with any shoe—from heeled mules to casual trainers. Play with different shapes such as an oversized shirt with a tighter vest to balance out the tighter trousers. 

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6. Leather Trousers + Matching Shoes + Cream Knit

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

Style Notes: As a fan of chocolate, I'm happy cocoa brown is on the menu for autumn. Overhauling everything from leather trousers to dresses, it's the colour of the year. 

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7. Leather on Leather

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: There's something about leather-on-leather that feels so cool, like a sleeker version of the Canadian tuxedo. I would wear this look with low-heeled ankle boots, like Francesca.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up, The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.