Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Leather Dress Trend

This season, the regular time-honoured 'LBD' has been replaced by the 'BLD' or as we know it - the 'Black Leather Dress'. This massive trend has been building momentum since the Fall/Winter 2012 fashion weeks in February, seen on catwalks from New York to Milan. Easy to style and effortless to wear, the little black leather dress serves as an edgier (and warmer) alternative to your classic LBD, dispensing a glossier, goth chic appeal. 

On The Runway
The misconception that leather dresses have to be skintight and curve-hugging has been dispelled thanks to designers like Valentino, Gianfranco Ferre and Jean Paul Gaultier, who have created more capacious versions. However, if you do prefer the second-skin silhouette, Reem Acra, Pucci and Sportmax have got you covered, whilst Calvin Klein and Givenchy have opted for a flattering fit-and-flare style.


Celebrity Inspired Leather Looks
Ideal for cold winter nights, the long-sleeved leather mini has been a favourite amongst celebrities, as it provides a sleek, streamlined silhouette and oozes urbane glamour. Paired with ankle boots or strappy sandals, this is the perfect after-dark winter outfit.

The sleeveless or strapless leather dress is also an alluring choice as seen on Cody Horn, Nicky Hilton and Jessica Alba. Adding a pair of ankle-strap heels and studded accessories enhance the edginess of this look. And don't forget a red-hot lip colour for an extra dose of glamour.

Get With The Trend

You're not limited with choices when it comes to translating this trend off the runway & into reality. Be it elegant, sporty, sexy or sophisticated, there's a leather dress to suit your style.


1. Lace studio dress with leather peplum frill. $159 by Zara.com
2. Leather bustier dress with flair pleated skirt. $462 Parker from Blacklabelboutique.com
3. Faux leather skater dress with scalloped cutwork hem. £35 via Newlook.com
4. Leather look peplum bustier dress. $114 by River Island via Asos.com
5. Pleather corset dress with studded detail. £119 from House of Dereon via Nelly.com
6. Knee-length stretch leather and jersey dress. £180 Maison Martin Margiela by H&M
7. Vegan leather dress with embellished neckline. $298 Free People via revolveclothing.com
8. Leather and jersey pencil dress with pleated wrapped bodice. $263 at Asos.com


Is this a trend you would try out?

103 comments:

Martha from Malta said...

I do not have any leather black dresses so I might get one now! I'm not too keen on this trend to be honest but there are some pics here that are changing my opinion :) In response about Malta's language, we speak Maltese but English is also an official language! Italian is also spoken by most Maltese but not in our personal lives. We just know it since we are close to Italy. I am a Maltese speaking girl :)

Nhi said...

i love this BLD trend!:) they look so beautiful and different from other LBDs. i'm in love with bar rafaelis look <3
dress no. 3 via newlook is great!
lots of love xx

Cinnamon and White Chocolate said...

Like that trend, but I would buy myself brown leather dress, I think I would look so funny in that sexy, black dress...Ilina

Gill said...

Fav is 3. Faux leather skater dress with scalloped cutwork hem. £35 via Newlook.com

Lilli said...

Hi Sam! you too thank you!!:) I'm glad you made a post about it, I totally love this trend! I'm in a search for the perfect one too!:D I'd love to get something as ALC worn by Kristen Stewart, hope to find it!:P Inspiring post! Have a great day my dear, big hugs!:***

Valeria said...

I will definitely try! I really like this trend! Dress number 7 is my favourite!

Valeria.
http://myurbanmarket.blogspot.it

Carmen said...

Wow, the Newlook dress looks great!
xx
www.clothesandcamera.com

miss b said...

Great post! I like the ASOS pencil dress- nice length. It's surprising how leather has become so much finer and easier to create more fluid styles and interesting designs.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

Heather said...

I love my leather skirt - not sure if a leather dress would work on me - but I love the edgy vibe!

XO
Pearls & Paws

Unknown said...

This trend is beautiful and I love seeing it on celeb, I am still in the search for the perfect one for me.
Thanks dear for your sweet comment.

Borjana said...

Oh inspiring;)
xx
B.
http://www.beeswonderland.com/

EstelleFashion said...

Thank you very much for nice comment ;)

Have a nice day ;)

Ice Goddhez Blog said...

This is definitely a trend I want to try out! Great celeb inspirations, Sam! My choice from the group is CHarlize! And I want that Item #1 from Zara! Peplum's my way to go! :)

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Win shoes, clothing, and accessories worth around $88 from Asianvogue Shop, FlauntPH, and Bedazzle Accessories!

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http://chenmeicai.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

Love the Jason Wu, CK and Zara versions :)

Unknown said...

Love so much this trend! Would you like to follow each other? Check out my blog and let me know! :)
Fabiola

wildflowergirl

Andrea said...

I want a leather dress so badly! I want t o see how versatile it can get! Could you please consider following each other? www.shineonbyandrea.blogspot.com

Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

Ooooh, I love these!! I think I normally wouldn't be brave enough to try one out, but maybe with this fab 'how to' I would (if I lived somewhere chilly...).

Loving the look of #7 and #8 especially, come to mama!

Lindsey Louise Bales said...

i love pulling off leather items! but, i do not wear real leather! i think they make any outfit look more chic.

lindsey louise

hellomrrabbit.blogspot.com

Miu said...

I don't like leather.

ROXTHEFOX said...

Charlize Theron wins hands down. She looks flawless. I do think you need to have a killer body to pull off a leather dress/leather pants though. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a trend I definetely enjoy.

WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

Madame Chic Bcn said...

This is a very sexy trend. I love your dress selection particularly numbers 3 and 4!!
xoxo
Patricia

http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

Always Maylee said...

I barely have any leather in my closet, I should really get a leather dress!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

A Very Sweet Blog said...

i love these leather designs Sam! when i first heard that leather was going to be big this fall i couldn't wait to see what designers and stores came up with. i love the valentino one and my pick out of your fab finds would be #3 from newlook.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Antonella Leone said...

it's to aggressive for me :)

Carolyna's world said...

I am ready to try on. I love leathers things dresses as well. So great post, many inspirations Sam

Saucy Siciliana said...

I didn't know leather was the trend now. Very pretty dresses. I am following you from Sicily.

www.saucysiciliana.blogspot.com

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Cody Horn in Jason Wu looks great. But I think the cutest one here is the one from Black Label boutique.

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Love this trend...not sure we'd wear it but we sure do love it!! Ashley Madekwe looks amazing!

Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

Ali W. said...

Oh my gosh. I LOVE this! I have been looking for leather leggings, but have had no luck finding anything I love. You always have the best finds on here! Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date with what's in! :)

gvozdishe said...

Oh I love this trend soooo much!!!
www.gvozdishe.com

gvozdishe on Facebook

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

This trend is so chic and while I enjoy seeing it on various celebs, I'm not sure it's really for me. Would you go for this look Sam?

Rowena @ rolala loves

Ivana said...

All these ladies look incredibly chic and fantastic (Rachel Zoe and Ashley Madekwe are my faves!) but I'm not sure I could pull this look off myself...I think I'll just keep staring and admiring from afar :)

xx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls

Silvia Negretti said...

I'm still not totally into this trend, the only way i really like the leather dress is in the Ashely look!^^
xxx
S


http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it/

TRENDSURVIVOR said...

Love Love Love your post ... I am obsessed with leather dresses!

xxx
Nina
http://trendsurvivor.com

Anonymous said...

I love anything in leather, whether it's coats, dresses, trousers or accessories. But I think I would prefer skintight leather dresses though, I like how non-skintight dresses look on the runway though!

Anna and Klaudia said...

I love these dresses :)

http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

Chris Ed said...

Hi Sam, I´m not the biggest dresses fan, but I would wear the Victor&Rolf one worn by Rachel Zoe! I think it possible to go with almost every trend, but it´s important to find the perfect piece for yourself.
Great post, kisses chris

Aleksandra said...

I love leather !
I have one vintage BLD & I bought few weeks ago beautiful 'leather' dress from mr price !

http://www.olastory.com/

Daniella said...

Hi Sam, thank you for your comment on my outfit post and for your helpful suggestion, i'll definitely be trying that.

Really great post my dear, LOVING leather dresses! They are so right now and are definitely at their chicest! The ones of the runway were amazing and seriously lust worthy! I think Rachel Zoe looks incredible in her leather dress and Jessica Alba also! Also love your dress picks, number 6 is my favourite, the shape is very different! :)

Take care,

Daniella xox

Kashaya said...

I think it looks great but I don't think I could pull it off.=)

Josie said...

I love this trend! I think Ashley Madekwe looks the best, she always looks so amazing. Don't you just love her blog? xxx

Unknown said...

Some of those are adorable! I agree with Kashaya though, I don't think this look is for me - I doubt I could pull it off! xo

zhanna said...

I love this trend!! 1 and 7 are my favorites!
XO,
Zhanna
www.lifeandbows.com

Helena Resende said...

I love leather dresses :)

Simone said...

I like Valentino's dress with out the sleeves. I think I prefer sleeveless LBD's
thecloudgalaxy.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

So many great dresses! I would maybe wear a leather dress (or leather anything) if I lost about 80lbs!

Chao
Poppie
http://thepoppie.com

Jacy said...

I really like this trend as well! So edgy and chic at the same time. I really like how Ashley Madekwe and Cody Horn styled the trend.

~Jacy

www.laviedelenore.blogspot.com

Alessandra said...

Loving leather dresses!

http://lapetiterobenoire-ale.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/lapetiterobenoire.ale

Unknown said...

Totally love the BLD! I think Charlize Theron looks incredible in it. I've tried on a few myself but have found they restrict moving around so I've opted out of buying one thus far!

xoxo Bree
The Urban Umbrella
http://www.theurbanumbrella.com

Unknown said...

love all of the leather especially ashley bell's look!

xo SideSmile,
Ashley
SideSmile Style

Rahul Bhatia said...

Lovely leather dressed ladies and Bar Rafaeli is awesome:)

Test said...

This is definitely a tough thing to wear... Love it!

little luxury list said...

The Reem Acra version in long sleeves is gorgeous! Ahh and when doesn't Jessica Alba look great?

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Anonymous said...

amazing post! I'd really love a leather dress - i think it's so sexy without being too delicate. the versace one on jessica alba looks better in person too. thanks for sharing some affordable options :) xo jess
www.stylizedluxe.blogspot.com

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Great post, Sam ... I always fell glamorous and edgy in leather and love these dresses you've shown on the celebrities ... gosh, Rachel Zoe looks fab! I can't wait till Season Five of The Rachel Zoe Project is back with the baby ... I just read that it's been picked up for another season! Thanks so much for your ocmpliment on the gift tags, Sam. Happy holidays! ~xoSandy

SANDY M Illustration
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

MOSAMUSE said...

im a huge fan of this trend! so sexy and mysterious!
xo
MOSAMUSE

www.MOSAMUSE.com

Allison said...

Love leather!
:)
Allison

A's Fashion Files
Shop Kawaii Kitsch by A on Etsy!

Unknown said...

Great post!! Already have my leather dress from a few years ago an I love it!! Xx

Anonymous said...

Great trend, yes, I'd try it out!

Antee Gurung said...

Wow leathers are hot right now......it's sexy edgy and beautiful at the same time...

I really love Cody horn's Jason wu dress........<3
Xoxo

mochaccinoland said...

lovely leather dresses! love jason wu & valentino <3

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

A Life Un-Styled said...

I think the dress by The Row is perfect. I have leather pants and a leather skirt, I'd love a dress and a pair of shorts :)

Caroline Susanto said...

I just bought a leather skirt and can't wait to wear it :D love your inspiration pictures ^^

Caroline
http://missoline.blogspot.com

Mercedes Maya said...

Hi Sam!
love so much your blog!!!
xx
www.themidniteblues.blogspot.com

The Garage Starlets said...

I don't have leather dress yet but really want to get one!

http://www.thegaragestarlets.com/

miasmode said...

I want a leather dress sooo badly and my dream dress is your number 6. I hope they´ll put it on sale!!!
xo

glamDevils

life is style said...

wow, love them all :)

Unknown said...

Thats lovely, honey!


Lots of love

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Nicole

www.nicoleta.me

June said...

I love leather!!!
xx
www.junewantsitall.com

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Wonderful post! I really like Rachel Zoe's interpretation of this trend - so chic. x

Denisa said...

I really love that style. I would like to have that dress. Have a nice day.

http://www.fashiondenis.com/

Lisa said...

oh wow i love it so much! (:

Y además sombreros said...

Yo busco el mío pero aún no lo he encontrado.
Besos.

Jelena Zivanovic said...

Wow excellent inspiration my pretty girl!!! I love leather dresses, they're so sexy, and I love how Bar looks here- what a sweetie!
kisses

Jessica said...

I love this trend soo much, great post!
Would you like to follow each other on bloglovin and facebook? Let me know!!!

The Fashion Heels
Facebook
Bloglovin
Twitter

Anonymous said...

such a great post! so inspired to get me another pleather dress now :)

Audrey Allure said...

Love the look of the leather dress!

margaret cruzemark said...

I love this. There is nothing better than a (leather) little black dress.
Best Regards
Miss Margaret Cruzemark
http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

Kim Nguyen said...

I've been noticing the leather dress trend too. I think later in the season, they're going to start having different colors.

-Kim
www.KimKardashnguyen.com

Dressed By S said...

Definitely i absolutely love leather!
http://shradhaloves.blogspot.co.uk/
S xx

The Dragonfruit said...

I would love to give this trend a try. Although I'd like a leather dress with a flared skirt...if it's too body-fitting I'd feel uncomfortable >_<

Enter to win a statement cuff from ManEater – international giveaway!
Trendy Teal

Fashion-Bridge said...

I love the leather dress trend! well, actually I love the leather trend in general!and especially I adore the sweet shape of Valentino dresses in dark and seductive leather. great post dear (as always though:)

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

Egle Graziani said...

Great post !
Now i Follow you, Follow me too if you like
Egle by www.tobeaddictedtoshoes.com

Angela said...

Hi, dear!!!

Nice post!!!!! I like a leather dress!! My favorite celebrity is Bar Rafaeli in Versace! I love this dress!!

Kisses!! Have a nice day!!!!

Claire said...

Nice Post!

Demi Mist said...

You just reminded me I have a leather skirt I could wear!
Nice photos!

Unknown said...

I really like the leather dress trend...I'm just not sure I could pull it off!! You could totally have Jessica Alba or Lily Collins play you! After thinking long and hard about it I would love Brie Larson to play me (but she is far far too pretty)! Hope you are having a good week :)
http://shopaholiconashoestring.wordpress.com/

Ileana said...

I definitely need one of these :D
xoxo

novelstyle.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

Love this trend! I'm such a big fan of leather!

http://fashionroll.net

Unknown said...

beautiful:)!!!

Unknown said...

Love this look, esp the style Ashley Madekwe is wearing. If only I had the nerve :)
xo Jac
thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com

Rebecca said...

I do love a leather dress and I own many myself! These ones here are so pretty!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

sonia // daring coco said...

Love this, though it's so hard to find the 'one' in my case... No luck as yet

SDMxx
www.daringcoco.com
GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG ENDING IN 2 DAYS! Enter NOW

Kat said...

love the leather trend! its such a bold statement! :D

katslovefashion.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I am definitely loving this trend and can't wait to find the perfect leather dress for me! ;-)

Sam I want to thank you so much for all the sweet comments you always leave on my blog they truly make my heart smile. Thank you for always been so sweet to me and for all the support. Much love always doll.


<3 Marina
Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

Diana Marks said...

Leather looks just so chic! I should get something leather =)

LA By Diana Live Magazine

The Purple Clown said...

Great report! I love this trend!

xx
http://www.thepurpleclown.com

c said...

all the dresses look so amazing! we think Rachel Taylor looks best!

<3

ps. we are having a wonderful Kenzaa giv-away!

Always Unlucky said...

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From fashion idea

Anonymous said...

Yes !! We love BLD.... thanks for sharing ! This one sure is trending.

Much Love
Heiress
The Heiress Blog

girlinthelens said...

I saw Rumi from Fashion Toast in a leather shift dress and it was so amazing! Love the trend x

http://girlinthelens.com/

Bravoe Runway said...

I do have a leather dress and have yet to put it on the blog. Def will do so soon... :)

Unknown said...

Leather pieces can be timeless and just look amazing! I love the leather dress trend.

A Preponderance of Fashion