Coming of age in the early ’90s, a leather dress was the ultimate sartorial symbol of the woman I wanted to be. It embodied everything a “nice” young girl was taught to suppress; boldness, confidence and danger all wrapped into one unapologetic package.
For much of history, the only leather garments for women consisted of kid gloves or equestrian pursuits. But, thanks to designers like Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier, the once dated, utilitarian fabric was thrown out of the biker bar realm and into high fashion. The designs were sculptural, futuristic and unapologetically body-conscious (my mother’s worst nightmare) and a sharp contrast to the poofy-sleeved, smocked constraints of the girlhood I was desperate to shed.
Today, as women, we take leather for granted. Once a very risqué choice, a pair of leather pants, or a leather dress are now closet staples. And the options run the gamut – from sweet and girlie to unapologetically sexy. There is truly a leather out there for every personality type. Here are some fun picks I’ve spotted for fall/winter that make my little adolescent heart pine for an MTV music video appearance. Â
Bustier Dress, Neiman Marcus
Linnie Mini Dress, Febe
Vegan Leather Dress, Febe
Snake Faux Leather Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue
Vegan Leather Midi, AngeliqueÂ
Leather Minidress, Saks Fifth Avenue
Croc Embossed Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue
Cognac Dress, Lucy Rose
Leather Manon Dress, Tuckernuck
Sheath Midi Dress, Dillard’sÂ
Sale & Event Picks:
Oct. 15-18: Family & Friends sale, Pied NuÂ
Oct. 17 (3-5 p.m.): Anniversary Party – includes giveaways & 15% off retinol through October 31 (ret15), Audubon Facial Plastic SurgeryÂ
Oct. 25 (10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Oh My Mah Jong trunk show & free lesson, JudyÂ
