How to Elegantly Wear Leather Over 40, 50 and 60
When you’re in your 20s and 30s, leather is easy. A moto jacket here, a pair of skinny leather pants there—it was all part of a youthful, edgy look. But I find that these days, I prefer a little less rebellion and much more refinement. I still love the vibe of leather – it’s not off the table and can still look chic. I just think it looks better when I balance the edginess with some polish and grace.
Let’s dive in and see how to wear leather with confidence, sophistication, and just the right hint of attitude at midlife and beyond.
Start by Rethinking the Stereotype
We all have that image in our heads: black moto jackets, studs, zippers, attitude. And while that version of leather might have worked back in the day, it’s not always the best fit for where we are now.
That doesn’t mean you have to let go of leather’s cool factor—it just means softening thing a bit.
One Leather Piece is Plenty
If you’re going for an elegant vibe, less is more. Choose one leather piece and let it be the star of your outfit. It might be a sleek jacket, a tailored skirt, or even a chic pair of pants. Just not all three at once!
This approach makes your outfit feel more curated and gives you just the right amount of cool.
Choose Leather That Feels Luxe
The feel and finish of your leather make all the difference. Look for quality leather or faux leather pieces that are lightweight and have:
- Soft, supple textures that move with you and feel comfy to wear
- Clean silhouettes with classic styling, minimal hardware, and simple details.
Burgundy Leather is Modern
Don’t Get Hung up on Black Leather
- Color: Black leather is a little harder to wear as you age and can fade you out. Don’t be afraid of colored leather! Burgundy, blush, camel, chocolate, and olive feel chic and a little unexpected, and very much alive!
Try These Leather Staples
Not sure where to start? These pieces are always a win:
- Straight-leg leather pants: Chic and flattering, especially paired with a fabric jacket
- Leather blazer: Adds a little edge to workwear or jeans.
- Midi or pencil leather skirt: Feminine with a touch of drama.
- Leather jacket: Great for layering and casual days.
- Trench coat: Timeless and elegant.
- Accessories: Think belts, bags, or loafers for subtle impact.
A silk dress paired with leather softens leather
Balance Out Leather with Softness
This is the trick to keeping your look elegant. Leather naturally adds structure, so pair it with soft:
- Textures: Silk, cashmere, cotton poplin, or soft knits.
- Shapes: Flowy skirts, romantic blouses, or loose layers.
- Mixed Media: Fabric blocked leather pieces with leather and another fabric are less harsh
Softness makes leather feel grown-up in the best way—not girlish, just graceful.
What to Avoid
You know the saying: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. A few leather no-nos:
- Head-to-toe leather (unless you’re going for drama on purpose).
- Overly shiny or stiff faux leather.
- Mini skirts, super tight leggings, or plunging leather tops.
- Too many details (zippers, studs, fringe overload).
The goal is elegance with a side of edge—not the other way around.
Styling Tips to Pull It All Together
- Tailoring is everything: Balance a leather piece with something structured or classic.
- Go tonal: Monochrome outfits always look sophisticated.
- Simple accessories: Leather pants, dresses, skirts, and jackets are fabulous clothing for women over 40. Don’t let the extreme versions that often come down the runways scare you. Yes, you’ll see a lot of dramatic and sometimes wacky leather looks and a lot of head-to-toe black biker leather, but that doesn’t mean the runway matches the reality. There are many ways a grown-up gal can wear leather and not look over the top.
The Bottom Line
Leather is wearable at any age—you just need to find your version of it. Choose one great piece, pair it with something soft, and let it elevate your whole look. It’s a little cool, a little classic, and chic.
Because elegant style with a confident edge? That never goes out of fashion.
Was this page helpful?
Yes! I have a red leather jacket that I always pull out this time of year and I receive compliments every time I wear it. The jacket is a good color for me and the red aligns perfectly with the holiday season. I appreciate your words of caution about black leather–I think I’ll look for a better alternative for my next leather purchase. Thanks for the tip.