Thursday, September 10, 2020

We’re Tossing Our Jeans Aside For Leather Pants This Fall

Anyone can pull off a good pair of denim. Same goes for sweaters, LBDs, and leather motorcycle jackets. You don’t have to be a styling whiz to know that a pair of jeans that fit just right and a black turtleneck are undeniably flattering and may never go out of style. On the flip side, some fashion items don’t come quite so easily. Case in point, leather pants. Angelina Jolie and the Spice Girls may have perfected the slick look in the '90s, but leather pants definitely take some getting used to.

That’s where we come in. With a trick here and a tweak there, you can confidently add a statement pair or two to your fall wardrobe ASAP. It's all about figuring out what style works for you. Vegan or genuine? Designer or budget? Skinny or straight? After thoroughly examining all the leather pant colors, shapes, and silhouettes on the market today, we're confident that there's a pair in the slideshow ahead that'll check all your boxes off.

Give your fall wardrobe a Posh Spice-approved refresh with one of the 22 pairs of leather pants ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.


& Other Stories Leather Kick Flare Trousers, $, available at & Other Stories


Andersson Bell Mabel Vegan Leather Wool-Blend Straight Pants, $, available at Net-A-Porter
— PAID —

Most leather trousers tend to go for a lower rise, but this pair has a high-waisted, five-pocket cut that's as comfortable as your most-worn pair of jeans.

H&M Faux Leather Pants, $, available at H&M


Vero Moda Curve Curve Straight Leather-Look Pants, $, available at ASOS


Nanushka Black Vegan Leather Vinni Trousers, $, available at SSENSE


BLANKNYC Maleficent Faux Leather Skinny Pant, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Daily Paper Black Croco Jalla Pants, $, available at Daily Paper


VEDA Plus-Size Zero Cropped Leather Leggings With Zipper, $, available at 11 HonorePhoto Courtesy of 11 Honoré.


Levi's Faux Leather Rib Cage Straight Pants, $, available at Shopbop


Sies Marjan Nola High-Rise Leather Trousers, $, available at Matches Fashion


Pixie Market Jaime Vegan Leather Pants, $, available at Pixie Market


Stand Studio Megan Leather High-Rise Trousers, $, available at Matches Fashion


The Frankie Shop Black Patent Flared Pants, $, available at The Frankie Shop


Staud Eli Straight Leg Vegan Leather Pants, $, available at Moda Operandi


Eloquii Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at EloquiiPhoto Courtesy of Eloquii.


Lucency Snake Faux Leather Loose Straight Pants, $, available at Genuine People


COS Long Leather Pants, $, available at COS


Autobody Daisy Trousers, $, available at AutobodyPhoto Courtesy of Autobody.


The Source Unknown Faux Leather Jogger Pants, $, available at The Source Unknown


Halogen Crop Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants, $, available at Nordstrom


Toteme Olbia Coated Cotton Blend Straight Leg Pants, $, available at Net-A-PorterPhoto Courtesy of Net-a-Porter.


NastyGal The Hustle Plus Faux Leather Cropped Pants, $, available at Nasty Gal

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30 Years Later, The Style From The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Is Still Fresh

Three decades ago today, on September 10, 1990, Will Smith — or, more accurately, the fictional version of him — moved in with his aunty and uncle in Bel Air, thus beginning the phenomenon that is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The NBC sitcom lasted six seasons, launched Smith’s career, and featured guest appearances by Naomi Campbell and Oprah. The style, not just on Smith, but also on Ashley Banks (played by Tatyana Ali), Hilary Banks (Karyn Parsons), Monique (Kim Fields), Jackie Ames (Tyra Banks), and of course, Carlton Banks (Alfonso Ribeiro), is another legacy that Fresh Prince of Bel-Air left behind when the last episode aired back in 1996.

The show’s fashion was so good, in fact, that, to commemorate the 30th anniversary, a clothing line inspired by Smith and his music partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, just launched. The 30-piece line is exactly what you’d expect: a nostalgic collection of letterman jackets, brightly colored T-shirts and sweatsuits, socks, hats, masks, and bags that look straight off the set of the ‘90s show.

But it's the original trends from the show’s six-season arc, that are just as relevant today as they were in the ‘90s, that we're inspired by. Think tennis attire — from pleated mini skirts to varsity sweaters — on Ashley and Carlton, groutfits and ‘90s sportswear on Jackie, and plenty of gold jewelry to go around on Hilary. Monique’s fringe coat is also something we wouldn't hesitate to wear today, as are Ashley’s sparkly tights. 

Ahead, we rounded up some of the show’s memorable looks. And, as an added bonus, made copying them all easier than ever before.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Fringe


Looking at Monique's coral-colored fringe coat, you'd think she was living in 2020 — when fringe is at peak popularity — rather than the early '90s. Photo: Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank.


Zara Printed Dress With Fringe, $, available at Zara


Eloquii Satin Duster with Fringe Detail, $, available at Eloquii


Onalaja Megan Embroidered Floral Dress, $, available at The Folklore

Sweatsuits & Chunky Sneakers


Of all the trends that played out on the set of Fresh Prince, matching sweatsuits and chunky dad sneakers are the two that have held up the most, especially since the pandemic ushered us indoors and into our comfiest attire. Photo: Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank.


Richer Poorer Women's Fleece Sweatshirt, $, available at Richer Poorer


Richer Poorer Fleece Sweatpant, $, available at Richer Poorer


ASICS GEL-Nandi 360 Sneaker, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Mom Jeans & Hiking Boots


Hiking boots and high-waisted jeans have become a staple in fall wardrobes over the last few years.Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.


ASOS DESIGN Curve High Rise Slouchy Mom Jeans, $, available at ASOS


Simon Miller High Tracker Ankle Boots, $, available at Farfetch


Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans, $, available at Shopbop

Gold Chain Necklaces


Thanks to Paul Mescal's affinity for chain necklaces both on-screen as Normal People's Connell Waldron and off it, chain necklaces are experiencing some serious popularity in 2020. But it was Hilary Banks who really perfected the classic jewelry item first. Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.


Missoma Gold Large Graduated Necklace, $, available at Missoma


Mejuri Drawn Cable Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri


Jules Smith In Chains Necklace, $, available at Shopbop

Tennis Fashion


Thanks to the US Open (and Gen Z's affinity for pleated mini skirts on TikTok), tennis fashion is on the up and up. To try the trend, take style cues from Ashley Banks.

American Apparel Gabardine Tennis Skirt, $, available at American ApparelPhoto: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.


rag & bone White Nylon Visor Cap, $, available at SSENSE


American Apparel Gabardine Tennis Skirt, $, available at American Apparel


Everlane The Organic Cotton Pique Polo, $, available at Everlane

Sparkly Tights


Some may say that the pandemic killed tights, but this look on Ashley Banks proves them wrong — and has us searching for similar styles to wear indoors.Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.


Falke High Shine Tights, $, available at Shopbop


Gucci Floral Lamé Tights, $, available at Matches Fashion


Marc Jacobs Black & Silver Ribbed Tights, $, available at SSENSE

Canadian Tuxedo & Berets


Most of us are used to taking fashion advice from Tyra Banks via reruns of America's Next Top Model, but she was showing off top-notch style long before her role as head judge on the reality show — as Smith's girlfriend Jackie Ames on Fresh Prince. Two of her best style highlights from the show: Canadian tuxedos and berets (a souvenir from her early days modeling in Paris perhaps?).Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images.


Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Letterman Jacket, $, available at Ralph Lauren


BDG High-Waisted Baggy Jean, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Uniform Accessories Unlimited Inc Navy Blue Beret, $, available at Amazon

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