Fall Fashion Trends: Wearing Leather for Older Women

Older women need ways to wear leather without looking like a senile delinquent. For women over 40, these are 5 fall fashion trends that you may want to buy or bypass.

Leather Pants for Women Over 40:

Leather leggings are everywhere but hopefully not on the thighs of older women. Knit leggings are about as risqué as I can get. If you can't resist wearing leather pants, Donna Karan's leather-front version may be what you need. They look trim but not too tight with straight legs and zip ankles. They're marsh brown and the rear side is done in a sensible cotton/wool/spandex blend ($995).

Leather Trimmed Garments for Older Women:

Leather trim can be more understated and comfortable than wearing a full leather outfit. Jean Paul Gaultier offers a long leather-trimmed cardigan with black pebbled leather outlining a black waffle knit body. It features a thin leather belt at the natural waist and a sporty arced leather band over the shoulders ($2,695). Pair it with knit leggings or a narrow skirt.

Fall Fashion Trends in Green:

Green leather may suit the mature women better than biker black, and moss and olive greens abound this fall. This Burberry Napa leather trench coat is done in luxurious dark moss with a Napoleonic collar and self belt. The A-line sweep and seams across the hips will flatter most figures (2,995).

Shearling and Suede for Women Over 40:

Shearling and suede are another way to soften up a leather ensemble. The Giorgio Armani double-breasted shearling jacket comes in pearl white leather with a natural white shearling lining and cuffs ($4,825). It features a funnel collar and snap closings. Personally, I'm fascinated by anyone who can wear white leather. I have a fawn colored jacket that has never left my closet because one subway trip would probably destroy it.

Fall Fashion Trends in Leather Hand Bags:

Hand bags are obviously the easiest way to wear leather at any age. Plus, they have a much better resale value than clothing. One of the most ingenious bags this fall is Donna Karan's pleated Eldridge convertible tote. Depending on how much you have to tote, you can carry it full length or snap it up shorter ($1,295). It comes in gold dust or black metallic leather.

Women over 40 can wear leather in public without looking foolish. These fall fashion trends are ideal for older women who dare to wear leather but do so wisely.