https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:54:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1846069 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:52:57 +0000 Jenni Li 1846069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&gt;&nbsp;Wow, does this thread ever have legs. </p> <p>Good one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1846068 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:52:17 +0000 Jenni Li 1846068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A friend of mine once bought a pair of leather pants with a houndstooth pattern! Truly hideous in my opinion; at the same time she can wear whatever she wants.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1846067 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:51:39 +0000 Jenni Li 1846067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some women look better in leather pants, some in skirts. <i>C'est la vie.</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1846066 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:46:47 +0000 Jenni Li 1846066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why the heck can't anyone wear leather pants, if the pants look good? There is no age limit. Did you see Helen Mirren's leather biker jacket photo shoot a few years ago? Incredibly hot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1625077 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:49:23 +0000 Aziraphale 1625077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, does this thread ever have legs. :-)</p> <p>Fabfor40 -- I have revised my opinion somewhat since I started this a year ago. I've seen quite a few examples of leather leggings in the wild, and I guess my eye must have adjusted. I now feel like if the rest of the outfit is not over the top, leather leggings are fun and cool. Actual tight leather pants I just don't see very often, but I suspect that if you style them with something classy, like a gorgeous crisp white shirt -- on the loose side -- they would work for a woman of any age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1625066 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:10:40 +0000 Anonymous 1625066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a Christmas party, nice dinner, or evening event would be the perfect place to debut leather pants.<br /> If you want to wear them day-to-day, Aida gave some great advice: Just style them as you would any skinny jean/pant, with the same footwear and top. Can you picture your existing daywear with them?<br /> Also, as Suz, mentioned, a suede version would be a less jarring transition from a jcrew /gap wardrobe :)</p> <p>It was really fun reading this thread!</p> <p>EtA: It doesn't seem to me like the brand determines the houchy factor. I think you just need something that doesn't have zips and tassels.<br /> I agree that Danier is a great place to buy leathers. I'm sorry I can't help with sizing. What I do know is that you're supposed to get leather pants rather tight because they stretch out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1625049 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 02:15:51 +0000 Elizabeth P 1625049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny that this got bumped up again.&nbsp; I just read my response from a year ago, where I said I didn't think I'd ever go full on leather pants.&nbsp; Well, I can now report that my FAVOURITE leggings are leather, from Danier.&nbsp; They are a loose leggings, more like a cigarette pant.&nbsp; And far far more comfortable than any pleather bottoms I've tried.&nbsp; I truly love them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1625025 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 01:16:09 +0000 abbacadabba101 1625025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Leather pants are sexy.</p> <p>End of story.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1575947 Sat, 24 Oct 2015 14:38:16 +0000 WitchyD 1575947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally don't like the feel of leather or pleather pants or leggings, but I think you can wear them at any age as long as you keep the rest of the outfit fairly clean and simple. They're really the standout of the ensemble.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1575943 Sat, 24 Oct 2015 14:24:14 +0000 fabfor40 1575943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just don't want to end up with something super rubbery/cheap looking. I was thinking Ann Taylor. Their stuff can't be that hoochie mama, right?</p> <p>If I'm a 6/8 normally and a 4 at AT, do you suppose I go 4 or 6? With leggings, should I go a size up? I don't want to feel like a sausage but also don't want them super loose.</p> <p>Also, I have read about these fleece-lined ones. I'm cold a lot. Would the fleece ones turn me into a sweaty beast or would the normal ones keep me warm enough? I'm apt to lean toward the latter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1575895 Sat, 24 Oct 2015 11:28:26 +0000 Style Fan 1575895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would buy them if I wanted them.&nbsp; I had tight black leather pants when I was in my 40s.&nbsp; I loved them.&nbsp; I have also had tight brown leather pants, tight olive green leather pants and tight brown suede pants.&nbsp; All of my leather pants were bought after 40.&nbsp; If I could have afforded decent leather pants when I was younger I would have bought them.<br />I might buy leather leggings.&nbsp; But really I don't have many places to wear them these days.&nbsp; Walking doggy.&nbsp; Going to Yoga.&nbsp; Grocery shopping.&nbsp; Music events.&nbsp; I know but DH is not Keith Richards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1575776 Sat, 24 Oct 2015 01:57:06 +0000 fabfor40 1575776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Noooooo!! I missed this thread by a year!! I need you, community.</p> <p>So I'm 40 and I'm the one who's worn J Crew and Gap my whole life. Sweaters, jeans, boots, etc. I am uncomfortable if I'm the center of attention. Three kids later, I am holding my own (pouch and all) thankfully and with some exercise when I can get it in.</p> <p>I can maaaaybe fathom wearing leather leggings out on a date or if we go to a Broadway show but not to the supermarket or anyplace around town, although I hear people raving out how comfortable they are (or at least can be). I just don't know though. Maybe if we host a Christmas party? I don't know.</p> <p>I need feedback, everybody. How do you feel when you wear them? Do you feel like everyone's looking at you? Or did you? I know my husband would FAINT (in a good way) if I wore them but I am concerned about age, perception, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1440402 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:59:14 +0000 Aziraphale 1440402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lyn67, I have no idea why, but the way I see it,&nbsp;a leather skirt is totally different. I've seen middle-aged and older women rock a leather skirt like no one's business. They come off as chic and sophisticated, rather than out of place.</p> <p>But to be clear, I think that certain more relaxed styles of leather pants are similar, style-wise, to a leather skirt -- they come off as&nbsp;elegant rather than hard rock. When I asked the original question ('can you start wearing leather pants in midlife?'), the pants I had in mind were the skintight black thingies, possibly with zips. I think I posted some pictures upthread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1440349 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 15:15:31 +0000 lyn67 1440349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NO WAY!:-)). (-as pants never look that good on ME in general- it would be a&nbsp;look which reads rather trying&nbsp;much much&nbsp;too hard-). But what about a leather skirt? tHAT'S WHAT i did it in midlife-&nbsp;INSTEAD-and feelin' great!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/5#post-1440324 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 14:47:25 +0000 Aziraphale 1440324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, this thread keeps coming back, like cucumbers and coffee. :-)</p> <p>wildemu, my opinion seems to be in the minority here, but I think a guy can wear tight black&nbsp;leather rock start pants if he's (a) young (which you are), (b) really really confident, or (c) an actual rock star. As for any other kind of leather pants on a guy, I really have no idea, because I've never seen a man wear them!</p> <p>staysfit, if you're shopping for leather pants that aren't tight and&nbsp;black, then they aren't rock star pants. ;-)</p> <p>AM -- leather face mask -- ahahaaaaa</p> <p>ETA -- oops, let me amend my first comment. You can also wear tight black leather pants if you ride a motorcycle. I've got an acquaintance who rides, and I've seen him&nbsp;in his gear -- head-to-toe leather -- and he doesn't look like a poseur&nbsp;at all, because he's also carrying a helmet. ;-)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1440226 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:55:52 +0000 Style Fan 1440226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not read all of this thread but I find it very interesting.&nbsp; I have worn leather pants throughout my adult life.&nbsp; Sometimes they were black and very tight.&nbsp; That was when I was skinnier.&nbsp; I had chocolate brown leather bootcut ones, olive green leather bootcut ones and chocolate brown suede ones.&nbsp; I have also had lots of leather and suede skirts.&nbsp; I still have a black leather mini skirt that I wear with leggings (yes I do and I am 59 so there :-).&nbsp; </p> <p>I would love a pair of leather pants.&nbsp; But when would I wear them.&nbsp; They don't fit into my lifestyle.&nbsp; I would go for dark brown because that works more with my wardrobe.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1440162 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 05:52:18 +0000 lookin round 1440162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoever wants to can and should. All confidence! I'm 40 and considering them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1436320 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:34:34 +0000 AM 1436320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span>This aint leather rock star&nbsp;pants. But perhaps came up when I was looking at leather leggings/pants.<br /></span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=Zana+Bayne&amp;origin=keywordsearch">Zana Bayne</a>Woven Face Mask</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1436317 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:22:51 +0000 AM 1436317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rock star is approaching mainstream and leather skinnies are close to becoming &nbsp;-- well, just another pair of skinnies that can be styled beautifully. Then we have the acceptance of any style at any age. Even authenticity can be stretched because people understand the evolution of lifestyle and style. I'm seeing all of these themes in this thread.&nbsp;Yes, I believe that people will notice a significant style change - I love the example of the hat. But, rockstar leather pants seem pretty safe but perhaps not comfortable for everyone. But I wonder if there is an item that really makes people uncomfortable. I did pause when I saw a leather and rivet&nbsp;mask on&nbsp;Nordstrom.com. Anyone see it? There was a comment on Nordstrom.com&nbsp;about it not being a family friendly product. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1436281 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:06:52 +0000 wildemu 1436281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think the cut is very important. Skin-tight may be difficult to pull off, but there's nothing more comfortable than a well-fitting bootcut pair with a soft sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1436086 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:55:52 +0000 trekkiegirl 1436086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I don't have much to contribute (other than the odd coincidence that I just bought a pair of black faux leather pants for my birthday last weekend), I found this entire thread extremely interesting to read. </p> <p>To anyone who wants to wear leather pants, ROCK ON! Or, if you aren't that bold, rock gently like Bryan Adams If leather pants aren't your thing, that's cool too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1436044 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:43:23 +0000 wildemu 1436044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>chocolate brown leather pants are a classic, and I think easier to wear than black. Top it off with a cashmere sweater and the look is fantastic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1435913 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:49:42 +0000 Staysfit 1435913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After reading all this, I'm going to look for some awesome leather pants! &nbsp;No inhibitions anymore about age or body type, etc. &nbsp;I just have to find the pair that encompass my style descriptors, or perhaps I can be rocker chic for a day whenever I wear them ! &nbsp; &nbsp;Oh, and I don't wear black, so I want them to be navy, or maybe chocolate brown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1435798 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 08:20:57 +0000 wildemu 1435798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What do you girls think about men in leather pants? Is it also about attitude and his comfort level, or are there even more factors? </p> <p>I love my black leather pants and want to wear them more often, but it seems like they are too situation-oriented. I'm trying to reach that level of "I like them and i'll wear them when I want to" attitude but it is a bit harder for a guy :)</p> <p>I forgot to mention that I am 29. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401482 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:49:22 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1401482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When choosing what to wear, whilst I do try to take into account what will please, or at least not upset, my friends and family etc, I am also mindful of the fact that if no one&nbsp;ever risks wearing something new/unexpected/potentially unacceptable, the range of dress deemed acceptable will stay narrow and (to many of us) boring instead of evolving. In the past, women over 50 had woefully limited choices if they wanted not to upset/shock/offend people. There is still heavy pressure to stick to a tediously 'classic' [read: boring] style even now, with leather trouser wearers being deemed to be 'mutton dressed as lamb', even if they have the figure deemed acceptably thin enough, and wear them in a current way. So from my point of view, the more women over 50 who take the risk of wearing what they want, pushing the boundaries and wearing outfits that some will deem inappropriate given their age, the better. Such individuals increase the freedom of other older women to wear what we want, and for that, I for one am very grateful.</p> <p>When deciding whether or not to leave the house wearing those tight black leather trousers, I ask myself this: which is the lesser of these two evils: offending boring frowny&nbsp;disapproving strangers, or making myself feel bored? It's not just myself either. I personally love seeing older women wearing things other people probably think they shouldn't be wearing, including dressing fashionably, wearing tight black leather trousers, etc., if it looks intentional and authentic. I just wish more would. I have never understood why, when women reach a certain age, they are expected to have had a personality transplant such that they now want to wear&nbsp;so-called grown-up, classic clothes, and that to the extent that they don't have that personality transplant they are sad losers trying to relive their youth [and add other disparaging nonsense here]. It is all a lot of hogwash.</p> <p>As Angie says, have fun with fashion. Don't let societal pressure (real or imagined) stop you dressing the way you yourself prefer.</p> <p>Sarah </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401262 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 03:53:53 +0000 Aziraphale 1401262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Insightful as always, Suz. &nbsp;:-)</p> <p>And yes, the topic of 'cool' style (I really wish there was a better word!) -- I agree, it comes in many flavours, and not all involve the wearing of tight leather pants.</p> <p>Karie, pic #4 that you posted (and your comment) made me giggle. Gosh, but Jon Bon Jovi was cute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401259 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 03:48:10 +0000 Suz 1401259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicoleb!! You are a rock star!&nbsp;</p> <p>And Karie, I split my sides (uh....not the sides of my leather pants) at those visual examples and accompanying text...</p> <p>Aziriphale -- are you sure the issue is the pants...or is it the whole ensemble? Because as Karie's examples show, it really makes a difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another thing that interested me, in the situation you described, it was almost as if you were being pressured to be inauthentic (by wearing said pants). As in, the rock star pant wearing mom sees you as an ally (which you are, in a way, being -- probably -- "cooler" and more tolerant than some of the other moms) -- and she also sees that you are fashion aware and have the figure to "carry off" the pants. She's trying to compliment you by saying so, but you know that you wouldn't feel like yourself in the pants, and don't want to wear them.&nbsp;</p> <p>And then there is a whole other topic -- "cool" style that does not involve the wearing of rock star pants.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401243 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 01:57:48 +0000 MsMary 1401243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicoleb!!!&nbsp; My long lost fashion daughter!!&nbsp; Come baaaaaack!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401225 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 00:37:40 +0000 Aziraphale 1401225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for participating! This was a fun. You all make very good points, and I enjoyed reading them.</p> <p>(Kat, I totally understand what you're saying! I don't think people are exactly opposed to rock star pants, however. I think it's more that they draw conclusions from the 'vibe' such pants give off in relation to the person wearing them). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-start-wearing-leather-pants-in-midlife/page/4#post-1401074 Sat, 22 Nov 2014 19:05:22 +0000 catgirl 1401074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And Karie, thanks for the inspo pics - that first pic would be perfect for reunion! </p>