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Ask Angie: (and everyone) Longevity of the leather detail trend

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am absolutely loving the trend of mixed media pieces, especially leather accents on knit sweaters, silk shirts, etc. I have now purchased a few pieces like this, but I am resisting the urge to snap up all the wonderful pieces I see!

What do you think about the staying power of these pieces over time. The top I'm wearing in today's WIW is pretty trendy, with the color blocking and leather accent, but I've wondered if something like a classic silk shirt with leather accents will look hopelessly 2013 a few years from now. I loved leather long before this trend, so I'd like to think it won't look dated, but I know how fast fashion changes.

Thoughts?

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from TraceyLiz65

shedev

Veteran

I love the mixed media trend too. I don't have the answer but hope it has staying power. Do you get a pass on trendiness if it is very consistant with your style persona?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I remember this being a trend a few years ago; it seems like it's a pretty classic trend, if that makes any sense. From the idea I have of your style, Janet, I'd say it's a very you trend, so I can see it working for you even after the 'trend' has passed us by. I will be interested to see what others think.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Janet, I have no idea. I'm interested to find out, though, so I'm going to follow this thread (thanks for starting). I'm buying very sparingly right now, since I already have so many things I like in my closet, and I'm trying to cut back, but I really dig the "leather strips on sleeve" thing that's going on with blazers and sweaters at the moment. I'm hoping they stay around. Maybe I'll get a leather-accented piece next year.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Awaiting words of wisdom from Angie as I too have been wondering !

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, it was a trend last year and a trend again this year. So that suggests it has at least some staying power! I have a feeling this is going to last.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think there is something to a trend meshing with your personal style. For instance, fit and flare dresses and skirts for lyn*. It kind of transcends time and trend in a way.

DeeCee

I have several such pieces, two of which I purchased approximately 5 years ago so at least for me it has staying power.

unfrumped

Veteran

Interested in the style words of wisdom.
One thing I noticed is that sometimes those items are hard to fit, because of the different fabrics and the effect on drape and shoulder seams and so on. So I had to reject a lot of items I thought would look good, but did not. Also, easy to look plastic-y if not done well.

That said, I think if you find your perfect type of item, in excellent fit, and really fitting the style of the item and not just slapped leather blobs to catch the trend, then I think it would have some longevity.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Plenty of longevity, Janet. There is still so much leather and leather trim on the catwalks. It's virtually obscene.

shedev

Veteran

I'm doing a happy dance right now.

deb

Veteran

Sweaters with leather patches have been around for years but I am thinking Grandpa sweaters are not what you are talking about.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yay! I'm happy to hear that. Thanks for the words of wisdom, Angie.

My hubs nudged me into buying a leather-trimmed silk top when were in Austin this weekend, and I started worrying that I'm getting too carried away with that trend.

That now makes six tops I own that have some sort of leather accent: the Aiko black sweater with white leather accents on the sleeves (another hub-induced purchase), the grey topper I wore yesterday, the bugundy leather-accented colorblock top I wore yesterday, the convertible cobalt sweater from last year (removable black leather collar and cuffs), and the navy tee with black faux leather sleeves I wore last week to that concert. The tee was quite inexpensive, so no worries when that wears out or the trend passes. The convertible sweater was pricey but is very classic. The trendiest piece is that colorblock top, so I'd better wear and enjoy!

Anonymous

This look just feels right for you. I would pay attention go how to clean the garments with leather trim. If it's dry clean, be sure they know it's leather and how to treat it. One of my first paychecks (late60s) went for a tweed outfit with an adorable jacket with leather buttons and collar. I had to remove the buttons each time it was cleaned and resew them. Eventually someone forgot there was a leather collar and ruined it.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh ouch, Joy! Great advice. Yeah, I am being very careful with cleaning these items. Fortunately, I think most of these pieces won't require much cleaning. Faux-leather is great for this -- I popped that tee in the wash and hung it to dry and it looks perfect.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Whew! I bought several pairs on clearance and hadn't even worn them,yet so was holding my breath for the answer... I probably would have worn them for date nights anyway, but not photographed them....

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I'm glad it will be sticking around for awhile! I like the multi-media trend. The different textures are interesting and refined all at once.

rute

Veteran

Yay!! Thanks Angie, love this trend too

Jules

Veteran

As an aside, I have a wool coat with pleather accents on the shoulders. The black has totally worn away where my purse rubs it. The wool part of the coat still looks new so it's a bit annoying. Something to be conscious of.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Found my mix media jacket with faux leather sleeves at TJ Maxx! Have to say I'm getting a kick out of the new term "Vegan Leather" and think I may just have to succumb and switch my terminology!