How to Style Leather Trousers: Faux Leather Outfits From Day to Night

A good leather trousers outfit pairs the trousers with something softer or plainer on top, because the faux leather already brings shine and texture. A fine roll neck or a chunky knit suits them in the day, a white shirt and a tweed blazer for work, and a statement blouse with a heel for a party.

This guide uses our Billie Barrel Leg Faux Leather Trousers throughout, in black and olive, along with the faux suede version in tobacco. Because the shape is a barrel leg rather than a skinny one, they are as easy to wear on a weekend walk as they are at a Christmas party, and the same ideas apply to most faux leather trousers.

What makes the Billie faux leather trousers different

The faux leather Billie takes the barrel cut of our Billie trousers and jeans, rounded through the leg and tapering in to the ankle, with panels down the front of the leg. The faux leather is soft and not too shiny, with a matte finish, and it is a bio based faux leather made with corn starch.

Inside, a soft brushed lining stops the fabric clinging or feeling sticky, and the waist is fully elasticated, so they feel much closer to a jogger than most faux leather trousers do. Unlike our other Billie trousers, they are not designed to be turned up, because the lining would show, so they are cut to the length the others reach once rolled. The elasticated waist means you can also adjust where they sit, which helps if you are shorter.

They come up a little generous, because of the elasticated waist and the fabric, so Hayley Thomas, our founder, sizes down by one in these. If you are between sizes or prefer a neater fit, the smaller size is usually the better choice.

Leather trousers as an all weather trouser

Faux leather does not soak up rain, so the Billie can be wiped down when you arrive. As Hayley puts it, “they act like a very stylish waterproof trouser if it's raining.” That makes it the same pair for a dog walk in the morning and a party in the evening, with only the top half and the shoes changing.

The barrel shape also leaves a little room inside the leg, so on a very cold day there is space for thin tights or leggings underneath. Our guide to winter outfits for women has more on keeping the warmth on your bottom half.

What to wear with leather trousers in the day

The easiest way to style faux leather trousers in the day is with knitwear, because the softness of the knit balances the smooth fabric. A fine roll neck is the simplest choice, because its neat line suits the volume of the barrel leg, and the Gwyneth Fine Merino Roll Neck in black or charcoal, tucked in, shows the waist.

A chunky knit gives a more relaxed look, and its texture is a good contrast to the smooth faux leather. The Bea Funnel Neck Jumper is our warmest knit, a weighty wool and cashmere blend, and burgundy with black faux leather makes a rich autumn combination. The shorter Blythe Funnel Neck Cropped Jumper stops at the waist, so it sits neatly over the trousers without a tuck.

For the weekend, the faux leather Billie works with trainers. In winter, a darker, silver or ecru trainer looks better than a bright white one and copes better with wet pavements.

How to wear leather trousers to work

Faux leather has a slight sheen that can feel quite formal, so the Billie works in the office with classic pieces around it. A crisp white shirt such as The Perfect Shirt with a tweed blazer over the top, such as the Teyha Tweed Blazer in houndstooth, gives the outfit a collar and structure, and the texture of the tweed sits well against the smooth trousers.

Leather shoes are fine with them, but a shoe that contrasts with the faux leather usually looks better, because leather with leather can feel like a lot of one finish. The olive Billie is the softer of the two colours for the office, and a white shirt keeps it fresh.

Leather trousers for a party

For a party, the faux leather Billie pairs with a statement blouse and a heel. The Poppy Puff Sleeve Blouse in black and gold, with its muted chevron print and balloon sleeves, gives the outfit a 1970s feel, and a gold heel picks up the print. Because the trousers are lined and keep the warmth in, the outfit still works on a cold night, and a black wool blend blazer over the top adds a layer for the journey.

A softer, more feminine top works too, such as the Posy Ruffle Collar Shirt under a blazer, because the frill is a pleasing contrast to the faux leather. Our guide to Christmas party outfits has more ways to dress for the season.

Black or olive faux leather trousers

Black faux leather is the easiest to dress up, and it goes with almost every colour in a winter wardrobe. Olive is the softer alternative, a deep green that sits comfortably with chocolate and camel, and it looks polished with green from head to toe, such as the Iggy Sheer Rib Jumper in bottle green. Almost any top works with them, because the faux leather brings the interest.

How to style faux suede trousers

The Billie Barrel Leg Faux Suede Trousers in tobacco are heavier than our other Billie trousers, with the weight and soft feel of real suede and carpenter pockets on the leg. They are worn full length rather than turned up, and the warm tobacco shade suits the chocolate and ecru of a winter wardrobe, as well as denim.

In the day, a black roll neck makes a sharp contrast, while the Blythe in chalk keeps everything warm and light. For a party, a blazer over a cami with a heel makes the faux suede feel dressed up.

What coat to wear with leather trousers

Because the Billie is a barrel shape, with its volume through the leg, it suits a coat or jacket that stops at the top of the hip or one that is properly long. A coat that ends at the middle of the thigh cuts across the widest part of the trouser. The Ayla Wool Blend Reversible Jacket sits on the top hip and has room for a jumper underneath, which makes it an easy match.

Faux leather from head to toe is best avoided, because it can look like one finish all the way down. If you love the Orla Faux Leather Shirt, it looks better with jeans or a tailored trouser than with the faux leather Billie.

What shoes to wear with leather trousers

Because the Billie finishes at the ankle, most shoes work with it. Trainers keep it casual for the day, and a heel dresses it up for the evening. A low heeled boot with a narrow ankle sits neatly under the hem, while a clumpy boot can make the barrel shape feel heavy.

Our guide to what shoes to wear with barrel leg trousers covers the shape in more detail, and our complete guide to barrel leg trousers has more outfits.

In short, leather trousers suit a plainer or softer top half, from a roll neck in the day to a statement blouse at night, with the shoes chosen for the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you style leather trousers?

Leather trousers look best with something softer or plainer on top, such as a fine roll neck, a chunky knit or a white shirt. For an evening, a statement blouse and a heel dress them up.

What do you wear with leather trousers in the day?

A fine roll neck or a chunky knit with trainers is the easiest daytime outfit. A white shirt with a tweed blazer makes them smart enough for the office.

What shoes go with leather trousers?

Trainers, a low heeled boot with a narrow ankle and heels all work with an ankle length faux leather trouser. A darker or silver trainer suits them better than a bright white one in winter.

Can you wear leather trousers to work?

Faux leather trousers work in the office with classic pieces, such as a crisp white shirt and a tweed blazer. Olive is a softer choice than black if you want something less formal.

Are faux leather trousers warm?

Rain does not soak into faux leather, and the Billie has a soft brushed lining, so it is a comfortable choice for winter. There is room in the barrel leg for thin tights or leggings on very cold days.

Should you size down in faux leather trousers?

The faux leather Billie comes up a little generous because of its elasticated waist, so if you are between sizes or prefer a neater fit, the smaller size is usually best.