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Gloves are having a major moment right now. What was once perceived as a boring winter necessity for snowy days or frigid mornings has quickly become a must-have fashion staple. From the bold opera glove to a sheer lace embellishment, this previously underappreciated accessory has been taking the spotlight for a few seasons now, with celebrities alike jumping in on the trend – even Rihanna wore gloves at her Superbowl halftime show in 2023 and Kylie Jenner is often seen wearing slouchy gloves on the red carpet.
The latest iteration of the trend? Enter the era of the leather glove. Leather can add a unique pop of texture or color to any ensemble, and with gloves, the material adds an extra layer of sophistication and excitement.
“Leather gloves have always been a mainstay in the fashion world. Gloves are historically a status symbol of elegance, and their design and meaning have evolved over the decades,” says leading fashion expert and stylist, Lindsey Bernay. “Today, gloves are all about expressing your unique style, especially in the colder months when warmth can be prioritized over fashion.”
Not only are they a staple for maintaining warmth, but gloves are also an easy embellishment to add to an outfit to elevate your style. In fact, they can even serve as a statement accessory. We spoke to expert stylists to uncover just how to tap into the trend. Read on for outfit inspiration to match your new pair of glorious leather gloves.
Leather on Leather
It doesn’t get more classic than an all-leather outfit. One easy and effective way to introduce gloves into your wardrobe is to pick a neutral pair and create a one-toned look around them. You can easily match a pair of black leather gloves to your shoes, purse, or even your belt to ensure the outfit feels harmonious.
Classy With Flair
For an elevated outfit that’s ultra-polished and sophisticated, we recommend wearing sleek, black leather gloves with your most luxurious ‘fit – anything from wedding guest attire to bold statement jackets will do the trick here. The key is to balance the delicate and grandeur style of your outfit with the edgy and sophisticated nature of your gloves.
Trendy Streetwear
Embellishments are essential when opting for a streetwear style. We love a bit of statement-making style, which is why we adore styling leather gloves with other unique accessories, like textured purses and long bow hair clips – seriously, we can’t get enough of the ballerina core trend. For a more wintery vibe, Bernay recommends pairing it with a tailored coat or oversized jacket.
Business Formal
Become the chicest employee in the office by pairing your matching trousers and jacket combo with a functional yet stylish glove. As a general rule, we recommend keeping the color palette neutral in tone to not only match the mood of the season but also curate a chic and understated ‘fit that can fit into any work environment.
Pop of Color
Gloves don’t have to be just black and brown. Have fun with accessorizing by adding a pop of color to make your outfits really stand out. Even though brat summer is in the rearview mirror, we are still loving green in our fashion – the right pale-colored pair of gloves can even take the place of a statement bag or shoe if styled correctly.
Boxers Bounce
Fingerless gloves shouldn’t be looked over. Bernay loves styling this accessory with other distinctive pieces, like a chunky boot or distressed denim, for an edgy look that is casual and fresh. This works well with a slicked-back bun and chunky sunglasses as well.
Elegant and Effortless
Long leather gloves call for an equally sophisticated outfit. For an elevated night out, grab your longest gloves and your trusty black turtleneck. What you pair on the bottoms is totally up to you, but we recommend keeping it simple. Maybe you opt for a high-waisted skirt, or perhaps you’re more a wide-legged pant type of girl – the choice is yours!
Mixed Materials
While we love the sleek and rugged look of a leather glove, sometimes you need to balance your outfit with some softer textures. The soft look of cashmere or wool really helps to offset the edgy nature of leather. We love a chic co-ord or sweater dress for a wintery look.
Aviation Style
Achieving the aviation style can be tricky, but a pair of brown leather gloves is here to solve that problem. The comparatively formal look of the button-up blouse and tailored trousers, paired with the structured belt on the waistline, only helps to emphasize the leather material in the gloves.
Red is the New Black
Gloves are a fun way to add flair to your outfit, and if you haven’t noticed, red is the it-girl color for fall this year. Though styling a bright crimson may feel foreign at first, Bernay says not to worry too much about having the colors match perfectly in your outfit but to let the gloves be a sweet pop of color instead.
Casual and Understated
A luxurious and large tweed jacket is a simple way to achieve an effortless style. Stick to neutral colors and bold patterns, like a checker print or Burberry style, for an overall monochromatic effect.
Little Black Dress
The little black dress has been a staple in fashion for decades, and its chokehold on us is not slowing down any time soon. An extra elegant take is to style with long, slouchy leather gloves, black sheer tights, and an adorable pump, all worn in the same color.