The Leather Maxi Dress Is Fall's Take on the Little Black Dress

Crisp, cool air means one thing: leather weather. Leather is a cool girl staple…and I’m not only talking about your moto jacket. I'm talking about your LBD. Rendered in supple, lustrous black leather worthy of Angelina Jolie, these after-dark dresses look edgy as ever. Throw on any of these dresses and cue instant BBE (Bad Bitch Energy). But with a modern update: What once was a cliché (short and tight) is now a chic and sophisticated silhouette (long, elegant).

No, a leather dress doesn’t scream “wardrobe staple” but you’d actually be surprised at how versatile they can be. These leather dresses are for the strong, fashionable women who command attention and power, whether that be at the office, around town, or on a date night. And the styling options are endless: Pair with your favorite cardigan and cute flats; rock a T-shirt underneath with some combat boots; or throw on your highest stilettos and pile on the jewels. Convinced and ready to start shopping? Here are our favorite new releases. (For all of our vegans out there, we didn’t forget you! Faux leather options included.)

•••

A version of this story appeared in the September 2019 issue of Marie Claire.

subscribe here (opens in new tab)