Leather will still look lux through spring 2010

Leather is a hot item this season, and the trend will carry on well into spring 2010. If you haven’t caught hold of the leather trend quite yet, check out some of my ideas for the latest leather fashions:

Leather is a versatile trend in 2009 expected to carry well into the new year. Above is a Faith leather jacket by Alpinestars by Denise Focil, 92.

Leather accessories:

Leather purses, clutches, belts and shoes may feel like yesterday’s news, but this autumn — and well into winter 2010 — leather takes on new shapes. Old standbys could be replaced with new, modern looks for an instant style update.

Look for leather in black, gray and earth tones — olive, burgundy, navy, nude, sienna or burnt umber, for example. Check out leather gloves by Elie Tahari or Max Azria for inspiration. Their long leather gloves are the perfect example of a finishing touch that adds sophistication. Other basic leather pieces are often overlooked as wardrobe essentials. Think about your belt selection. Do you have a wide leather belt and a skinny leather belt in basic colors? Grays, blacks and browns are most common, but after these are accounted for, think about a bright leather belt. Such an item will gussy up your look and add a bit of personality.

Leather bottoms:

Try a leather skirt or pair of trousers for a bold look. Leather can have very distinct personalities, from punk rock to utterly classic. It’s all about how your leather is styled. This material also tends to be tricky, so a good fit is essential. One safe option is a mid-length leather skirt. Leather skirts can be paired with simple blouses or black chiffons for an elegant, edgy look. For a more feminine look, incorporate pastel-colored tops, striking jewelry, ruffles or similar embellishments. Look up one take on the leather skirt for fall 2009 in Erin Fetherston’s collection (see Style.com). Voluminous movement is balanced with a traditional, black-and-white color palette and more form-fitting pieces for the upper body.

Do look into leather pants and leggings, too. Genuine leather pieces are difficult to imitate; however, if you are willing to expand your options, you can undoubtedly save a pretty penny. Any type of “wet” or liquid leggings are a comparable look, but seek out better faux-leather options. American Apparel offers a high-waisted pant that is an interesting alternative for about $80.

Leather up top:

Leather bomber jackets, blazers and motorcycle jackets are here to stay. If you are still searching for the perfect one, all I can say is Alexander Wang, fall 2009. His crocodile-textured black leather blazer is to die for!

Still, leather outerwear doesn’t stop there. Donna Karan has a gorgeously soft, supple brown leather jacket, and it features an oversized collar and belted waist. Emporio Armani makes a great classic European leather grey or black fitted jacket with a luxe collar and impeccable round buttons.

But don’t stop at the jacket. Look for alternative ways to wear leather tops. Corset-inspired leather pieces have popped up on the runway. If you don’t want to look super over-the-top, wear more conservative pieces with this style of top. Look for leather vests to wear on top, an item that is fun for daily wear but might be easily integrated into your wardrobe.

Other favorite leather pieces:

• Hermes Fall 2009: leather jumpsuit

• YSL 2009: Leather corset

• Miss Sixty 2009: leather mini-dress

• Rodarte: grey leather thigh-high boots

• Balmain: leather mini-dress.