Soft vs rough, light vs heavy—at first, it may seem like these two classic materials are complete opposites and would never pair well together. But usually, it’s these unexpected combinations that complement each other so well in the end.
Below, we’ll share some ideas for styling leather and linen for all-year-round dressing, in a way that’s classic. It’s all about allowing the quality, craftsmanship and durability of these natural materials to shine through.
Linen dresses + leather footwear
Enhance your linen dresses this summer by pairing them with minimal leather footwear—think strappy leather sandals, leather slides and even mules. Why is it such a perfect match? Opposites attract—the airy feeling of the linen is complemented by the grounding earthiness of the leather.
For the cooler months, swap the sandals for knee or thigh-high boots and exude pure sophistication. You can also give a nod to this year’s cowboy obsession and finish off with cowboy boots and a prairie-style linen dress. How to complete the look? Leather bags are a must-have accessory that strike the perfect balance between the practical and the stylish.
Linen pants + skinny leather belt
A sleek leather belt is an elegant finishing touch to linen pants. It will instantly make an outfit more polished and put-together. There’s also so much room for experimentation, even though, at first, it may not seem that way.
Shiny leather is always a little more opulent, while matte finishes speak more to the quiet luxury aesthetic. If you’re a fan of texture, a suede leather belt would be a chic choice.
To keep things clean, it’s vital to choose neutral colours, such as white, cream, light brown and black. For a striking look, you can style white linen pants with a black leather belt—a combination you can’t go wrong with.
But there’s no reason why you can’t have fun with colour. A bright pastel-hued belt would be the ideal match for an all-white linen suit, particularly for those who prefer a more understated look.
Or go bold for summer and team terracotta red or butter yellow linen pants with a brown leather belt—fresh, modern and inspired by the Mediterranean.
Linen set + leather jacket
For those who’d like to add a little edge to their linen outfits, you can take a page from Katie Holmes’ street fashion look and pair a breezy linen suit set with a leather jacket.
The balance between the lightness of the linen and the robustness of the leather is the epitome of effortless cool. While it may be too hot to wear when the sun is at its highest, it’ll be a go-to for summer evenings and the transition seasons.
Depending on the mood you’d like to create, you can play with the design of the leather jacket. Choosing a bomber style can give your outfit a more casual vibe, making it perfect for dinner with close friends or a day of errands.
To add a more tailored element to the softness of the linen, opt for a leather trench coat that’s fitted to perfection—wear this ultra-sophisticated combination when you want to make an impression.