Fashion

It’s Official—a Leather Pencil Skirt Is Winter’s Chicest Buy

As we step into the new year, I’ve been on the hunt for fresh ways to elevate my daily style. While my trusty wool trousers and knit dresses have served me well throughout the season, I’ve found myself yearning for something a little more exciting—a piece that can inject energy into my weekday wardrobe.

It didn’t take long to find my answer. A quick scroll through Instagram, and there it was: a recurring theme on my feed, woven through the chicest outfits from influencers and stylists alike. The hero piece I’ve been craving? A sleek leather pencil skirt.

Influencer wears a leather pencil skirt.

With its glossy finish and supple texture, the leather pencil skirt trend brings a polished, elevated edge to any look. Building on the resurgence of pencil skirts—first championed on runways a few seasons ago—this iteration takes things one step further. By pairing the classic silhouette with one of fashion’s most luxurious fabrics, it creates a perfect balance of elegance and modernity.

Influencer wears a leather pencil skirt.

And I’m clearly not the only one captivated. My feed is awash with leather skirts styled in countless chic ways. From boxy knit jumpers that soften the look to tailored turtlenecks and structured coats that lean into its sophisticated vibe, the styling possibilities are far broader than you may have thought.

While it's undoubtedly a great option if you're inclined to wear skirts throughout the winter, I think that this trend also holds its weight in the summer months. Simply swap out a knit or long sleeve for a simple white tee to give the skirt a more casual and summery finish and pair with kitten-heeled sandals or mary janes for a lighter touch.

Influencer wears a leather pencil skirt.

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say pencil skirts ever truly went “out”—they’re a wardrobe staple, as timeless as a crisp white button-down—they’ve undoubtedly returned to the spotlight in recent months. Prada’s spring/summer 2025 runway debuted a grungy, metal-embellished design that hung from harnesses adhered to a worn leather belt. Divisive yet undeniably influential, this playful take on the timeless trend solidifies the pencil skirt’s place at the forefront of modern fashion.

Model wears a pencil skirt on the Prada spring/summer 2025 runway.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Model wears a pencil skirt on the Prada spring/summer 2025 runway.