BY MAYA MARZOUK

In print | Published October 8, 2009

Fashion is all about skin: how much to show, how much to cover and what to cover it in. Fall 2009 seems to have brought a new skin trend to the table: covering skin in more skin. That’s right, Swatties! Leather is in. It seems to be everywhere this season, from runways to street-ways and on every type of fashion article you could imagine. Tops, bottoms and accessories are all being subjected to the leather trend. It’s on all the runway models, and soon you too will be able to wear leather with pride. (And hopefully without emptying out your wallet.)

Let’s start with leggings. They’ve been in for a while now and, while I must admit that I had my doubts at first, they’re quickly becoming a fashion staple. Leather leggings are a new addition to the trend. Elise Overland makes an adorable pair of stretch-leather leggings, but they’re $1,360 — a little bit expensive for an average student’s budget. Victoria’s Secret makes a pair for $228, but even that is overpriced. You, however, can get the look without the price easily with a pair of wet-look leggings: American Apparel makes a pair for $46, and Wet Seal has them for $18.50. Leather pants are in now too. They have a similar look to the leggings, so you can use either to achieve the same look. If you want pants, there are options: Derek Lam’s are $1,690, but gorgeous. On the less expensive end, there’s a pair available at www.newport-news.com for $129.

With all the new opportunities to wear leather, it’s come to my attention that this “fabric” — which used to be for shoes, handbags and bikers — has developed a distinctly feminine side. Etro makes a gorgeous high-waisted chocolate leather skirt that is simply to die for (quite literally, actually; the $1,895 price tag nearly gave me a heart attack), and Marc Jacobs has a washed leather pencil skirt that would be perfect for more occasions than I can count for $698. GUESS by Marciano makes a leather pencil skirt that is comparative to the Marc Jacobs, for a third of the cost at $198. Chetta B has a taffeta party skirt on sale now for $117 that, though it’s black and not leather, has the same vibe and fashion possibilities as the Etro skirt. The shiny high-waisted skirt from American Apparel has the same wet-look as the leggings that could pass for leather, and it comes in tons of pretty colors (and is only $44). As far as dresses go, the Versace studded leather dress is divine, but it’s $2,585. I couldn’t find a good alternative, so this one would have to be a splurge.

Gloves, too, have taken their place on the runway. A staple of both the Max Azria and the Elie Tahari show at Fashion Week 2009, long leather gloves are going to have their place this winter. Alexander McQueen makes a pair for $849 that would instantly up the elegance of any outfit you’d wear this winter. Michael Kors has a set of the same length for $29; they’re a cashmere-wool blend instead of the leather but have the same general look about them.

Leather boots and handbags are nothing new. There have always been fabulous choices for leather in this department, but with the new leather obsession in the high fashion world, they’re getting even better. Thigh-high leather boots, like the faux leather boots by Stella McCartney ($1,385), are becoming increasingly popular. Martinez Valero’s Raegen boot is also great, and only $219. You can hit up your favorite stores for a great leather handbag (or for the frugal, your local Chinatown for knock-offs).

Now, you may be looking at this article with a quizzical expression and scribbling down my e-mail address to question me this week, seeing as even my cheaper alternatives are expensive. There’s simply no way around it: for leather, you’re going to have to shell out the cash. There are, however, alternatives.

Anything “wet-look” is a good bet. For example, as you’ve probably noticed, American Apparel has a wide array of clothing of that description that could easily pass as leather.

I’m not sure how I feel about this trend. I realize that it’s great that leather is breaking the mold and stepping out of leather jackets, shoes, bags and biker clothes. However, at least in my opinion it still holds the stigma of being for dominatrices, pole dancers and Catwoman. I’d much rather stick to shoes and belts and the occasional jacket. This brings leather into the wardrobe without making it the spotlight piece of your outfit. But if leather’s your style, don’t be afraid to show off that skin!

Maya is a first-year. You can reach her at mmarzou1 @swarthmore.edu.

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