CATWALK TREND DECODED

The leather essential you never knew you needed

By Anna Heaton, 18 April 2017

Prepare to meet the spring basic you might not have considered yet: the leather top. You've got Saint Laurent's SS17 collection to thank for putting this one on the new season map and it's a relief that it did because not only does it look beyond good with 90% of your wardrobe, it's also the perfectly subtle nod you can give to the 80s if you're not fully committed to the look. Here's the 411...

Model Jourdana Phillips walking the runway at Saint Laurent SS17 Paris Fashion Week show

Picture: Imaxtree

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Exuding all the 80s feels (check those power shoulders and sweetheart neckline), this Saint Laurent beaut is the buttery leather of dreams. It's not a choice for the faint-hearted, but styled with boyfriend jeans, mismatched earrings and a low pointed heel, it's totally wearable and, actually, heavenly.

Street style blogger Pamela Cortes wearing leather top and print clash

Picture: Getty

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Taking it down a notch, but still referencing the decade du jour, street style babe Pamela Cortes gives her leather top a girlie overhaul via a square-neck cami with delicate ruffle sleeves (another trend box, ticked). She's upped the ante with clashing-yet-subtle prints and a floaty maxi skirt, and finished it all with some wine-red velvet heels.

ZACRO Leather Look Cami With Metal Hardware Trims available at ASOS | ASOS Fashion and Beauty Feed

Try it out

Sass your way into spring in this two-part top, with its leather-look cropped cami and pleated shirt hem. The eyelet strap detailing is v hot rn (make that any kind of hardware) and we're convinced it's the top your summer wardrobe is crying out for. Wear with wide-leg skate jeans and sliders, then let the good times roll.

ZACRO leather look cami, £45