6 outfits that prove leather pants are a wardrobe staple

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Leather pants may be one of the most polarizing pieces in fashion. We all remember where we were in the not-so-distant past when it suddenly felt like every human being on planet Earth wore Artizia Melinas: You turn left and someone in your line of sight is wearing the straight leg black pants; turn right and someone is carrying one barbiecore hot pink version. It wouldn’t be a Saturday night on the Lower East Side without them.

But just because something becomes overwhelmingly popular doesn’t mean there isn’t room to find other versions of the look. Below, we’ve rounded up six leather pants that challenge the average pair, whether through color, texture or cut – and prove they’re a wardrobe essential.

Shego

Images: Courtesy of Brands

Inspired by my personal favorite “Kim Possible” character, this outfit will have everyone around you green with envy that they didn’t think to buy pants to match this Hanifa trench first.

alice and olivia green vegan leather pants

Alice + Olivia Dylan Vegan Leather Wide Leg Pant, $198 (from $330), available here (size 0-14)

Skims Cotton Jersey Super Cropped T-Shirt, $42, available here (sizes XXS-4X)

Hanifa Zahra Faux Leather Coat, $899, available here (size XS-3XL)

Steve Madden Bnikki Green Clutch, $54, available here

Diesel D-Venus Kbt Boot, $357 (from $595), available here

Justine Clenquet Silver Daria Earrings, $35 (from $50), available here

The subdued Barbie

Images: Courtesy of Brands

These soft, matte pink leather pants are just calm enough while still offering just the right amount of Mattel-inspired fun.

Remain Birger Christensen Lynn Straight Leg Leather Pants, $308 (from $440), available here (size 0-12)

Ralph Lauren Collection Cormac Pussy Bow Shirt, $396 (from $990), available here (size 2-12)

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The Frankie Shop Bea Blazer, $345, available here (size XS-L)

Marc Jacobs The Studded Pushlock Mini Satchel, $650, available here

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Jeffrey Campbell Synth Boots, $129.50 (from $185), available here

Anine Bing Link Ball Drop Earrings, $150, available here

Dinner for one (or more)

Images: Courtesy of Brands

What happens when you mix the two most classic substances of all time? You get these ultra-cool jeans in leather and denim from Agolde. Paired with a slim slingback and peplum top, they will accompany you perfectly for a dinner out on the town.

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Agolde Harley Pants, $378, available here (size 23-34)

Safyla Slit Peplum Crêpe Top, $682 (from $975), available here (size 2-14)

Express Flower Choker Necklace, $28, available here

Mejuri Single Mini Hoop, $35, available here

Totem Sharp Leather Slingback Pumps, $650, available here

Bottega Veneta bag, $3,600, available here

The coolest girl at Trader Joe’s

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Sneakers, a bright knit and chocolate leather sweats? She bought several new items from the frozen section, but most importantly several bouquets of grocery store flowers. All I know is: I want to be her.

nanushka wide-leg trousers in imitation leather

Nanushka Calie Wide Drawstring Faux Leather Pants, $161 (from $625), available here (size XS-XL)

Christopher John Rogers Rainbow Stripe Brushed Unisex Sweater, $925, available here (size XS-XXL)

Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Natural Grain Bag, $3,350, available here

Adidas Samba OG Shoes, $100, available here

The Motomami

Images: Courtesy of Brands

Motorcore is here to stay. Before you go full Nascar, take the aesthetic test by pairing these silver-embossed pants with a moto-style jacket.

Rotate Birger Christensen Rotie Croc-Effect Faux Leather Straight Leg Pants, $300, available here (size XS-XXL)

Courrège Logo Print Faux Leather Cropped Jacket, $1,086, available here (sizes XXS-XL)

Amina Muaddi Ami PVC Pumps, $780, available here

Mejuri Wave Hoops, $78, available here

Luar Ana Mini Leather Top Handle Bag, $275, available here

The pleasantly cool

Images: Courtesy of Brands

Cropped leather pants with Dr. Martens is the combination you never knew you needed. With a touch of cyan, this look will electrify any room you walk into.