Trend Translation: 50 Shades of Leather

Yes ladies, we're taking a leaf out of 50 Shades and working with leather!! Or, should I say, making leather work with us!!! Leather is a toughie. Most of us want to wear it, but are scared of that fine line between trendy cool and looking like you should be riding the back of a Harley with 67 new tattoos (or cracking that whip a la 50 Shades).

But have no fear! This post will help you wear leather in a sophisticated, edgy and fun way and I promise - no Harley's in sight (unless you actually want there to be!).

First up, real leather or faux leather? This really does come down to budget. You can't go past the feel of soft real leather, but most of you know my philosophy by now. If it's an experiment in style, don't invest. Buy the faux, work your way in slowly and once you feel confident you love the trend, invest in the quality pieces.

So for leather newbies looking to just dip your toe in the water - start with this $$ friendly Sportsgirl leather-look top. It's not super fitted and has simple, clean lines - great with skinny jeans, but I'll warn you - this SMELLS like pleather!!!! Spray a lot of perfume on before you wear it!!

PU Shell top $69.95 from Sportsgirl

For seasoned leather lovers, you can't go past this really gorgeous leather top from Witchery. It's got more shape than the Sportsgirl top and is in a whole different league in terms of feel and quality but it does take you to a whole new price point too at $249.95. A great investment for those that already love rocking leather.

Leather shell top $249.95 from Witchery

Either way, try your top with a pair of jeans and some statement jewellery, or do something a bit unexpected and dress it up with a lace skirt and heels.

13 02 24 50 Shades of leather lace skirt

Sportsgirl PU Shell topLace skirt from Glassons $59.99

Another piece worth considering in your leather adventures is this terrific little faux leather, stretch mini skirt from Glassons. (Don't panic, yes it's a mini but with a pair of dark opaques and knee high boots it won't look at all inappropriate unless you are really very very very tall).

This is a great skirt at $34.99 - it's an elasticised waist band (hooray!!!) for super comfort and apart from the leather look panels down the front the rest of the skirt is in a stretch fabric - so even if you aren't sold on the whole concept of leather you can inject just a tiny bit of it with this skirt.

It's a versatile skirt as it can be worn really casually with a tee or layered with a short jacket. Simply put, it's just super fun and a great price.