Style Panel: 6 ways to incorporate fall’s edgy black-on-black leather look into any wardrobe

As we’ve already attested to (twice!), one of fall’s most dominant trends is undoubtedly the black-on-black leather look made staple by fictitious mastermind Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Since such a tough as nails getup isn’t, well, everyone’s cup of tea, we challenged our Style Panelists to appropriate some portion of the look into their every day wardrobes. From Adventures in Fashion’s Vickie Laliotis’s girlie peek-a-boo sweater and faux leather skirt to Hello Elo’s Élodie Parthenay’s sleeve tattoos, this look varies in degrees of perfect execution.

Question 15: How do you transition your summer wardrobe into fall while it’s still warm outside? How can I incorporate fall’s leather look into my fall wardrobe »

Or jump to: ALEX GRANT, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | ELODIE PARTHENAY, MONTREAL | LOLITTA DANDOY, MONTREAL | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

Style Panel Black-on-black challenge, Vickie Laliotis

Vickie Laliotis, 28
Edmonton | Adventures in Fashion

Embracing the coming season’s black-on-black, leather-hungry sensibilities might not be for everyone, but the girlie girls of the world can breathe a collective sigh of relief—the trend is as flexible as it is fun. To achieve a look that feels feminine yet decisively on-trend, I opted for a faux leather mini and a black, peek-a-boo cutout sweater. By keeping silhouette, proportion and accessories in mind—think statement necklaces and fun bracelets—I was able to embrace the trend while remaining true to myself.

Vickie’s wearing: Sweater, Talulah. Faux leather skirt, H&M. Loafers, Zara. Necklace and ring, Forever 21. Watch, Michael Kors. Bracelets, the Bay and Michael Kors.

Style Panel: Black-on-black challenge, Mo Handahu

Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Curvy Geekery

Following the gritty leather trend would be a little challenging seeing that my closet has very minimal leather. I would embrace it though by wearing my favourite leather jacket and pairing it with some of the leather pieces I have. I love the different textures of leather in this outfit making this a trend I wouldn’t mind exploring a bit more.

Mo’s wearing: Shirt, Torrid. Necklace, LouLou, Everything else, Thrifted.

Style Panel: Black-on-black challenge, Elodie Parthenay

Élodie Parthenay, 26
Montreal | Hello Elo

It’s easy to fall headfirst into full-on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo territory when you’ve already got more than your share of ink. That’s why I usually try and balance my more alternative pieces with smarter ones. The knotted see-through tank and beaten up combat boots would look good with distressed pants, but I find the fringe skirt to be an unexpected option. And when studs feel too obvious, I reach for this gorgeous piece of body jewellery by Uranium, which I like to call my “fancy post-apocalyptical harness”.

Style Panel: Black-on-black challenge, Alex Grant

Alex Grant, 25
Toronto via Vancouver | To Vogue or Bust

My style is definitely less Lisbeth Salander than it is laidback femme, so while I’d probably never wear a tough black-on-black-on-black look, I would bring some edginess to my otherwise girly ensembles via leather, studs and sticking to monotone styling. I elevated my delicate silk skirt and basic black T duo by throwing on a beloved (and incredibly soft) Twenty8Twelve leather jacket and topping it all off with discretely studded Jeffrey Campbell heels. Shades and a sleek bag in a toned-down colour keep the whole look from veering into “cute” territory.

Alex’s wearing: Leather jacket, Twenty8Twelve. Skirt, Club Monaco. Shirt, Jacob. Heels, Jeffrey Campbell. Bag, vintage. Sunglasses, H&M.

Style Panel: Black-on-black challenge, Lolitta Dandoy

Lolitta Dandoy, 32
Montreal | Fashion Is Everywhere

When I read this week’s challenge, I was pretty happy because I just cut my hair and I think this all-black trend suits it perfectly. But it also makes the challenge bigger: How can I look feminine wearing leather and sporting my new androgynous do?

I chose this sexy off-the-shoulder top and my favourite skin-tight biker pants. I think that when you wear leather, you have to go for the lightest and most fitted pieces possible, or else it can look very bulky. And since it wouldn’t be me without a touch of colour, I finished the look with a pair of cobalt pointy suede booties

Lolitta’s wearing Leather & knit top, vintage. Leather pants, Firetrap (both from MyWalk.in). Suede booties, Aldo.

Style Panel: Black-on-black challenge, Cara McLeay

Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair

While I often wear bright colours and bold patterns (oftentimes together), I am also a huge fan of black and leather, as they are both effortless and timeless. I also love the juxtaposition of a feminine silhouette styled with and edge, and this outfit, embodies just that feel; classic with a twist!

Cara’s wearing: Leather jacket and skirt, Muubaa. T-Shirt, StyleMint. Necklace, Lauren Elan. Heels, Pour La Victoire.

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