Leather Weather
Staying Chic In South Florida’s Heat
A cool trend for Fall/Winter 2023 is leather, but how do you wear it in a hot South Florida winter?
Fear not, it’s definitely possible to try the trend with panache — and without perspiring. We spoke to stylist Diane Treganza of Miami Personal & Corporate Styling for tips and tricks on loving leather this season.
Faux Or No?
The first thing to consider when taking on this season’s leather trend is whether you want to try wearing real or faux leather. Treganza likes both, however the latter is actually a lighter fabric and may be more breathable, while still, of course, allowing for the appearance of the real thing.
Color Your World
When making considerations for fall/winter leatherwear in South Florida, color is an important choice. Choosing lighter colors, such as light tan and cream or winter white, will keep you cooler. Black is still a great option for the evening, Treganza says, though it’s important to remember it will attract more heat during the day. And while Treganza recommends keeping optic whites for the summer, she mentions a cream or off-white is a stylish choice year-round.
Cut Matters
In warm weather, you’re going to want to choose fluid shapes, whether you’re in faux or real leather. “I would keep the silhouettes looser and a little bit more flowy so that you’re not dying of overheating in it,” Treganza says. These could include anything from drawstring shorts to midi skirts that reach the shin to even a leather halter top. Structured or tighter leather pieces are better for South Florida’s colder days, Treganza says.
Make A Statement, But Keep It Simple
If you’re going to wear leather, Treganza says, less is more. “I would keep it to one statement piece, and it doesn’t have to be a loud statement piece,” she says. So head-to-toe leather is not the order of the day. Rather, choose a leather blazer or a skirt or a pair of shorts, and have that be the focal point. Make the other parts of your outfit quieter in response: pair them with jeans, a chic yet simple white tee or tank top or a silk skirt.