Contrary to popular belief, leather doesn’t immediately equal Goth – unless, of course, you want it to.
In fact, leather dresses appear to be taking autumn/winter 2025 by storm. We’re not talking about the dominatrix-lite minis that haunted early 2000s red carpets – though those have, against all odds, re-entered the chat via stars like Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian.
No, this is the grown-up evolution: buttery-soft, shoulder-padded, belted, ruched, or even shirt-dress adjacent. These dresses are for boardrooms, bars, and yes, even a Sunday roast (with the right tights and boots).
As temperatures drop and our collective mood swings from sun-drunk optimism to existential layering, the leather dress remains a steadfast ally. Rather than clinging to the body a la true Ross Gellar, the not-so-humble leather dress doesn’t stick; it sculpts, adding textural interest to cold-weather ensembles with sophisticated ease.
The beauty lies in its versatility. A deep oxblood number cinched at the waist with knee-high boots instantly elicits power. A faux leather oversized shirt dress worn open over trousers like a renegade curator at Frieze? Call it artistic license.
Whether vegan, vintage, or fresh from the rails of there’s a leather dress for every archetype—from the minimalist to the maximalist, from the high-femme to the sartorially androgynous.
So, as we enter the part of the year where daylight becomes a rumour and your calendar fills with plenty of social reasons to look interesting, I have one plea. Consider the leather dress.
Keep scrolling for a curated edit of the very best leather dresses to make a statement.
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Autograph Leather Cutwork Detail Mini Shift Dress
The shift silhouette? Mod. The laser-cut leather? Pretty-but-punk. This Autograph number is what Twiggy might wear if she fronted a post-punk band in 2025. Surprisingly wearable, especially with knee-high boots and an oversized pinstripe blazer.
Buy now £229.00, M&S
Farm Rio Burgundy 3D Flower Side Slit Leather Midi Dress
Florals? For autumn? Actually, yes – if they’re appliquéd in 3D and stitched onto a burgundy leather canvas. Pair with a cashmere turtleneck for a high-brow midwinter dinner.
Buy now £680.00, Farm Rio
Massimo Dutti Short Nappa Leather Dress With Fringing – STUDIO
Made for twirling, Massimo Dutti’s fringed Nappa leather dress is the ultimate party season statement. Just don’t get it tangled.
Buy now £249.00, Massimo Dutti
Mango 100% Leather Midi Dress
Quiet luxury on a not-so-screaming budget. Cut from real leather in a jet black hue, this leather midi from Mango is the ultimate layering piece. Whether worn with a silky, 80s-style blouse underneath or an oversized balloon-sleeve knit – it’ll turn all the right heads.
Buy now £259.99, Mango
Frame Leather Pinafore Dress
The ultimate investment in leather luxury, Frame’s pinafore dress deigns to elevate the everyday. Wear it over a crisp white t-shirt or absolutely nothing at all, depending on how chaotic your week has been.
Buy now £1500.00, Frame
New Look Dark Brown Faux Leather Short Sleeve Mini Dress
Featuring clean lines, structured sleeves and a rich mocha tone, this faux leather New Look dress offers quiet luxury on a budget. I love how it’s been styled with semi-sheer black tights – though a statement pair in a clashing colour or pattern would also work beautifully. Don’t forget the kitten heels.
Buy now £29.99, New Look
River Island Red Hammered Faux Leather Cowl Neck Dress
This leather number evokes '90s supermodel afterparty energy, with its hammered faux leather and slinky cowl neck. It practically begs for wet-look hair and an espresso martini. No one will guess it costs under £60, and that’s precisely the point.
Buy now £59.00, River Island
Whistles Leather Shift Dress, Chocolate
The colour of a Parisian hot chocolate and just as indulgent. Whistles’ boxy leather shift makes a convincing case for office-appropriate dressing with edge. I love the subtly sculptural buttons, too.
Buy now £499.00, John Lewis
Claudie Pierlot Pleated Leather-Panelled Jersey Mini Dress
Preppy, but not precious. Leather pleats meet jersey ease, offering up a very Caroline Kennedy look just in time for the autumn/winter season. Pair with a tortoiseshell headband and skinny sunnies (no matter the weather) to complete the aesthetic.
Buy now £215.00, The Outnet
Area Studded Leather Shirt Dress
Studded and distressed to perfection, Area’s leather shirt dress is a heritage piece that your friends and family will fight over for decades to come. Lean into the Western aesthetic with a bolo tie and cowboy boots.
Buy now £927.00, MyTheresa
Whistles Khaki Phoebe Leather Shirt Dress
With an almost military look thanks to the colour and the suiting, this is a piece that will make the crowd stand to attention.
Buy now £449.00, Whistles
AllSaints Nessa Woven Leather Mini Dress
Leather doesn't mean you're tied to black, as this AllSaints piece proves. The mini is woven from strips of dyed leather, offering and interesting texture and helping air to circulate.
Buy now £629.00, AllSaints
