As far as style stereotypes go, the image of the fashion editor dressed from top to toe in black (save for a slick of red lipstick) is one of the most iconic.But even the most enduring of fashion rules are made to broken. This New York Fashion Week, the industry’s best dressed have presented a masterclass in the art of wearing colour.

Does the mere thought of deviating from your carefully-curated closet of neutral tones fill you with dread? Don’t panic. Fashion’s finest have filled us in on the secret to wearing full colour while still looking impeccably chic. Shall we give you a clue? It all lies in your choice of fabric, and this season no one can resist the allure of leather. 

Colour doesn’t need to be intimidating, and we have the evidence to prove that it’s never been cooler to ditch black and indulge in a little colour therapy. 

Whether you prefer to wear vegan alternatives or always choose the real thing, leather is one of the most stylish fabrics around. Thanks to its rock ’n’ roll roots it never fails to bring more than just a dash of cool to any outfit, carrying an air of laidback nonchalance. The fact that it’s so effortlessly easy to wear makes leather the perfect base to experiment with colour, while still keeping things sleek and sophisticated.

For years we thought that black was the only way to wear leather, but now that we’ve fallen for these colourful statement pieces, we know that there’s no going back to black. From chic shackets to city-appropriate shorts, these are the key pieces that every fashion editor is (finally) breaking their pact with black for. 

The Jacket 

Sitting in the sweet spot between laidback and polished, the leather jacket is a failsafe option to upgrade any outfit. Whether worn to pull together denim and a black turtleneck or to toughen up a floral dress, this not-so-humble jacket is the wardrobe hero that no woman should be without. But forget any notions of black biker styles. This season, give your look a serious upgrade courtesy of a leather shacket in a rich burnt orange hue. 

The Top 

It’s no secret that we love leather, but we will confess that we approach leather with a little trepidation when wearing it on our top half. How do you keep leather looking chic without unwittingly straying into fetish territory? Yes, you guessed it, with colour – specifically, beige. Biscuit, taupe, sand – whatever you like to call it – this warm-toned shade really is the gift that keeps on giving. Case in point – this sleek, body-skimming funnel-neck top in a neutral-toned tan makes leather feel like a totally fresh proposition.

The Shorts

Once saved strictly for summer dressing, thanks to directional designers such as Miu Miu and Saint Laurent shorts have been re-imagined in luxe fabrics – velvet, jacquard and, of course, leather. A far cry from your denim cut-offs, a leather short feels incredibly sophisticated, especially when worn in a subdued shade of deep khaki. Consider styles with tailoring-inspired details such as a belted waist and turn-up hems for a look that makes a sartorial statement all year round. 

The Trouser

Have we not convinced you to make the leap to colour? If you’re loyal to a monochrome palette then don’t panic, an all-black ensemble is just as effective. In fact, a block colour black base makes the perfect base to play with shape and proportions. Experiment with sculptural pieces like a cropped jacket with oversized sleeves or cropped, wide-legged trousers (or both). Don’t forget to pay attention to the silhouette, and balance out bold leather separates with a sleek black ankle boot and understated accessories. 

Images courtesy of Noor & Zee & brands