First Lady Melania Trump made a striking fashion statement during her recent visit to Camp Lejeune, proving that leather trousers can be both age-appropriate and incredibly chic. The 55-year-old former model arrived at the military base ahead of Thanksgiving celebrations wearing an unexpected combination of brown leather pants paired with a Blaze Milano khaki jacket and Christian Louboutin brown booties.
Expert Style Advice For Women Over 50
The Daily Mail consulted renowned stylist Dianne Boyer, who specialises in helping women over 50 develop their personal style as they age. Boyer provided invaluable insights into how to wear leather pants confidently while maintaining comfort and sophistication during the holiday season.
"Many women avoid leather trousers thinking they're too youthful or restrictive, but there are numerous ways to embrace this trend while feeling completely comfortable," Boyer explained. Her recommendations offer practical alternatives to traditional skinny black leather pants that might feel too daring for some.
Affordable Leather Alternatives For Every Body Type
One of the most popular options according to style experts is the stretchy leather legging. The Spanx leather leggings, inspired by Olivia Newton-John's iconic Grease trousers, have become a viral sensation with thousands of five-star reviews. Priced at just $69, shoppers consistently describe them as "perfect, flattering and comfortable."
For those seeking a slightly different silhouette, Hue offers a $58 coated hi-rise cigarette pant that provides equal stretch in both black and autumn-appropriate bronze. The slightly flared bottom creates a more updated, quiet luxury aesthetic while maintaining the comfort of favourite high-rise skinny leggings.
Preppy favourite Tuckernuck presents their own brown leather leggings for $148, which have gained significant popularity among shoppers. These slim-fit pants with a coated finish work exceptionally well when paired with an oversized cardigan and ballet flats for both casual errands and dinner dates.
Styling Tips For Modern Leather Looks
Boyer strongly advises against pairing leather leggings with long tunics, which can appear dated. Instead, she recommends "a longline blazer or jacket to keep the look modern and elevated." For a more adventurous approach, she suggests "tucking your leather leggings into riding boots and adding a barn jacket for an on-trend look with a bit of an edge."
For women who prefer looser fits or feel uncertain about investing in expensive, tight leather trousers, elevated wide-leg options provide an excellent alternative. Stacy London of What Not to Wear fame offers faux leather wide-leg trousers for $79 that combine cosy comfort with holiday-ready sophistication. Available in black, chestnut and forest green, these pants pair beautifully with boots and oversized sweaters.
Boyer particularly favours modern cuts like boot-cut or flare pants for women over 50. "A boot-cut or flare leather pant offers a little more room, making it flattering for most body types while keeping your style current," she noted.
The barrel pant trend represents another comfortable option, with Carla Rockmore's $89 faux leather version available in black, espresso and chic midnight blue. These roomier cuts prove ideal for Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings where comfort remains paramount.
For those seeking a subtle introduction to leather trousers, coated jeans provide an excellent transitional piece. The $229 DL1961 Bridget boot high-rise Instasculpt coated jeans in chocolate offer dressy denim with a luxurious twist, featuring sculpting technology that lifts in all the right places while creating the illusion of leather pants.
Shoppers can also explore Reformation's sustainable Veda Vida low-rise leather pants in this season's trending merlot colour, providing additional room while maintaining style credentials. Regardless of which option women choose, Melania Trump's Camp Lejeune appearance demonstrates that leather trousers can be sophisticated, age-appropriate and remarkably stylish for women over 50.
