Leather Weather: From Catsuits To Crop Tops

Details: Amalia Graziani; // Style; Published: 18 September 2013

So it's that time of year again. Out with the exposed underbutt and in with pumpkin-infused everything and my favorite textile of all time: leather. With a legacy of hollywood's ass-kicking, catsuit-clad babes behind you, leather has the capacity to transform even the most feminine shapes into pieces that say "I know you want to, but don't even try" (and by leather I am also including pleather and latex because saving money and cows is cool. Also: shiiiiiiiny). Now I know the debated question of whether women really can have it all isn't related to catsuits and biker jackets, but sometimes you just want to look powerful, chic, and hot as hell while jumping between trains or backflipping off a motorcycle. Only leather can do that for you.

This summer we experienced the delightful impracticality of leather tanks, tees, and pants (guilty on all accounts) and while they certainly kept things unexpected (will I faint from dehydration? how quickly can I bend down in these pants?), the best classic leather looks demand some cooler temperatures. So after a Fashion Week overflowing with drool-worthy leathers, let's get inspired by some of the fiercest leather-clad ladies from the past through today.

Lucy Liu, Charlie's Angels