Marc Fisher hiking boots // All Saints sweater (similar here and here) // Helmut Lang leather leggings
Saint Laurent handbag // Keep Nature Wild beanie

Southern California had me all excited.  We actually experienced about a week’s worth of “winter” weather.  Naturally, I broke out my hats, coats, sweaters and boots and basked in the sartorial glory.  And then it promptly went back to sunny and 78 degrees.

Whaaa-whaa.

For that glorious week of being able to dress in my winter finery, I started thinking about a short list of winter staples.  For years I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of leather leggings.  I’ve tried a ton of different styles and finally found the holy grail.

Before I get into the winner, here’s a list of options at various price points (and what I really think of them).

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

Clocking in under $100 and with almost 2200 reviews, you know these leggings have passed muster. Women love how real the faux leather looks, how the high waist sucks in your tummy and how unbelievably comfortable they are.

My take?  I really dislike them.

When I tried them on, I was fully expecting to love them based on the glowing reviews, but to me, they’re just fancy workout pants.  Personally, I would feel so awkward wearing anything but tennis shoes with these leggings.  No aspect of their aesthetic resembles actual pants, so unless only a very small portion of them show (i.e. the space around your knees) you’re going to look like you’re ready to go work out.  Pairing them with heels or ankle boots just seems crazy to me.

David Lerner Faux Leather Leggings

These, on the other hand, were the best faux leather leggings I found.  Only $55 more than the Spanx, they actually resemble pants.  Thus they look great with stilettos, boots and flats alike thanks to the substantial fabric and true pant hem.  Their high waist sucks in your tummy like a great pair of high rise jeans only way more comfortably.

The online reviews of these leggings are just okay, which totally surprised me.  They are hands down 5 stars in my book.  If you’re looking for an affordable pair of leather leggings, I highly recommend these babies for comfort, style and price.

All Saints Faux Leather Leggings

These babies are currently 50% off (under $100).  If you love the edgy, rocker vibe a la Anine Bing but not the price point, then these could be a great option for you.

I found them to run quite small (size up one to two sizes!) but love that they look like actual pants.  The faux leather has more of a rubbery quality compared to others I tried, but they are fully lined and have a comfortable elastic waistband.

I wish the waistband were higher for a more flattering fit.  If you are a curvy lady or have an abundant derrière like me, the lower rise waist made me feel like I had to constantly pull them up in the back.  In other words, not something that felt practical for long-term wear.  However, if you have an athletic build or are long and lean, definitely check out these leggings.

The Winner: Helmut Lang Leather Leggings

Full disclosure: these leggings are an investment.  I got mine on Black Friday for over 60% off (still marveling at my fabulous score).

What I love about these leggings – beyond the fact that they look like actual pants – is how freaking comfortable they are.  The elastic waistband molds to your body to make them feel like workout pants, while on the outside they are smooth as butter.  Perfectly placed seams at the knees (something all the other styles lack) ensures easy movement, optimal comfort and no bunching.

They aren’t super heavy, so there’s no feeling restricted or weighed down.  I’ve worn mine on long road trips, airplanes and sightseeing/walking long distances.

Thanks to the illusion fly and back slit “pockets” they look sharp as hell.  In other words, a highly appropriate wardrobe choice no matter what the occasion (no yoga butt here).

If you’re looking for a pair of high quality, comfortable leather leggings that will last you decades, these are it.  I highly recommend favoriting these babies on your fave retailers’ websites so you can jump on them when they go back on sale.

Do you have a favorite pair of leather leggings?  Let me know in the comments!

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