Tongue In Chic: Luxe Leather

Another controversial textile, which is prominent in many designer collections this fall, is leather. While leather has always been a popular material for fall jackets, it seems that this year it is playing a more prevalent role in other areas of fashion. No longer left to bikers and rocker chicks, leather gets sophisticated this season in the form of skirts, dresses and tailored trousers.

If your going to invest in one leather garment this season, make it a leather dress. Leather dresses are not only chic and sophisticated, but easy to wear and require very little accessorizing. Mini and straight line black leather dresses are the two most popular styles this season.

Reem Acra Fall 2012 Collection

Kim Kardashian dons a skin tight leather black dress for

an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jennifer Lopez steps out to see Evita, the musical,

with boyfriend Casper Smart in a tight-fitting, high necked black leather dress.

Jessica Alba stuns in a leather Versace dress at Paris Fashion Week.

Jennifer Aniston poses with Russell Brand at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards

in a tight black leather minidress by Valentino.

Kate Moss attends the Miu Miu Show at

Paris Fashion Week in a sleek black leather dress.

The leather skirts we saw in spring and summer are sticking around for the fall season but in a different color scheme. Black seems to be the most dominant color this season, in contrast to spring's orange, red and blue hues. Black leather skirts are available in a variety of shapes from pencil skirts to assymetrical ones with hemlines of various lengths. Leather skirts adorned with embroidery or embellished with jewels and crystals are also prevalent this season.

At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Heidi Klum paired her black leather pencil skirt with a ladylike black silk top. Silk, Lace, and other luxe fabrics, when paired with leather, provide not only textural contrast but also give an outfit a soft feminine touch. Pairing leather with softer fabrics is a great way to balance the edginess that leather looks often exude.

Audrina Patridge attends the Total Recall Premiere in a

black leather mini paired with a simple black lace top.

As Kristin Cavallari demonstrates, leather skirts look best

when paired with neutral heels and accessories.

Jennifer Lopez looks stunning in this all black leather look!

As Felicity Jones proves, semi-sheer black tights look great with a leather skirt and will keep you warm and stylish during the cold winter months.

Slick leather slacks are also a must have this fall and are available in a variety of styles and silhouettes. From slim and skinny to baggy and oversized, leather pants are a prominent part of many designer collections this season.