This year we saw leather take a step away from the traditional biker chic stratosphere and get an uber feminine makeover. We saw super short leather shorts, leather pleated skirts and the much celebrated leather jacket come into play in the last season's collections. For Autumn/Winter 2012 we can expect more dramatic leather pieces, Givenchy's A/W preview saw some top-to-toe leather options - not for the faint hearted!

So what's the easiest way to wear leather without letting it wear YOU? Work it with a contrasting fabric, I like to wear my leather trousers with a silk or chiffon blouse,the loose fit and the soft fabric of the blouse makes the tighter, more fitted appearance of the trousers work. Take note all converse wearers of Olivia P's leather trews with her sparkley, cerise cons. She wore the trousers with a loose blouse and jacket, and allowed her trainers to provide her outfit with some zest!

I liked these Topshop leather shorts on Millie Mac so much that I tracked down a pair on Ebay. Millie graced the 'One Day' film premiere in these faux-leather, high-waisted shorts with a crisp, white button-down blouse and statement Zara jacket. Her best accessory with her leather shorts? A golden tan.

Diane Kruger proved that you don't have to be in your 20's to pull off leather. The 30 something year old actress looked phenomenal in Cannes in head to toe Balmain. My eyes were immediately drawn to this beautiful leather mini skirt from Balmain's 2013 Resort collection. It was accessorised perfectly with the denim press-stud blouse.

Leather is a fantastic choice for the colder months of the year, not only is it stylish and bang on trend, but its warm and durable also. My leather look for A/W 12 encompasses my trusty Selected Femme leather trousers paired with thick, chunky knitwear and my rabbit fur gilet. For a dressier look I'll pair last seasons faux leather pencil skirt from Zara with a silk tshirt and some pointed court shoes, which if Manolo Blahniks new collection is anything to go by, are back with a bang. Finally!

                                     Real leather trousers - Selected Femme        Faux leather pencil skirt - Zara A/W 2011