Trend report: Designers surprise with warm weather leather looks

Elise Overland Spring 2011/Image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

This season, fashion's most cutting edge designers are proving once and for all that leather is no longer a strictly-fall fabric. And we couldn't be happier, as these seemingly in-between season looks are perfect for the foggy days and cool nights that populate the San Francisco Bay Area's famously freezing summer months. 

 For the girls:

Elise Overland Spring 2011/Image:S.Whittle for Style WyldeIf leather pants and leather jackets have you picturing Sons of Anarchy style instead of haute couture, then it's time to  take notice of the Elise Overland Spring collection. Edgy leather pieces were often paired with light-as-air mini skirts and tons of sun-kissed skin, which balanced the rock n'roll attitude with tons of femininity and helped keep the collection from crossing over into biker territory. 

Rad by Rad Hourani Spring 2011/Image: S.Whittle for Style Wylde

For a new-wave meets blade runner look, which, let's face it, has been a staple of San Francisco style for decades, check out the Rad by Rad Hourani Spring line which showcased a series of unisex leather pieces that had just the right blend of  futuristic silhouettes and flock of seagulls whimsy.

Mik Cire Spring 2011/image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde 

For the boys:

Move over beach boys, California guys are no longer stuck in a strictly surfer look. Case in point: the leather trimmed jackets from the Mik Cire Spring line, which encompassed a laid back, vacation vibe with tons of down-town style.  

stacked leather bangles by Kendall Conrad/Image: Kendal Conrad

DIY Leather 

Not sure your spring wardrobe is ready for a head-to-toe leather look? No problem; this is one trend that can be eased into slowly with a well cut leather jacket thrown over your favorite summer dress, or a few small leather accessories like the stacked leather bangles by Kendall Conrad pictured left, added to an otherwise beach-ready look.