Think leather always looks tacky? This is how to look more Kate Moss than Kim Kardashian and avoid Victoria Beckham's fashion faux pas

Think leather, think tight, tacky — and a look best left to the teenagers. For ever associated with 1990s thigh-skimming miniskirts and spray-on trousers that restrict breathing, hinder movement and make you perspire, leather can be more vulgar than va-va voom.

Even celebrities can struggle to carry off the look — Victoria Beckham is said to be haunted by the unflattering skin-tight matching black leather bomber jackets she and David posed in back in 1999.

But breathe easy, the spring collections are full of clever leather pieces that are colourful, cut to flatter and feature none of the dated styles you might wince at. Grown-up, understated and versatile, these are pieces you can wear at any age.

Opt for flattering wide fit

Unless you are nearing 6ft and with ultra-toned pins, leather leggings are unforgiving.

This season, choose a loose cut of trousers in an exaggerated shape that will look like you’re wearing a skirt and bring some real luxe to your workwear wardrobe.

If you’re on the petite side, remember to opt for a cut that reveals a hint of ankle so the shape doesn’t overwhelm you.

This wide-leg version from Me+ Em is free from fussy back pockets, too, for a more flattering look from any angle. 

YES: Luxe look: Leather trousers, £690, and jumper, £225, meandem. com

NO: Too tight - This Morning's Cat Deeley in leather trousers

Coat couture

When it comes to the leather coat, think large lapels and a defined silhouette as demonstrated beautifully by Kate Moss at Paris Fashion Week.

Kate wore her coat open for a relaxed vibe that shows off her dress but you can also do collars up and cinch your belt in tight like French Vogue Editor Corine Roitfeld, who takes the business of fashion — and leather — very seriously.

Soften the look by wearing something tactile and feminine underneath like sheer chiffon or delicate lace. 

If you want to try a colour, Oxblood can be an expensivelooking alternative to default black, as seen on the runway at Hermes.

But whatever you do, don’t be tempted to go for a fulllength leather trench in other strong colours. Choose muted hues instead.

YES: Kate Moss in the muted trench

Green for no: Kylie Minogue 

Bring biker chic up to speed

Nothing will date you quicker than a Nineties-style, spray-on black leather biker jacket.

The more modern way to wear one is with a looser fit or to ride in style with a Formula One inspired look.

Reiss has its own McLaren F1 collection featuring colour block jackets but for those who just want to flirt with the look, this putty version is a great buy.

Stars such as Bella Hadid have worn bolder versions, meanwhile, Louis Vuitton sent a patchwork piece down the catwalk for its 2024 collection.

YES: F1 style: Leather jacket, £388, reiss.com

NO: Matching pair: Victoria and David Beckham in 1999

Matte v shiny

Leather says ‘look at me’, but shiny tips you into ‘for the wrong reasons’.

Matte leather typically looks more expensive, and good places to start are Wyse’s buttery soft navy shirt and Whistles’ leather jacket, also in dark blue, which is supple for a more aged feel.

If you want to dabble with the glossy leather look then Zara’s Studio versions are sure to be a sell-out. Pair with some Mary Janes (flat or heeled) for a simple finish.

YES: Smooth like butter: Navy leather shirt, £162.50, wyselondon.com

NO: Bin-bag bling: Penelope Cruz

Switch mini for the midi

Forget acres of exposed thigh topped with a band of blink-and-you’llmiss-it leather.  That ship has sailed.

The far more sophisticated midi is your instant spring upgrade.

Infinitely more wearable, it's versatile enough to work for any occasion. It looks pared-back polished with trainers and a jersey top,

Or tuck in a smarter white shirt and add a pair of kitten heels for more grownup glamour. 

YES: Versatile elegance: Tangerine leather, £390, and stripped top, £160, cefinn.com

NO: Thigh high: Kim Kardashian in a leather mini