Coated Jeans: The Trend To Wear Now

These pants may look like leather, but the price tag won't break the bank.
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As retailers have finally started catering to a wider variety of body shapes (thank you, Eloquii and Universal Standard), they’re also opening up trends to become more accessible for those of us who aren’t swimming in cash. Case in point: this fall’s frenzy for coated jeans, which let you have the look of leather for a fraction of the price. While actual leather pants could run you up to $1,000, coated jeans can be had for $50 or less.

Model and fashion blogger Gitta Banko wears black-coated jeans in Paris.
Christian Vierig via Getty Images
Model and fashion blogger Gitta Banko wears black-coated jeans in Paris.

First things first: What are coated jeans? Basically, they don’t feel like jeans at all. Constructed of the fabrics you typically find in denim ― cotton, polyester and elastane ― they’re finished with a waxy coating that mimics the texture and sheen of leather.

This means, of course, that they’re not exactly breathable — but that’s what makes them perfect for fall’s dropping temperatures. If you’re concerned your sweat will make them stick to your skin, stylist Ama Godson suggests wearing a pair of thin leggings or tights underneath. The London-based Godson designs looks for a variety of private and public clients, and she’s a huge fan of coated jeans ― and an expert on how to do them right.

“If you keep the look very simple and minimal, a coated jean can always look very chic and you can wear it anywhere,” she said.

Read on for her tips on working this versatile trend into your fall rotation.

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At Work

“A bright white shirt is always a good way to do coated jeans,” Godson said. Pair a crisp white shirt, buttoned all the way to the top, with black jeans and pointed black mules from Aldo, Topshop or Zara. Top it off with a blazer and you’ve got a polished, work-appropriate look that “looks quite smart but it’s still edgy,” she said.

Date Night

Amp up the glam factor with snakeskin-printed jeans and a slinky top that shows off your shoulders and clavicles. A bustier or silky cami top would be great choices here, Godson advised.

And keep the colors in the same family. “For example, if you are doing a snakeskin-coated pair of jeans and they’re brown, make the bustier a nude or cream color, so it doesn’t look too garish,” she said. Keep the jewelry minimal, since the jeans are your statement piece.

Brunch

Your recipe for cozy yet cool brunch fashion: chunky knits (preferably oversize). “Tuck your sweater in slightly at the front of the jeans … it cinches you in at the waist, number one, and number two, it says, ‘I didn’t try (but I tried),’” Godson said. Pair your jeans with stiletto ankle boots, oversize sunglasses and a roomy clutch — because you never know where the day will take you.

For A Concert

“For a concert, keep it quite cool, quite edgy” and don’t wear too many layers, Godson said. Go wild with colors — try coated jeans in a snakeskin or crocodile print, or bright red. Godson recommends pairing with a printed tee and a “nice, fresh sneaker,” like the Stan Smith from Adidas.

Final Styling Notes

Godson has a firm opinion on the ideal denim silhouette: “With a mid-rise [coated jean], I generally find that that’s an awkward fit for most of my clients and myself,” she said. “I always usually do low-cut or high-waisted.” If you want to show off your figure (and a little bit of skin), choose a low-cut pair. A high-waisted silhouette is perfect for those who want to feel more cinched-in at the waist.

When laundry day rolls around, you’ll find that caring for your coated jeans is easy. Many pairs are machine washable — just be sure to follow the instructions on the care tag, as some specify laundering on the gentle cycle.

Snag one of these so-right-now coated jeans styles for your closet.

Black Orchid
Bergdorf Goodman
Totally edgy or completely innocent? You can style these pearlescent jeans both ways.

Get the Black Orchid Noah Ankle Fray Skinny Jeans with Foil Coating for $242
H&M
H&M
Big fall fashion at a teensy little price.

Get the H&M Super Skinny High Jeans in Black/Coated for $19.99
Eloquii
Eloquii
These classic black jeans pair perfectly with everything from a button-down and a blazer to a shoulder-baring top.

Get the Eloquii Coated Skinny Jeans for $99.95
Good American
Good American
Throw these on with a graphic tee and all-white sneakers and let your denim do the talking.

Get the Good American Good Waist Waxed jeans for $125.90
J Brand
Neiman Marcus
The perfect Saturday jeans: Wear them with a fitted tee and a chunky cardigan, for a versatile outfit that will carry you from breakfast to late-night drinks.

Get the J Brand Maria Shimmer Coated High-Rise Skinny Jeans for $278
Topshop
Topshop
For a more relaxed look, try these black coated jeans in a tapered-leg silhouette.

Get the Topshop Black Coated Mom Jeans for $80
William Rast
Macy's
When you’re wearing these snakeskin-printed jeans, keep your accessories minimal. Stick to stud earrings, a bracelet and a small clutch.

Get the William Rast Sculpted Coated Snake-Print Skinny Jeans for $89.50
Rag & Bone
Nordstrom
“A red or a burgundy [pair of jeans] is a winner for this season,” stylist Ama Godson said.

Get the Rag & Bone Nina High Waist Skinny Jeans for $255
J Brand
Bloomingdales
These gold metallic jeans require almost no styling. Throw on a black cami top and step into a pair of stilettos and you’re good to go.

Get the J Brand Maria Metallic High Rise Skinny Jeans in Gold Messaline for $298
Frame
Neiman Marcus
When you want a break from skinnies, reach for these kick-flare coated jeans in a buttery caramel shade.

Get the Frame Le Crop Mini Boot-Cut Coated Jeans for $245

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