As the weather gets colder, a leather skirt looks fantastic when paired with a sweater and boots. Leather definitely made the strongest statement at most couture showings this year, so if you have to purchase a single wardrobe item to jazz up your winter wardrobe, we would recommend a mid length to long tailored leather skirt.

A staple of the cold season's designerwear, leather skirts can be seen everywhere. Interestingly, it is more about attitude than fabric and is usually worn by women who are comfortable in their skin. There is a certain confidence factor when you put on a leather skirt and a woman wearing one should be willing to be noticed. Why? Leather skirts are sexy. They exhale sensuality. They make you look and feel like a rock star.

Tailored leather skirts aren't just available in classic black, as is the general perception. This season has witnessed a riot of colors including buttery cream, ruby red and even olive green. Although usually worn several inches above the knee, the length does not matter as much as the cut and styling. “The more luxurious it is, the quicker we sell it,” says couturier Balenciaga, whose Fall-Winter YOOX Collection is all about leather.

Leather skirts are increasingly being incorporated into everyday attire. Business casual is de rigueur and a mid-length tailored leather skirt makes a chic professional statement. Fashion experts say while workingwomen are using leather as a casual option, the runways showcase leather as a symbol of glamour. Gianfranco Ferré's collection features a brown crocodile-stamped leather skirt with a deep fur trim at the hem, German couturier Tani Keller's Spring 2006 collection ensconces a ruby red leather cocktail skirt, while Jean Paul Gaultier's belted wrap A-line leather skirt with flap pockets and side slip zipper details is a classic.