Sophisticated Styles: 10 best faux leather skirts

On a recent trip to Zara I decided to avoid the now well picked-over sales rack and head straight for all the new stuff. A quick scan revealed lots of faux leather; skirts - midi and mini, shorts, blazers, dresses, trousers and joggers. Every wardrobe should have a bit of faux leather - it's a stylish and versatile piece of clothing - effortless and elevating. Yet, what I found to be missing from this Zara faux leather collection, is colour - especially brown. In fact, this colour has been gaining in such popularity, I was surprised to see it missing here.

Of course if you are new to the trend, classic black is always a safe choice. But faux leather in shades of dark brown, chocolate or caramel is a sophisticated, fashion-forward choice and a great way to update your look. As a neutral it will go well with so many colours - maybe combinations that don't seem so obvious; light blue for example paired with brown looks amazing as does coral, orange and season favourite, red.

Although I'll always be partial to a great pair of faux leather trousers - an absolute staple, right now I'm really loving the versatility of A-line skirts and the many fun ways to style them. For example, try wearing a shirt dress open over a skirt and tying the belt around your waist like a coat.

Need some more inspiration? No problem, I've put together a few looks featuring faux leather skirts in a variety of colours and styles - now all you have to do is choose one! See below for my top ten faux leather skirts & how to style them:

1. If you love the sounds of caramel filled double chocolate then you will love this

ensemble! Wear a chocolate brown vegan leather midi skirt with knee high brown

croc boots and a caramel-coloured shopper that oozes pure decadence. Add a

light blue sweater, gold accessories, and a coffee brown manicure for the finishing

touches.

2. This little gem of a skirt from Zara could pass for designer - Very Victoria Beckham.

Style it as she would with a crisp white shirt and sleeves rolled up. Nail two trends with

these patent burgundy sling backs and a gold cuff on each wrist. (PS. add fishnet tights

for extra style points).

3. Heading to the slopes or just dreaming of it? This ensemble will see you looking

aprés-ski-fabulous no matter where you are. Slip this beautiful STAUD metallic skirt

over leggings with Moon Boots and a classic fair isle sweater and you're ready to chill.

Throw on a glamorous faux fur coat from The Frankie Shop for outside readiness.

4. Why not try a blue denim trench with a caramel faux leather A-line skirt. Add a silk coral

pussy-bow blouse and snake skin heels for added gorgeousness. A white DeMellier hand bag gives

a sophisticated and tell-tale nod to springtime.

5. Wear a white mini skirt with black & white accessories for instant monochrome chic.

This classic pairing is always in style and effortlessly versatile. Think Audrey Hepburn in

How to Steal a Million with a nod to Hubert de Givenchy's '60s minimalism. Why not

add a silk scarf for a touch of Parisian flair.

6. This caramel snakeskin mini skirt paired with a tailored black blazer and pointed

knee high boots feels so incredibly chic. Make the outfit really pop by adding a red

turtle neck knit. For a Parisian edge, throw on a baker boy hat over messy, tousled

hair à la Bardot, et Voilà!

7. You may scratch your head when it comes to a sage green skirt, however combine

the muted shade with bright, bold colours. Add metallic & neutral accessories

like gold, cream & lilac and you have yourself an ensemble worthy of Sylvie Grateau.

8. You heard it here first - green shoes are going to be big next season. Why not get

ahead of the crowd with a pair of green satin sling backs - the other big shoe trend

on the raise, they will elevate a pleated faux leather midi skirt. Wear with a slash

neckline top, a gold trench - because it oozes style and don't forget the lady-like top

handle bag for the ultimate in feminine sophistication.

9. There's just something about the quietness of a plain black Tee. Why not wear a slogan

on a beautiful piece of jewellery instead and with a gold leather skirt. Layer with gold

accessories and funky shoes to bring the fun - don't forget the Chanel bag and

leather jacket for elevating touches.

10.These suede western-style boots from ba&sh are so gorgeous, I'd wear them to bed!

Pair with a wine-coloured faux leather pencil skirt and bubble gum pink for a perfect

match. Add a dash of pearls, fringe and red for a fashion mash-up.