Leatherette dresses are the easiest way to look polished when the weather turns cool and your calendar fills up with dinners, birthdays and holiday parties. Leatherette, also called faux leather, PU leather or vegan leather, gives you the sleek shine of leather in a dress that's lighter, easier to care for and far kinder to your budget. Below you'll find how to choose the right length, what to wear with it, color ideas for fall, sizing tips from S to 3XL, and four faux leather dresses you can shop right now.
What is a leatherette dress?
A leatherette dress is made from a synthetic fabric with a coated surface that looks like leather. Most styles use a polyurethane (PU) finish over a stretch or woven backing, which is why you'll see them listed as faux leather dresses, PU dresses or vegan leather dresses. The finish can be matte and buttery, glossy like patent, or textured, such as a croc-embossed pattern.
Why it works so well right now: leatherette holds its shape, so a fitted silhouette looks smooth and sculpted, and the slight sheen catches light at night without being as loud as sequins. It also blocks a bit of wind, which makes it a smart pick for fall evenings.
How to choose the right leatherette dress length
Faux leather mini dress
A mini is the boldest option and the most fun for birthdays, concerts and club nights. Because leatherette is structured, a mini looks sharp rather than flimsy. Balance the short hem with a longer layer, like a blazer or a long coat, or add sheer black tights and boots once temperatures drop.
Faux leather midi dress
The midi is the most versatile length. It works for date night, work dinners, a gallery opening or a fall wedding rehearsal. A fitted leatherette midi with a simple neckline is basically a uniform for looking put-together with no effort. Wear it with pointed pumps for a dressy look or sneakers and a denim jacket on the weekend.
Faux leather maxi dress
A floor-length faux leather dress, especially in a patent finish, is pure drama. Save it for evening events, holiday parties and photo-heavy occasions. Keep accessories minimal so the shine stays the focus.
How to style leatherette dresses for every fall plan
Date night
Pick a fitted midi in black or brown, add strappy heels, gold hoops and a small shoulder bag. If you want more edge, layer a cropped faux leather moto jacket over the top for a tonal leather-on-leather look. Our Aftermath Coated Moto Jacket comes in black and brown, so it can match or contrast with your dress.
Birthday dinner or girls' night
This is where the mini shines. A croc-texture or fur-trim faux leather mini already reads like a statement, so pair it with simple heeled sandals or knee boots and let the dress do the talking. Browse more short styles in our mini dresses collection.
Holiday parties
Leatherette is a great alternative when you don't feel like wearing sequins. A patent maxi or a sleek midi looks festive under twinkle lights. Add metallic heels or a rhinestone clutch for extra sparkle, and throw a long coat over everything for the walk in.
Work or daytime events
Choose a midi with a modest neckline in a deep neutral like chocolate, burgundy or black. Layer a fine-knit sweater over the top or a structured blazer, then finish with loafers or block heels. The leather texture makes a simple outfit feel intentional.
Casual weekends
Yes, a faux leather dress can be casual. Throw an oversized denim jacket or chunky cardigan over a mini or midi and add sneakers or combat boots. It's an easy way to rewear a going-out dress during the day.
Best colors and finishes for fall
Black faux leather is the classic, and it never looks dated. If you already own a black one, try one of these fall-friendly shades:
- Chocolate and cognac brown: warm, rich and very on-trend for fall. Brown leatherette pairs beautifully with gold jewelry and cream knits. If you love this shade, see our guide to brown leather coat outfits for more ideas.
- Off-white and cream: unexpected for cold weather, which is exactly why it stands out. Great for birthdays and bridal events.
- Bold color: orange, royal blue or yellow faux leather makes a fun party look. Keep shoes and bag neutral.
- Patent vs. matte: patent and holographic finishes read dressier and more night-out; matte or croc-embossed finishes feel more polished and easier to wear by day.
What shoes and layers go with a faux leather dress?
Because leatherette has a strong texture, it pairs well with softer fabrics for contrast. Knits, faux fur and denim all work.
- Boots: knee-high or ankle boots are the go-to fall pairing, especially with minis and midis.
- Heels: pointed pumps and strappy sandals dress the look up for dinners and parties.
- Coats: a long trench or belted coat balances a short hem. A textured option like our Croc Faux Leather Belted Trench Coat makes a full leather moment.
- Tights: sheer black tights stretch a mini dress into late fall and winter.
Need more cool-weather outfit inspiration? Our fall outfit ideas roundup has looks for every plan on your calendar.
Sizing and fit tips from S to 3XL
Leatherette has less give than knit fabrics, so fit matters more than with a regular bodycon dress. A few tips:
- Check the stretch: styles with a stretch backing feel closer to a bodycon fit. Non-stretch or patent styles are firmer, so if you're between sizes, size up.
- Measure your widest point: compare your bust, waist and hips with the size chart on the product page, and go by the measurement that's largest relative to the chart.
- Think about sitting: a leatherette mini rides up more than cotton when you sit. If you plan on a long dinner, a midi may be more comfortable.
- Curvy and plus size: look for seaming, ruching or a defined waist, which shape the body nicely. EpicPlacess carries sizes S to 3XL across the store, and our plus size dresses and fashion collection is a good place to start. Size options vary by style, so check each product page.
How to care for a leatherette dress
Always follow the care label first. In general, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoid high heat and the dryer, and hang the dress on a padded hanger so the finish doesn't crease. Store it away from direct sunlight and don't fold it tightly, which can leave lines in coated fabric.
Shop the look: leatherette dresses we love
Want more options? Browse all women's dresses or the midi dresses collection for more fall-ready silhouettes.
Leatherette dress FAQ
Is leatherette the same as faux leather?
Yes. Leatherette, faux leather, PU leather and vegan leather are all names for synthetic fabrics made to look like leather. The exact feel depends on the finish, from soft matte to high-shine patent.
Can you wear a leatherette dress in winter?
Absolutely. Layer sheer or opaque tights, knee boots and a long coat or puffer over the top. Long-sleeve and midi or maxi styles are the warmest choices for cold nights.
What shoes go with a faux leather dress?
Knee-high and ankle boots are the classic fall pairing. For dinners and parties, try pointed pumps or strappy heels. For a casual look, sneakers or combat boots work well with minis and midis.
Do leatherette dresses run small?
Coated fabrics usually have less stretch than knits, so many people size up if they are between sizes, especially for patent or non-stretch styles. Always compare your measurements to the size chart on the product page.
How do you clean a leatherette dress?
Check the care label first. Most faux leather dresses should be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, kept away from high heat, and hung to dry rather than tumble dried.
Find your leatherette dress for fall
Whether you want a sleek midi for date night, a croc mini for your birthday or a patent maxi for the holiday party, a leatherette dress is one of the most rewearable pieces you can add this season. Shop the styles above, layer them with your favorite coats and boots, and get ready for every invite on your fall calendar. Explore more in our dresses collection.