Vegan Leather: Why It's the Perfect Fashion Statement for Moms

When I was younger, my style tended toward the overly pretty—vintage dresses with big skirts, bows, ruffles, basically anything Zooey Deschanel would find adorable. Since becoming a mom, though, I’m finding I need pieces with a bit of an edge to balance out the pretty (I think it has to do with getting a bit older and not wanting to be twee). And my go-to recently has been leather, or rather, because I have kids, vegan leather.

Vegan leather is the best thing, you guys! But before we get caught up in fancy-pants terminology, let’s just all get on the same page here: Vegan leather is just faux leather, pleather, or any synthetic leather that doesn’t come from animal sources. And it’s been around forever. Chalk it up to some smart folks in fashion marketing throwing the word “vegan” in there and making it sound fancy.

Whatever you want to call it, it’s a million times easier to clean than actual leather (soap and water, anyone?), it’s relatively inexpensive, and it ups your cool game considerably. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy and versatile to wear—it looks good dressed up for work or down for the playground. Erratically flung applesauce wipes off in a flash. And it totally makes you look skinny! It smooths out the bumps in a way cotton just can’t. Have I sold you on faux leather fashion yet? Because, ladies, this is one train you need to get on.

Here are eleven pieces to convince you faux leather is a must have this winter. (Man, am I bossy today or what?)

Vegan Leather

Easy Long Sweater with Faux Leather Sleeves

How gorgeous is this long sweater? It feels like one of those pieces you would wear all the time—it's casual enough you could throw it over jeans for a birthday party and look cool, but it's dressy enough you could wear it to a concert with heels and be a totally hot mom. (I like to dream big, ladies.)

Buy it: Zappos for $88
Vegan Leather Backpack

Can I hear it for the backpack? There's nothing quite as liberating as having both hands free to wrangle your kids while resting easy in the knowledge you have plenty of wet wipes should the need arise (oh, it will). This vegan backpack hits all the right notes—it's sleek and expensive looking while still giving you room to store all the cars and My Little Ponies that invariably end up in your bag.

Buy it: Sole Society for $59.95
Faux Leather Tassel Necklace

Since having kids, I've become a necklace fanatic. Most days I throw on whatever top and jeans I can get my hands on, but then I almost always add my secret weapon—a long necklace. It instantly polishes up your outfit, the length makes you look longer (i.e., skinnier), and most importantly, it makes you feel like you're trying. This tassel necklace would be the perfect candidate for a necklace collection, don't you think?

Buy it: SweetAuburnStudio on Etsy for $30
Faux Suede and Faux Leather Drape Jacket

Faux leather and faux suede? A no-zip jacket that's perfect for fall (and perhaps if I've had one too many donuts?) Tailored to be sleek instead of bulky? Heaven is real.

Buy it: Target for $74.99
Faux Leather Sleeveless Tank

I love this tank. I have a very similar version that I wear all the time either with jeans and a necklace for dinner out or tucked into a pretty skirt to toughen it up a bit. Because of the material, it has more structure than a regular tank top, so I feel like it's a bit more flattering (it grazes rather than clings), and it's interesting enough to wear on its own.

Buy it: Nordstrom for $152
Pink Faux Leather Culottes

Culottes are this season's fashion darling for good reason—you can dress them up with heels for work or throw them on with a T-shirt and sneakers for the playground. Now take that and add in faux leather and then make it a lovely shade of pink? It's like pretty and cool had a baby and asked you to be the godparent. DO IT.

Buy it: ASOS for $60
Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

I'm having a love affair with pencil skirts. They look great with a T-shirt and flip flops in summer, you can pair them with booties in spring and fall for a polished look, and they're one of the few skirts I will wear with boots in winter. This faux leather version has a rock star edge, but the ruching over the stomach looks like it will be extra forgiving for a mom's stomach like mine.

Buy it: Macy's for $59.50
Faux Leather Hoodie

Let's get real for a minute, shall we? I have worn my yoga pants almost every day this week, and if I'm honest, I don't plan on changing that pattern anytime soon. However, I would be willing to trade out my well-loved sweatshirt for this cozy hoodie and chic it up a bit. Just don't ask me to wear it with jeans, all right? A WOMAN CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH.

Buy it: LE3NO for $28
Faux Leather Leggings

Ladies, meet your new best friend. You know how awesome your leggings are? How they look good with practically everything and still let you eat whatever you want? Well, things are about to get even better. Faux leather leggings are like your regular leggings after a blow out. Pair them with flats and a button-down and you've got a chic dinner-with-friends outfit; throw on a tank and a cardigan with your runners and you'll be the hit of the grocery store; add a pair of heels and a fancy shirt and no one will remember you're a mom.

Buy it: Nordstrom for $108
Black and White Striped Faux Leather Skirt

Who says leather has to be in traditional colors? The great thing about faux leather is it can be anything you want, like this gorgeous striped skirt. The A-line shape will flatter most shapes, while the mid-calf length is totally on-trend and more adult than its shorter sister. Plus, remember what I said about faux leather smoothing out the bumps? I have a feeling this skirt would do just that.

Buy it: Chic Wish for $36.90
Reversible Faux Leather Tote

This season's Internet It Bag is absolutely the leather tote. It's roomy enough for your wallet, computer, and extra diapers, yet you don't look like you're carrying an enormous diaper bag. This reversible version is black on the inside, so it pretty much takes any thought out of which purse to bring because it matches absolutely everything in your closet. File this one under: Life's Little Problems SOLVED.

Buy it: Nordstrom for $48