Style Suite: Office Edge with Leather

Welcome to the Style Suite with Kéla Walker, your source for fashion and style trends for power plays in the workplace. Every Tuesday and Thursday, she’ll share tips and suggestions to help maximize your style on a budget. Whether you’re the style devil in Prada or the apprentice with limited apparel, you’ll find something in the Style Suite to suit your needs.

When you think of leather I’m pretty sure your professional attire doesn’t come to mind. But contrary to the old-school taboo, you can work leather in the office without looking tough or out of place. As I shared earlier in the Style Suite

forwp-incontent-ad1"> , leather is having quite the moment right now and can be found in an abundance of cuts and styles, many of which are more feminine and chic than rough and tough.

For some time now, I’ve been on the hunt for a great leather pencil skirt. I finally found this vintage one online and immediately incorporated it in

to my work wardrobe. Because the skirt is in a classic cut, it was easy to wear to work. Paired with the tie-neck blouse, it was anything but tough in the office. The look was the perfect combination of femininity and strength. I love it. Besides the skirt, I’ve also added skinny pants (which are quite chic with pointy-toe shoes) and a peplum top that I know will easily shuffle between my on- and off-duty style.

Have you tried wearing leather in your workplace? For those of you who haven’t and want to try it, there’s still plenty of time. Despite the exit of winter, the flexible fabric is still hot for spring taking on lighter forms and shapes to compliment your warm weather style.

P.S. Be sure to join Black Enterprise producer Janell Hazelwood and I for a special Style Suite Twitter chat this Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. EST. We’ll be dishing on how to upgrade your power looks on a budget and maximize your closet. Use #bossmoves to participate and feel free to ask questions and tweet us your best work-wear looks.

For more fashion and style tips, visit Kéla’s Kloset and follow Kela on twitter @KelaWalker.

Kéla Walker is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated producer and TV host, who has contributed lifestyle and entertainment content for outlets including NBC’s LXTV, Getty Images, YRB Magazine, Madame Noire, and RTL Germany. She also has a passion for fashion and offers the latest in fab fashion trends and consumer deals with KelasKloset.com. Her chic style and trendsetting blog has been lauded by sites including Essence.com and Huffington Post Black Voices.