5 Days, 5 Ways: How to Wear Leather in the Summer--Without the Heatstroke

With summer comes all the mini hems, breezy fabrics and slinky silhouettes you can imagine, but how does the badass babe with edgier style beat the heat? Believe it or not, you need leather up!

Before you feign heat exhaustion, the thicker, typically cold-weather material can bring a level of sophistication and elegance to even the most casual looks. And with a few styling cues from the stars, you won't be swimming in a pool of sweat either. Let's see how Hollywood's finest keep it cool.

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The leather jacket will forever play a vital role in our closets, but let's be real: Anyone who's wearing one in 90-degree weather is trying too hard. Instead, opt for its cooler cousin--the vest--which will pair oh-so perfectly with all your maxis. Take a page out of Dree Hemingway's Met Gala playbook and contrast the vest against sheer pieces for a more breezy, textured look.

What's more expected than a short dress at any summertime soiree? A black mini. Keep things interesting in a colorful leather dress with a looser silhouette (read: no bodycons, lest you don't mind the chaffing). Michelle Monaghan's pleated bottom allows for movement as well.

If the thought of head-to-toe leather is too much, feature the material in subtle design details. The leather piping in Jamie Chung's summer-appropriate cutout frock brings the perfect amount of edge to a sexy ensemble.

While you could throw on a leather miniskirt and call it a day, why not prove your style prowess with an iteration in a deep-colored shade and textured elements like quilting or zippers? It says less dominatrix, more fashion It Girl.

When in doubt, nothing says summer fun than neon. Invoke the boldness that is Beyoncé and flaunt florescent leather shorts until the last music festival of the season. Pair with other bright-colored pieces for a look that's hot...in the coolest way possible, that is.