Leather clothes and accessories offer an unparalleled level of style and sophistication. Unlike cotton, leather has a natural sheen to it that's guaranteed to turn heads. As a result, wearing the right leather clothes and accessories can help you create a fashion-forward look while differentiating yourself from the mainstream crowd in the process. But if you're planning to sport leather in your outfit, you should making the following fashion faux pas. While some of these faux pas may sound harmless enough, they'll hinder your ability to create an attractive and cohesive outfit.

Wearing Fake Leather

A serious fashion faux pas that you'll want to avoid is wearing fake leather. Although it typically costs less than real, genuine leather, this is a case of "You get what you pay for." You might save a couple bucks by choosing a fake leather garment, but it will likely degrade and wear down more quickly, forcing you to spend even more money on a replacement. Go ahead and make the investment by purchasing garments and accessories made of genuine leather. They'll last longer, look better, and feel more comfortable than similar garments and accessories made of fake leather.

Choosing the Wrong Color

Whether you're shopping for a leather jacket, shirt, pants, handbag or any other garment or accessory, it's important that you choose the right color. Wearing a leather garment or accessory in a color that doesn't match the rest of your outfit will bring down your overall appearance. So, what color should you wear? A good rule of thumb is to choose a leather garment or accessory in a color that's either a slightly different tone or a completely different contrasting color than the primary color of your outfit. You should not, however, wear black and brown together. You can wear either black or brown in your outfit, but you shouldn't include both of these colors together.

Wearing the Wrong Size

Countless people make the fashion faux pas of wearing leather garments in the wrong size. If a garment is too big for your body, it will create the "clothes hanger" effect, as the garment appears to drape off your body like a clothes hanger (not in a good way). On the other hand, wearing leather garments that are too small will create a tight and constricting fit that looks equally if nor more awkward. You can avoid these fashion headaches by choosing leather garments in the right size. If you're searching for a leather jacket or shirt, considering ordering it here at LeatherCult. You can specify your own measurements, and we'll use those measurements to customize your garment so that it fits perfectly.

Assuming All Leather Jackets Are the Same

Not all leather jackets are the same, and it's important that you wear the right style for your needs. Some feature a fur-lined interior, for example, for added warmth. If you live in a region that experiences particularly cold winters, wearing a fur-lined leather jacket will keep you warm and comfortable even on those otherwise bone-chilling winter days. You'll also find that some leather jackets feature a zipper on the front, while others feature buttons. These are just a few things to consider when choosing a leather jacket. The bottom line is that you shouldn't assume all leather jackets are the same. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different leather jacket styles, each of which has a unique look.

Cleaning It in the Washing Machine

Unless it specifically states "machine washable" on the care label -- which most don't -- you shouldn't attempt to clean your leather garments or accessories in the washing machine. Machine machines are perfectly fine for most textiles, including cotton and wool. Leather, however, is highly susceptible to damage when exposed to water. While washing a leather garment a single time may not cause any noticeable damage, continuing to wash it day after day will eventually degrade the garment to the point where you can longer wear it. To prevent this from happening, clean your leather garments and accessories according to the manufacturer's recommendations listed on the care label.

Not Matching Leather Top With the Right Shoes

The golden rule of fashion is to match your shoes with your top -- and wearing a leather top is no exception. Whether it's a leather shirt, dress or jacket, you should choose shoes or boots that match it. If you're sporting a black leather dress, for example, you should pair it with black shoes. Alternatively, if you're wearing a brown leather shirt, pair it with brown shoes. Following this otherwise basic fashion rule will help you create a more cohesive and uniform outfit in which your top and shoes flow naturally together.

Wearing the Same Leather Garment Day After Day

Everyone has their "go to" garment. Maybe you have a leather shirt that you wear six days a week, or perhaps you have a pair of leather pants that you wear the same number of days per week. It's perfectly fine to wear a leather garment multiple times a week, but you shouldn't wear the same garment for two or more consecutive days. Switching up your leather garments helps to create a more dynamic and unique style. In comparison, wearing the same thing day after day creates a lackluster appearance that hurts your ability to create a fashion-forward style.

Not Caring for Leather Garments and Accessories

It's important that you care for your leather garments and accessories. When neglected, leather will degrade and wear down. Initially, the damage may only consist of minor fading. If you continue to neglect your leather garments or accessories, however, it can progress to more serious and permanent damage. So, clean and condition your leather garments and accessories on a regular basis to make them last. Leather is one of the world's most versatile textiles. It's strong, durable, comfortable and looks amazing. But if you're going to include leather in your outfits, you should avoid making the fashion faux pas listed here.