Leather Jackets Are a Classic Cold-Weather Styling Piece
Fashion insiders weigh in on the best to invest in.
Ask any designer, stylist, or tastemaker about which outerwear pieces deserve a prime spot in your winter capsule wardrobe—and alongside faux fur coats and barn jackets—they’ll likely mention leather jackets. ”With so many [modern] updates on silhouettes and colors, there is always a time and place for an enduring leather jacket,” says Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang. Stylist and jacket-lover Emily Evans agrees, noting that although leather jackets have peak moments, they rarely dip out of fashion—making them a timeless closet mainstay with endless versatility.
“A leather jacket is a wear-with-anything type of style,” stylist Corina Gaffey tells Marie Claire. “Whether you’re throwing on a leather jacket for a casual day at work or an upscale weekend outing, it does all the heavy lifting, making even the most simple outfits look undeniably cool,” she adds. The stylist shares that if you invest in a good-quality leather jacket now, you’ll rely on this hard-working garment for seasons to come.
As for which styles are worth the investment this season and next, minimalist leather jackets take the cake. During the Spring 2025 Fashion Month circuit, designers like Chanel, Gabriela Hearst, and Coach put a much softer twist on the historically edgy outerwear staple with streamlined silhouettes, simple closures, and easy-to-style shades. “As we move into the new year, refreshing color iterations like warm brown, rich khaki, and even deep red will also make an appearance," explains Zhang.
Ahead, Zhang, Evans, and Gaffey guide us through one of fashion's most cherished classics, sharing everything you’ll need to know about the best leather jackets for winter.
Best Biker Jackets
With a rocker-chic look and slanted zip pockets, many people would classify biker jackets as the quintessential leather jacket. Go full-tilt biker chic with styles from Quince, Ducie, Rag & Bone, Bernardo, AllSaints, and Mango—all of which flaunt subtle touches of hardware. "These small details can make a massive difference while elevating the overall look of a leather jacket,” adds stylist, Evans.
Add a dainty touch to your biker jacket outfit with a charming red scarf and a flowy midi skirt.
Best Racer Jackets & Moto Jackets
You don't need a motorcycle to take a racer or a moto jacket for a spin—these sporty styles work well beyond any rugged road. Enter your grunge girl era with a range of sharp designs below, and take notes from style icon Bella Hadid, who prefers to pair her leather jackets with knit separates for a softer look.
Searching for an effortlessly cool getup? Look no further than the stylish outfit above.
Best Oversized Leather Jackets
“I’m in the market for a sleek oversized leather jacket,” says Zhang. “The styles that top my shopping list have a chore coat-esque shape that’s slightly structured,” she notes. Gaffey adds that although an oversized leather jacket is intended to be spacious, it shouldn’t overpower you. “It should fit nicely on the shoulders and have room to accommodate one or two layers,” she adds.
Lean into monochromatic dressing by matching your oversized leather jacket with a coordinating leather skirt.
Best Leather Blazers
Spruce up your winter work outfits with a leather blazer or two. The designs ahead are adorned with features like peaked lapels and single-breasted button plackets for a cool, corporate feel. According to Zhang, you can easily team your office-friendly leather layers with fuzzy fabrics that offer a hint of contrast. “Brushed cashmere and mohair knits pair well with leather jackets by providing a sense of texture,” she says.
Leather jackets tend to have an edgy reputation, but they can also take on a professional appeal.
Best Leather Bomber Jackets
“This season, blouson [' 80s-style leather jackets] will continue to top the trend charts,” Zhang tells Marie Claire. If you’re drawn to the look of billowing outerwear, then a leather bomber jacket is an absolute must-have for your wardrobe. Stick to the oversized agenda with a lengthy hemline, or opt for a cropped shape instead. Whichever look you choose, we recommend a leather bomber jacket with a rustic exterior that embodies a nice, lived-in feel.
If you want to elevate your your baggy bomber jacket, you can do just that with a refined turtleneck dress.
Best Leather Trench Coats
A belted trench coat can also cosplay as a jacket for all intents and purposes. Settle on a classic black shade or experiment with brown hues, per Gaffey’s suggestion. “Warm tones of brown fit right into the typical cold-weather color palette," says the stylist. For a chilly day, pull on any of the following leather trench coats alongside a snug winter dress and lug sole boots.
Embrace dramatic outerwear by slipping into a trench coat that practically sweeps the floor.
Meet the Experts
Formerly an accountant with a career in merchandise planning, Linda Cui Zhang joined Nordstrom in 2021 as a buyer and is currently the Associate Fashion Director. Originally from North Carolina, Linda resides in New York City.
Emily Evans is a celebrity fashion stylist who has an impressive roster of clients including Ashley Graham, Bebe Rexha, and Katie Piper.
Corina Gaffey is a fashion journalist and stylist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. She is also the writer of her own self-published blog on Substack, where she shares endless styling tips.
