In our biweekly series, editors share "the item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
As much as I was really into my inflatable furniture, extensive Beanie Baby collection, and Spice Girls-esque union jack dress, the sad truth is that I was born in the wrong decade. Despite being a fully-fledged '90s baby—arriving into Liverpool, England, during the golden age of 1991—I should have categorically been around in the '80s. Like, I’m actually kind of mad about it.
At least, that’s if my taste in fashion is anything to go by.
Whether from passionately raiding vintage stores to find hidden, previously loved gems, or just literally typing “80s” into ASOS and hoping for the best, I've amassed a small collection of slightly retro styles. It's become my go-to look. There’s something about the era that’s just painfully cool and, while I, myself, am about as cool as the inside of a freshly microwaved hot pocket, adding an 80s influence to my every day outfits is a great way to conceal that fact.
Luckily for me, it’s never been easier to look like a member of Bananrama than since purchasing my baby. I’m talking about my ASOS oversized leather jacket, or the jacket of my dreams, as I like to refer to it in casual conversation. Sure, paying almost £100 for it left me clutching at my internal organs, but the cost per wear of this bad boy is probably down to about three pence by now (about four cents to you Americans). Barely a day goes by that it’s not on my body, and barely a day goes by that a stranger doesn’t ask me where I got it.
For the past 10 years, I’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate vintage leather jacket, popping in and out of thrift stores, but unfortunately it always ended up looking like I’d raided the wardrobe of my late Uncle Geoffrey. Plus, the clothes usually smell like him too. Luckily, ASOS exists in this world, and the phrase “fake it ’til you make it” has never been so apt.
This jacket instantly transforms any boring, average outfit into something effortless and excellent that Kelly Kapowski herself would be seen in. Blue mom jeans and a white tshirt with a small bolognese stain on the hem? Just throw on this jacket, with awesome dropped shoulders, biker epaulet detail, and asymmetric zips. Suddenly you’ve transformed from “Ehh, it’s laundry day” to “I am perhaps Debbie Harry reincarnated.”
I adore the lapels and the heavy belted waist, but it’s the stole-this-from-my-very-tall-boyfriend fit that really makes me happy. As someone who struggles with body confidence on a daily basis, an oversized fit often leaves me feeling like I’m trying to hide something. Or, with my shape, can just look unflattering: boxy and big. Not the case here—this is a total dream to both me and my figure.
Not to mention it can be worn with anything and for anything. This jacket has accompanied me to the most casual coffee dates, joined me for terrifying street style photoshoots, and also taken part in glamorous girls’ nights out. Whether I pair it with high waisted pants and a slouchy sweater, or a pretty, feminine dress, it’s the ultimate accompaniment.
I don’t like to throw around the P-word, but I’m gonna go ahead and say that this is—this is The One, and it is PERFECT. My most committed and longterm relationship to date, and I will probably one day be buried in this thing. At least I'll look like a cool old lady.
In case I've convinced you to pick up a similar little number for yourself...
My exact leather jacket is currently sold out on ASOS (probably because I tell everyone I ever meet to buy it), but this one is similarly excellent:
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