Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment for Fall

Ask any designer, stylist, or fashionable tastemaker about which outerwear pieces deserve a prime spot in your fall capsule wardrobe next to your denim jackets, barn jackets, and trench coats, and they’ll likely mention leather jackets. “They have peak moments but rarely dip out of fashion,” says stylist and leather jacket-lover Emily Evans. So, what makes them such a timeless closet mainstay?

Simply put, these trusty layers boast a versatile appeal. “A leather jacket is a wear-with-anything type of style,” fashion journalist and 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 fall, Evans and Gaffey recommend more minimalist leather jackets (an unwavering favorite among top labels). During the Fall 2024 Fashion Month circuit, designers like Gucci, Loewe, and Tom Ford put a much softer twist on the historically edgy outerwear staple with streamlined silhouettes, simple zipper closures, and easy-to-style shades. “This year, there seems to be a general move toward more sleek looks without a lot of bells and whistles,” explains Gaffey.

Ahead, 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 fall.

Best Biker Jackets

With a rocker-chic look, soft exterior, 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, Agolde, 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 jacket,” Evans adds.

Best Racer Jackets & Moto Jackets

You don't need to own a motorcycle to wear a racer or moto-style jacket—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 soft knit separates for a softer look.

Best Oversized Leather Jackets

Oversized leather jackets took center stage at a few Fall 2024 shows, including JW Anderson, KNWLS, and Supriya Lele—which means we’ll likely see this silhouette everywhere once temperatures drop. Gaffey says that the perfect oversized leather jacket shouldn’t overpower you. “It should fit nicely on the shoulders and have room to accommodate one or two layers,” she says. Get on board with the trend with these roomy leather jackets that you can easily layer over your favorite cashmere cardigans.

Best Leather Blazers

Spruce up your fall work outfits with a leather blazer or two. The office-friendly designs ahead feature dressed-up details like peaked lapels and single-breasted button plackets for a cool, corporate feel. You can also wear these sophisticated blazers when you're not on the clock—just swap your trousers for a pair of baggy jeans.

Best Leather Bomber Jackets

If you’re drawn to billowing, cozy-looking outerwear, then a leather bomber jacket is an absolute must-have for your wardrobe—and Kendall Jenner is a fan. 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 lived-in feel.

Best Leather Trench Coats

Even though a trench coat is indeed classified as a coat, this belted layer can also cosplay as a jacket for all occasions. Settle on a classic black shade or experiment with brown hues, per Gaffey’s suggestion. “Warm tones of brown fit right into the traditional autumn color palette," says the stylist. For a brisk fall day, slip on any of the following leather trench coats alongside a fuzzy sweater, a pair of wide-leg jeans, and sturdy fall boots.

Meet the Experts

Emily Evans

Emily Evans is a celebrity fashion stylist who has an impressive roster of clients including Ashley Graham, Bebe Rexha, and Katie Piper.

Corina Gaffey

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.