5 Ways to Wear Your Favorite Leather Jacket Because It's That Time of Year Again

The perfect piece of outerwear for tricky transitional weather.

By Marina Liao

Sep 20, 2018

Street Style : Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2018/2019 : Day Six

Christian VierigGetty Images

It's time to slip your leather jacket off the hanger and sling it around your shoulders. Fall is upon us and this classic piece of outerwear will soon become your go-to topper—until winter renders it not warm enough. (And even then, you might consider rocking it underneath a puffer coat.) Leather jackets are perfect for layering over a dress on a breezy autumn date night or, in my case, for wearing with workwear inside a chilly office. (Why is the temperature never right??) Moving along....

The leather jacket is amazingly easy to style. As all good fashion girls know, there are dozens of ways to wear the most classic pieces, including the leather jacket. But I'm not going to bombard you with an infinite scroll of ideas because no one has time. Instead I've selected five easy, but not boring, outfit combinations courtesy of a little street style research. Swap your usual ensemble for one of the fresh looks ahead and you'll come to appreciate your beloved jacket twice as much. Promise.

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1 Extend Your Shirtdress Beyond Summer

Clothing, White, Coat, Trench coat, Outerwear, Overcoat, Fashion, Street fashion, Jacket, Uniform,

Design by Morgan McMullenGetty Images

For this office-ready outfit, trade in your button-down top and jeans for a crisp white shirtdress, and your blazer for a leather jacket. This black-and-white combo screams classic, fresh, sophisticated, powerful. Don't forget about accessories: A pair of minimalist gold hoops and ankle boots complete the look.

Shop similar pieces: 1. Blanknyc moto jacket, $98; 2. Kenzo tiger shirt dress, $178; 3. BaubleBar hoop earrings, $51; 4. Pop and Suki 'lolita' bag, $295; 5. Vince Camuto heel boot, $169

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2 Make It Sporty

Clothing, Street fashion, Fashion, Footwear, Outerwear, Leather, Jacket, Fashion design, Design, Shoe,

Design by Morgan McMullenGetty Images

If dresses aren't exactly your style, try a jumpsuit or, better yet, a sporty-yet-sexy catsuit. While this inspiring street style star looks fierce in her checker-printed one piece and feathered cage heels, I'd make one tiny outfit tweak: Swap the avant-garde footwear for a more office-appropriate pump.

Shop similar pieces: 1. The Arrivals leather moto jacket, $495; 2. Karl x Kaia jersey catsuit, $365; 3. Grey Ant cat eye sunglasses, $185; 4. Vince Camuto pump, $110

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3 Layer It Under a Coat

Clothing, Street fashion, Outerwear, Fashion, Footwear, Jacket, Coat, Blazer, Beige, Leather,

Design by Morgan McMullenGetty Images

A leather jacket is great for fall, but not so great for winter. To wear it when temperatures dip below 32 degrees, simply add it under a wool trench or puffer. This stylish hack will definitely earn you major street style cred. Bonus: You won't freeze. While the weather still allows, pair the coats with a skirt like blogger Camila Coelho did. Add combat boots for a touch of edginess.

Shop similar pieces: 1. Zara faux leather jacket, $70; 2. Topshop midi coat, $125; 3. H&M suede skirt, $40; 4. Repetto combat boots, $695; 5. H&M sweater, $20

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4 Drape Your Jacket Over Your Shoulders

Clothing, Jacket, Leather, Street fashion, Fashion, Leather jacket, Jeans, Outerwear, Footwear, Textile,

Design by Morgan McMullenGetty Images

I'll let you in on a secret: Jackets look better in photos when draped over the shoulders. Once you've done that, you can wear nearly anything and still look like a million bucks. Let's not take that risk, though. To ensure many, many style points, wear both a maxi and jeans, step into a pair of heeled mules, and fasten a fanny pack diagonally across your torso. This ensemble looks complex, but it's actually so simple.

Shop similar pieces: 1. Lira Clothing leather jacket, $90; 2. Ganni wrap maxi dress, $235; 3. Grlfrnd straight-leg jeans, $210; 4. Tiba + Marl belt bag, $75; 5. Schutz mules, $190

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5 Eschew Black

Clothing, Jeans, Denim, Street fashion, Jacket, Fashion, Textile, Leather, Footwear, Outerwear,

Design by Morgan McMullenGetty Images

I'd bet good money your leather jacket is black. But there are so many fun, fall-y other color options available, including forrest green, chocolate, and burgundy. This season, step outside your comfort zone and select outerwear in a new hue. To look instantly rocker-chic, wear it with a pair of dark-wash flared jeans, platform sandals, and a graphic tee.

Shop similar pieces: 1. Mango leather biker jacket, $200; 2. Mother bootcut jeans, $238; 3. Day by Daydreamer graphic tee, $39; 4. Prada platform sandal, $650; 5. ZAC Zac Posen box bag, $295; 6. Illesteva sunglasses, $240