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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Extend Your Shirtdress Beyond Summer
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
3
Layer It Under a Coat
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
4
Drape Your Jacket Over Your Shoulders
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
5
Eschew Black
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
Marina Liao
Marina Liao is the fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
