As far as we’re concerned, the leather jacket is a non-negotiable in any well-rounded wardrobe. The classic biker jacket, the leather blazer to the leather trench coat; in today’s fashion world, there are many iterations of the leather jacket to suit every style, wardrobe and occasion. Although black is always an undeniable perennial favourite, leather is always being recreated in a variety of fashionable hues from deep red, deep green, to chocolate browns. And don’t forget the textures: from smooth supple, to grainy or shiny patent – you can see why it’s possible to treat leather jackets as both a centerpiece, or a complementary neutral layer. The leather jacket has endless outfitting opportunities – perfect for building a capsule wardrobe.
One of the best things about leather? Leather is strong and durable, so if cared for correctly, it has potential to last a lifetime. Read on below, for our favourite leather jacket styles and leather jacket outfit ideas.
1. Styling a Classic Black Leather Jacket
We love the idea of offsetting the leather biker jacket with more feminine pieces. Think flowing, lace white dresses and pointed heel boots or blouses with voluminous sleeves and a denim midi skirt with strappy heels. Or for casual wintry weather attire, pick out your favourite mom or straight leg fit blue denim jeans, a wool-blend knit, leather boots – ankle or knee high, and finally layer over your black leather jacket.
2. Styling a Leather Trench Coat
Want to wear a trench coat like the fashion crowd? Timelessly cool and forever versatile, the trench coat is a non-negotiable in a well rounded wardrobe. A true investment piece, opt for a trench coat in luxurious leather to elevate any look. Delivering a directional edge to your aesthetic, make a statement and top over dresses, knitted co-ords, separates and more. For a twist on the usual monochrome - deep, rich hues like burgundy or chocolate adds a pop of colour and looks especially eye-catching when paired with a similar colour palette. Put it to work, let a leather trench coat be the last layer over your office outfit of tailored pants, blouse and blazer. This coat has a heavy, commanding look, so unless the grungy look is your style, we would avoid wearing chunky-soled boots, ankle or knee-high and opt for slim and sleek shoes to create balance.
3. Styling a Leather Blazer
The blazer has seen many iterations over the years from short, form-fitting and cropped, oversized boxy shapes, relaxed linen looks to the leather rendered version. A leather blazer is not entirely new to fashion, having been an icon in the ‘90s. However, if you don’t have one sitting at the back of your wardrobe to dust off, there’s good reason to invest in one now. The leather version will see you through more occasions than just the office. It’s the perfect blend of form and function that looks instantly pulled together. Going for a classic fit that sits just below the hips and not too loose? Wear it as you would any other blazer, with straight leg or slim jeans and a feminine floral top to over rib knit midi dresses. Like a more directional, oversized look? Style with matching leather pants, a tank with cut out details, and square-toe mules.
4. Wearing a Leather Jacket to the Office
Choose from effortlessly cool biker style, a sweeping and sleek leather trench coat or stick to the original corporate classic – a blazer in leather. To keep things professional and office wear appropriate, opt for well tailored separates to wear it back with. From wide leg pants and structured dresses to a-line midi skirts balance out the little edge that the leather jacket brings with more formality. Fabrics like cotton and viscose that are more relaxed and free flowing are ideal here, as leather offers a certain rigidity to an outfit. The right footwear in the office is crucial in finishing off a look and should remain sleek to keep things elevated – black boots, pointed pumps, patent brogues or block-heeled mules.
5. Leather Jacket and Jeans Outfit
The leather jacket and jeans combination is a no-fail outfit formula that we have been turning to for season’s, so it makes sense to search for inspiration to make your wardrobe feel shiny and new.
When choosing your leather jacket, why not opt for the staple blazer in a leather fabric? A louche, oversize shape gives ‘90s-cool vibes. This larger look means you can wear your favourite straight leg or slim leg denim jeans to balance out the loose, with the slimmer fit, finish with strappy heels for dinner dates, to brogues or white street sneakers for daywear.
Deciding to buy a lighter coloured leather? A caramel or beige tone is perfect for a spring-summer look and suits almost any type of denim wash – grey stone, pale blue to deep navy. Opt for lighter coloured tops to keep things feeling fresh, light and complementary – cream, white, pale blue, grey marle or yellow. The best part about a cropped, biker style jacket, is that it matches nearly all denim shapes – particularly ones with a high waistline that will elongate the legs. Choose from bootleg cut, skinny fit, straight leg to mom jean silhouettes.
6. How to Wear a Leather Jacket Casually
The leather jacket has been heralded as a smart casual style icon since its inception. So it’s not difficult to wear this piece the relaxed way. We recommend styling with a crisp white tee, utility-inspired cargo pants and sandals, perfect for strolling down the local cafe for coffee. If you want to stay on the smart side of casual style, we suggest choosing your favourite best fitting denim jeans, a t-shirt and smart footwear like leather loafers.
7. How to Wear a Leather Jacket with a Dress
Since there are so many dress options and so many leather jacket options, the outfitting solutions are endless. Here’s a few ideas to balance out the subtle masculinity of a leather jacket, with a more feminine dress.
Investing in a long, sweeping trench coat? We love the idea of playing off lengths and opting for a dress under the trench – loose or form fitting. Heading into winter? Utilise sheer stockings and your knee high boots, or if the weather is still mild, style with pointed pumps or heeled boots. Berry hues are a directional take on the usual monochrome, so reach for deep burgundy trench for a fashion-focused twist. Can’t go past the classic leather biker jacket? Find the most feminine dress in your wardrobe, a wrap floral midi, rib knit maxi dress or lacy flowing mini dress to wear under the biker. This is a true fashion juxtaposition we just can’t get enough of. Want to try out the leather blazer? Of course you can wear this over more office appropriate dresses. Why not go one step further, opt for an oversized leather blazer style, choose a monochrome dress or skirt to layer underneath and wear the blazer as a blazer dress? Heavy soled boots and stockings are perfect for daywear to pointed pumps for night time cocktails and dinner overlooking the sparkling city skyline.
Choosing Better Leather
Strong, durable and malleable, if cared for carefully, leather has the potential to last a lifetime. A key fabric in our shoes and bags selection, the natural grain of leather means each piece is inherently unique.
We will continue to work closely with suppliers to ensure we source the best quality cow, sheep and goat hide leathers that adhere to our Code of Conduct and Animal Welfare Policy.