How to Style a Classic: The Leather Jacket

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

While we're by no means wishing away our glorious summer days, there's no denying that fall outfit inspiration is a source of annual excitement. If there is one piece that assumes a prominent place in our autumn ensemble rotations it's the leather jacket, in all of its many iterations—and for good reason. Maybe it's a classic moto jacket, maybe it's a trendy leather trench or blazer; any which way, the opportunities for a good outfit centered around a leather jacket are infinite. Here we give you 6 fresh and interesting ways to look fashion-forward and stylish in a leather jacket this season.

Modern Moto

Photo credit: Marc Piasecki - Getty Images
Photo credit: Marc Piasecki - Getty Images

Every wardrobe needs a moto jacket. Full stop. Elevate your styling of the piece a la Cindy Crawford by pairing it with refined and similarly timeless pieces such as a Breton striped blouse. Then all you need is a good pair of jeans (keep them sleek) to tuck your top into for extra polish and a pair of black booties that are both fun and endlessly wearable, and you have yourself a look. Pro tip: go delicate with your shoes to avoid looking too costume-y.

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Material Girl

Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images
Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images

The '80s are back and who better to channel that the girl of the era herself: Madonna. Take your moto jacket and layer it over a black top to complement your paper bag waisted or tapered leg pants. Then toss on a pair of classic Wayfarers and a glossy leather headband to give yourself some pop star pep.

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Trenching It

Photo credit: Christian Vierig - Getty Images
Photo credit: Christian Vierig - Getty Images

The leather trench more than took off last year, and for good reason. The look is beyond chic. Pick a trench in a rich hue such as burgundy or brown, and coordinate with a pair of similarly textured pants in the same color family, but not an exact match. The play of the different hues can then be accentuated with a patterned sweater that reflects both. Add a quilted bag for some unexpected texture, et voila! A chic outfit in less than 5 minutes.

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Socialista

Photo credit: KMazur - Getty Images
Photo credit: KMazur - Getty Images

When wearing a leather look for a night out, go for the unexpected and select a blazer. Pair with some elevated shapewear peeping through, but be sure to keep your choice of pants as simple as possible. Then, add a texture, such as crocodile embossment, with a bag and a white pair of heels for some pop!

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The Francophile

Photo credit: Express - Getty Images
Photo credit: Express - Getty Images

The effortlessness of how French women put themselves together exists in a category of its own. They masterfully take complicated pieces (in other words, an outfit anchored in leather) and make it seem like the easiest thing in the world. The key: don't go too matchy-matchy. If your jacket is tan and cut in a slightly mod style, then go for pinched waist black trousers, with a chunky knit in between.

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The Sophisticate

Photo credit: Pierre Suu - Getty Images
Photo credit: Pierre Suu - Getty Images

Take your LBD to the next level by topping it with a patent blazer. High impact with the simplest of pairings: talk about a way to revamp that simple fitted black number you've worn a million times. Pearls and peep toe shoes make the perfect prim details. Chic and cocktail party ready without a ton of fuss.

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