With brands now offering more styles than ever, there’s never been a better time to invest in one. But with choice, often, comes confusion. And how to don one in winter? From a biker to a bomber, here is our comprehensive cheat sheet on how to carry off this must have essential, whatever your style.
Biker Look
There are some women who can wear biker jackets exactly how the leather gods intended – thrown carelessly over a white T-shirt, teamed with black sunnies and a cloud of cigarette smoke. Invest in brands such as Saint Laurent or Acne Studios and you’ll benefit from details such as asymmetrical fastenings and a diagonal zip, originally used by bikers to block out the wind. Sure, you bought yours from BRANDZAFFAIR, but just tell people you found it abandoned in the dressing room of some careless punk band.
Try Color
Black isn’t necessarily best in leather jacket land. As long as you get the cut and color of your jacket right, feel free to experiment with different hues such as tan or cherry.
Layer with a Hoodie
If the biker jacket were a person, it would be far too cool to sit with you. But nowadays, you don’t have to be a Wild One or a punk to pull one off. In certain situations, we sometimes find their shape a little severe, a little boxy. Wearing a hoody can relax things somewhat and soften your silhouette. Plus, the extra layer can act as a substitute for a winter coat.
Go Contemporary
Perhaps heritage isn’t your thing. Perhaps you’d rather go to a fashion party than a dive bar. You might, therefore, want to invest in something like this by Coach, the New York brand that began as a luxury leather goods company in 1941, but has since had a stylish rebrand under the guidance of creative director Stuart Vevers. Contemporary, fashion-forward and really rather plush, it’s wise to pair with more understated items such as slim black jeans and some subtle booties.
Add a Layer or Two
If you’re wedded to the idea of a leather jacket, winter can be a bit of a battle. You want to wear a slim skin, but you don’t want to freeze. So, why not slip on a few layers under your jacket? While we wouldn’t advise this under a a tight fitting jacket, try adding one under a simple, roomy bomber. There are the obvious warming benefits, of course. Add a beanie hat and you’ve built a whole new look with which to wear your favorite leather.