Wear a Leather Jacket
A leather jacket can add flare to your look when paired with the right clothing and accessories. To wear a leather jacket, select the right type of leather jacket for the style you're trying to achieve. Then, layer the jacket with appropriate clothing. Add some accessories to finish off your look.
Contents
Steps
Selecting a Jacket Style
- Wear a bomber jacket for warmth. Bomber leather jackets are waist-length with a soft lining. They tend to be the warmest variety of leather jacket. If you're wearing a leather jacket for a winter look, go for a bomber jacket.
- Bomber jackets are also more casual, so they can work great for a casual winter look.
- Use a motorcycle jacket for a bold style. If you want something a little bolder, opt for a motorcycle jacket. Motorcycle jackets have long lapels, a flared collar, and a zipper that runs at an angle. As it's associated with motorcycle riders, a motorcycle jacket tends to have a bolder look.
- Try a racer jacket for added color. Racer jackets are very snug jackets with a small collar or no collar at all. They tend to come in a variety of colors. If you want a leather jacket that's not just black or brown, a racer jacket works great.
- Racer jackets also work great if you want a slim-fitted jacket as these tend to cling to your body more.
- Opt for a cattleman jacket for a rural style. Cattleman jackets stretch down to the thighs and have flared sleeves. They're usually associated with farmers or ranchers. If you're going for a more blue collar, rural style, opt for a cattleman jacket.
- Go for a duster if you want a statement jacket. Dusters are very long leather jackets that stretch down past the knees. If you want a long jacket, a duster is a great choice. However, it can make for a very bold, noticeable look. If you want something more played down, it may be best to forego the duster.
- Dusters may work well if you're taller.
Choosing Complementary Clothing
- Stick to lighter clothing underneath your jacket. Even slim-fitted leather jackets tend to be bulkier in nature, so go for lighter clothing under your jacket. Light shirts, blouses, and other tops work best when sporting a leather jacket.
- If you intend to wear your leather jacket unbuttoned, go for a t-shirt over something like a button-down shirt.
- Wear slimming pants. As leather jackets are bulky, they go best with slim fitting pants. Go for things like skinny jeans or jeans that are form-fitted. Baggier jeans will not look good with a leather jacket.
- For example, wear a pair of skinny jeans with a bomber jacket.
- Think about color, as well. For a brown or black jacket, add a splash of color with brightly colored slim-fitted pants.
- Select colors to match your jacket's style. If you're wearing a brown or black jacket, the neutral color will pair with most shades. You can wear a wide variety of different colors with a brown or black leather jacket. However, more dramatic leather jackets, like motorcycle jackets, look best with simple colors as the jacket is the main attraction of the look.
- If you're wearing a racer jacket in a bright color, make sure any other shades you wear match.
- Pair your jacket with formal attire. A leather jacket does not have to be worn with casual clothing. It can make a great accessory for a slimming dress or skirt. You can also wear it with a dress shirt and dress pants for a more formal occasion.
- A leather jacket can look great with a patterned dress, as it's a solid color. Try draping a leather jacket unbuttoned over a dress with an intricate pattern. A shorter leather jacket can look great with a blouse and skirt.
- A brown or black leather jacket can be worn over a button-down work top.
- Use a jacket as an alternative to a blazer for formal occasions. If you want to wear a leather jacket to a more formal occasion, try using it in place of a blazer. Throw a shorter leather jacket on over a sleeveless top in place of a conventional blazer.
- Opt for a thinner style of leather jacket if you're using one in place of a blazer to avoid a look that's too bulky.
Adding Accessories
- Choose footwear that matches your jacket color. Leather jackets can pair well with a variety of footwear. You can wear simple flats with a leather jacket or something like desert boots. Many people love wearing larger black boots with a leather jacket, especially when boots are worn over thin pant legs.
- Keep length in mind when choosing a belt. Conventionally, a belt should be visible when you zip up your leather jacket. If you chose to wear a belt, choose a jacket that's on the shorter side and falls above the waist. If you're wearing a longer jacket, it may be best of forego the belt.
- Wear a baseball cap for a sporty look. For a sportier leather jacket look, try wearing a baseball cap with your leather jacket. This works best for more casual occasions.
- A baseball cap looks great when paired with something casual, like a t-shirt, worn under a leather jacket.
- Add a scarf. Scarves are a versatile accessory that work great with a wide variety of outfits. If it's a chillier day, pair a scarf with your leather jacket. Pick a scarf with a neutral color or pattern, however, to avoid distracting too much from the leather jacket.
- For example, a simple black scarf could go great with a brightly colored racing jacket.
- Go for shorter, slimmer scarves over clunkier ones to avoid overwhelming the outfit.
