How to Style Leather Jackets for Every Season
Leather jackets are the undisputed wardrobe staple of every fashion lover’s closet. And we’re here to tell you, they’re not just made for fall. Whether you prefer real or vegan leather outwear, there are many ways to extend your favorite jackets’ lives, no matter the season. Here’s how to wear your favorites year-round.
Seasonal Shades
Think about the color palette for springtime: pastels, eggshell white, light shades. One of the keys to wearing a leather jacket in the spring season is using that color palette to your advantage. Select white, pink, or blue leather options rather than black or red.
Feminine Cuts
Because spring is often associated with flowers and sweetness, try peplum styles or cropped leather jackets with your spring ensembles that will add touches of romance and a feminine silhouette to your spring outfit.
Weather-ready
Springtime showers and all that… When it’s rainy, consider trying a trench-style leather jacket.
TIP: Patent leather is real leather that has been coated for a shiny finish, and this coating makes it water resistant. Because of this, it’s a great leather jacket option for rainier seasons, like spring.
Summertime brings hotter temperatures and less need for heavier jackets, but that doesn’t mean you must abandon leather jackets completely—ask anyone who’s ever lost a thermostat battle. Let’s talk about how to wear a leather jacket in the summer.
Night Out Layer
Wear leather jackets over dresses for nights out with a touch of edge. If you’re worried about the heat, a coated denim jacket is a great alternative to standard leather.
Trend Alert
Wearing leather jackets over shorts with boots is very trendy right now. Try distressed Bermuda shorts with a tank top, and add a relaxed black leather jacket over top. Finish the ensemble by matching your jacket to a pair of black leather boots.
Summer Details
Printed leather jackets or those with details like fringe are fun ways to add twists of personality to your outfit. For instance, white pants are very stylish during the summertime, so pair them with leather jackets that are printed with pops of white to play with the seasonal trend.
Fall Colors
Leather jacket ideas for fall and winter have a major difference from those in spring and summer: the weather. Otherwise, there are a lot of similarities: like with spring, seasonal color palettes will be helpful when selecting leather jackets for autumn and winter.
For fall, go for darker, seasonal colors (merlot, olive, coffee brown), and do the same with accessories like scarves and hats to create cohesion.
Changing Weather
Leather jackets in fuller lengths will keep you comfortable in changing weather while retaining a classic silhouette. To make a statement, try a calf-length leather jacket over a patterned or pleated dress. Match the jacket to a pair of higher leather boots to mix bohemian style with sleek leather, a great combo for fall. Of course, autumn is known for temperatures that jump around. If you’re concerned about overheating, opt for a leather blazer for work or lighter layer for when the weather is still transitional.
Casual Vibes
Bomber style leather jackets and suede coats make for more casual touches on fall ensembles, ideal for wearing with jeans for everyday outfits. Try a dark brown suede jacket over a printed tee, and add a dark pair of jeans for an effortless but still stylish look for all-day wear.
Statement Pieces
Winter often comes with shorter daylight hours, so to make up for the lack of sunlight, add your own bright details to your looks via leather jacket. Go for leather jackets and coats with big hardware button details or crystal embellishments that catch the light. Conversely, if your favorite leather coat is more minimal in embellishments, add them via accessories.
Length
To beat colder weather, it’s a great idea to look for longer length leather jackets and coats. Not only will you have more coverage outside, but longer outerwear often appears a touch more formal, perfect for the many events winter holiday season brings. A trench-length leather coat over a tailored velvet suit is sure to stun for a get-together.
TIP: If you prefer a shorter coat, wear a looser style in order to comfortably build layers underneath to stay warm.
Add Texture
A leather jacket with unique textural decals (pebbled leather, faux fur on the hems) stands out the most during a season that’s often marked by grayer skies and evenings under artificial lights. Go for the piece with fur trim.