3 Ways to Style a Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are the perfect outerwear during transitional seasons. I wear them every year when winter warms into spring, and when summer gives way to crisp, fall air. Leather jackets keep me warm by blocking the wind, but are still breathable so I’m not a sweaty mess during the hottest time of the day. This classic wardrobe piece can be a little intimidating, though. After all, we don’t want to look like we’re in a costume (dressed up as a biker, a cast member from Grease, or Michael Jackson himself). Have no fear! I’ve got 3 tips on how to style a leather jacket that are sure to turn heads… for all the right reasons.

1. Pair with a maxi dress and sneakers

When people think about how to style a leather jacket, they often default to wearing leather jackets with jeans. But one of my favorite ways to wear them is with maxi dresses. There’s something about the contrast between the more masculine, structured jacket and the more feminine, flowy dress that’s really cool. I especially like to wear a leather jacket with floral maxi dress. This look tones down both extremes and creates the perfect balance.

In this outfit though, I paired it with a minimalist, long, black maxi dress made of t-shirt / jersey material, along with my favorite Fila dad sneakers, which makes the look more casual. I also wore a fabulous, caramel, cross body bag from Creagh.

2. Pair with cropped utility pants and heels

Mixing formal wardrobe pieces with informal ones always makes an outfit more interesting. I paired the leather jacket with these green utility pants, a drapey black tank top with some gold chain necklaces, and a pair of black sling back heels.

Much like combining masculine and feminine, or structured and unstructured, pairing formal with informal creates interest and balance. This is how to style a leather jacket in a way that’s chic, sexy, and cool, while still being comfortable.

3. Pair with leggings and sneakers

If you’re a fan of athleisure (and who isn’t these days?!), leather jackets add a great touch of sophistication to these outfits. Here I paired the jacket with a pair of black running leggings, some black Adidas sneakers, a black hoodie, a grey flannel baseball hat and added a splash of color with this red purse from Theory.

This is how to style a leather jacket for travel and errand-running on the weekends because you’ll look a little more put together than wearing what amounts to workout clothing alone. When we went to Copenhagen recently, this was basically my daily uniform. It was both stylish and comfortable.

Intimated by how to style a leather jacket? Don’t be! Wear one to bring structure to maxi dresses, give your dressy looks a little bit of an edge, and make your athleisure look more polished. Add a few closet staples under a leather jacket and you’ll have several looks that will keep you warm enough day to night.

What’s your favorite way to style a leather jacket?