Leather jackets are pretty much the coolest item you can buy. Nothing quite says A-lister chic than a quality leather jacket and you’re sure to stand out when you wear one.
The most interesting thing about a leather jacket is how they go with both high-end and scuzzy looks in a way that not many other pieces do. What I mean by this is that when wearing a leather jacket you have two highly contrasting options for how to take your look:
- You can lean into the jacket’s air of rock and rock sleaze and dress it down with pieces like worn jeans and boots.
- You can lean into the jacket as a high end piece of premium clothing and dress it up with well-fitted slacks, shirts, and quality sweaters.
The look you go for will depend on your jacket. A biker jacket with lots of studs and zips will naturally go with the former style. While a pristine collared jacket will naturally go with the latter.
How to Wear a Leather Jacket: 7 Styles
With Worn Jeans and Boots
This is perhaps the quintessential way to wear a leather jacket. Pairing it with worn (even ripped) skinny jeans and boots gives you a timeless rock star look. I think this look would also go well with canvas shoes.
With Smart Pants and a T-Shirt
Everyone knows that leather jackets go with jeans. But they also go well with smart slacks. I like wearing mine with dark pairs in black, charcoal, or gray. Finish the look off with a pair of canvas sneakers to dress the jacket down or a pair of leather shoes to dress it up.
With all Black Pieces
Wearing your leather jacket with other all-black pieces gives you a look that still has plenty of rock star vibes but gives a moodier look overall. I like the idea of wearing them with black slim jeans and a pair of black boots like in the image above.
With a White T-Shirt
Wearing a leather jacket with a white t-shirt is another classic leather jacket outfit. It can be cliched, but ultimately the contrast between the black of the jacket and the white of the t-shirt always looks good. Pairing the pieces with smart slacks is a stylish alternative to jeans. I like how the image above finishes the look off with a long chain necklace.
With Dark Jeans and a Shirt
Dark blue jeans, a shirt, and a leather jacket is a great outfit to wear next time you plan to hit the bars at the weekend. I like how the outfit above finishes the look off with a pair of leather boots. Minimalist sneakers would work just as well.
With a Hoodie and Boots
Throwing a leather jacket over a hoodie is a simple look to pull off. I like the idea of wearing the jacket with a plain, dark hoodie rather than a colorful one or one with a logo. Finish the look off with jeans and sneakers. It’s also the perfect way to stay warm when a leather jacket doesn’t quite cut it on its own.
With a Black Turtleneck
Wearing a turtleneck with a leather jacket is a good way to combine two pieces that grab the eye. A black turtleneck and black jeans goes well with the jacket, but you could also mix up the colors. For example, by wearing an off-white turtleneck with a black jacket. Finish the look off with boots or leather shoes (yes, you can wear leather shoes with jeans). If you don’t have a turtleneck, try wearing with a regular sweater. And you could also swap out jeans for slacks.
