Leather jackets are making a comeback everywhere, from the streets of Paris and the runways of New York to your local Target and Kohl’s. Many women are hesitant to try leather jackets because they aren’t sure how to style them, and the traditional look of jeans and a white t-shirt doesn’t really fit into their daily lives. The great news are leather jackets are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you will ever own, so you can pair them with most anything for a polished look. Take a look at some of the simple ways you can style your leather jacket.
1. Soft Scarves
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to mix up your leather jacket, scarves can add something new and interesting without breaking the bank. You can get a scarf for under $10 (or several scarves) that will give your jacket a whole new look. Try going for a scarf that is made out of a lighter material so that you can have some richness in your textures.
One of the best patterns to match your jacket with is tartan, so find a warm scarf to wrap around your neck and you will be able to well your jacket well into the colder months.
Source: NordstromRack.com
2. Prints You’ve “Outgrown”
As we get older, we have those wardrobe pieces that we still love but don’t think they work for us anymore. If you have a dress that is too busy or a shirt that doesn’t have long enough sleeves, you can still get use out of them by adding a leather jacket.
One of the biggest problems we have as we age is prints – we used to be able to wear a loud shirt and feel confident, but that isn’t happening anymore. It’s normal, and you can still wear your favorite cheetah print dress or hound’s-tooth shirt just by adding a leather jacket.
3. High Shafted Boots
Wearing high shafted leather boots with your jacket gives you a complete look that is sleek and timeless without being too trendy or over the top. High shafted boots are comfortable enough that you can run around with your kids, but chic enough that you won’t mind being spotted at the grocery store. You really have some freedom here with the type of high shafted boots you want: heels, wedges, flats, or anything in between.
Matching your leathers is a good idea so that everything looks great together, but if you are a little more daring, mixing and matching black and brown leather is no longer against the fashion rules.
Source: StylishlyMe.com
4. Pearls and Lace
Classic girly touches look a little more mature with a hardened leather jacket. If you want to wear something with lace but don’t want to look like you’re going to church on Easter, a leather jacket will add some edge.
On the other hand, if you want to add some girly touches to an outfit that already has your leather jacket, pearls can be a good touch. You can get an inexpensive pearl necklace at almost any store (Charming Charlie’s has a good selection) in different thicknesses.
Mixing together feminine and masculine is a good way to keep people guessing without looking like you are trying too hard.
Head over to StylishlyMe.com for more tips on effortlessly mixing leather and lace!
Source: TheLoveCatsInc.com
5. Flares
Flares are (thankfully) making a comeback, and while skinny jeans will always have their place in our hearts, flares are a great way to make your leather jacket even better.
Flares make your legs look longer and leaner, which means that you look taller and more powerful. If you are going to wear flares with a leather jacket, don’t put your arms in the jacket and just let it act as a cape instead. Add heels and a lighter shirt so that you have some extra textures.
Visit TheLoveCatsInc.com for some great inspiration on styling your leather jacket.
Source: Madewell.com
6. Flannel
Whether you are standing outside for a soccer game, running around a playground with your kids, or doing housework outside, one of the reasons people gravitate towards leather jackets is because they are so warm. If you want to amp up the warmth (and the coolness of your outfit), add a flannel shirt.
It doesn’t matter if it is a flannel shirt that belongs to your or your husband, layering it underneath the jacket with a good pair of jeans or leggings will leave you feeling extra cozy. If you like the look of layers, leave the flannel unbuttoned and add a cami or t-shirt.
7. LBD (Little Black Dress)
Everyone has that LBD that they love and could wear on a daily basis, so why do we relegate it to the back of the closet and only use it for special occasions? For most of us, it is because the dress is a little too formal for a daytime look. To wear the dress out during the day, layer a leather jacket overtop!
You can go with a traditional black jacket if you think you will be out until the sun goes down; however, a leather jacket in a pop of color like gray, magenta, or red will really take your dress to the next level. Add some accessories and match your shoes to the jacket, and you will be ready for whatever the day has to throw at you.
Most of all, remember that wearing a leather jacket isn’t always about what you wear with it, but rather how you wear it. Feel the confidence and the sophistication that the jacket calls for, and you won’t have to worry about matching it with something that doesn’t look right.
Author Bio:
Jennifer Monahan is a freelance writer and a mom of 2 fantastic kids out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. When she’s not working around the house and cleaning up after her husband, she likes to keep up and write about the newest fashion trends. You can follow her on twitter @Jenmonahan76