10 Leather Jacket Outfits That Put a Refreshing Spin on the Wardrobe Staple

As soon as the temperature dips below 60 degrees, fashion forecasts call for lots of layering. While your coat of choice likely varies day-to-day depending on the weather and your desired aesthetic, we think chic leather jackets are the optimal go-to outerwear. The classic jacket style holds a beloved spot in our wardrobes, offering rock-star status with dependable wearability. Jackets made of buttery, genuine leather often come with a hefty price tag, but we consider this an opportunity to fall in love with a lifelong staple—while faux leather alternatives are also worth considering if you're looking for a cruelty-free option or want a style that won't break the bank. No matter what jacket you choose, there are countless ways to wear it, and you're sure to find one (or a few!) that fits your closet and sense of personal style. From structured blazers to on-trend color blocking, read on for 10 standout leather jacket outfits sure to serve as your blueprint this season and beyond.

Oversized Silhouette

Cozy, meet chic. This oversized silhouette pairs perfectly with a muted mini skirt and sensible dad sneakers. Select a bomber-style jacket (characterized by a large torso with a gathered waistband at bottom) for a straightforward yet refined look.

Silky Shirt

File this combo away for warmer fall and spring days. A lightweight shirt with a shiny silk or leather finish, when paired with overalls and a ribbed mock-neck top, provides just enough layering to withstand the chill of a light breeze. Reach for a leather shacket with dropped shoulders and buttons to truly cinch this transitional vision.

Color Blocked

Start your engines: This sporty style takes your outfit from 0 to 100 with varsity details, bold color blocking, and a solid structure. Whenever the weather veers on the colder side, consider cherry-red or black tights to add depth—and warmth—to this bold outfit.

Cherry Mocha

A motorcycle-inspired silhouette acts as the perfect topper to a sleek going-out ensemble. Choose an on-trend brown or oxblood hue to complement this style’s zipper details and fitted structure. A jacket like this pairs well with statement sunglasses, wide leg trousers, and a snuggly plaid shirt.

Worn-In Outerwear

Meet your newest obsession—a.k.a. the lived-in look of a distressed leather jacket without the years of trying to get it there. Take inspiration from Riverdale alum Camila Mendes by selecting outerwear that toes the line between polished and weathered. Then, contrast that standout piece with a puffed handbag and oh-so-chic sunglasses.

Moody Merlot

Consider this your crash course on fall and winter styling 101, color edition. Stand out in a sea of black and granite shades by choosing a leather jacket that leans warmer, as modeled here by Ashley Graham. If you’re feeling extra sassy, try a leather-inspired mani in a complementary shade.

High-Contrast

We’ll keep wearing white dresses all year round, thank you very much (after all, who doesn't love a winter white?). Here, Kerry Washington provides a prime example of how to keep the breezy vibes flowing into chillier temps by topping a lightweight white dress with a cropped moto jacket. To keep this combo seasonally appropriate, choose a voluminous dress with sweet details—like the below cutout style from Reformation.

Blaze On

Tailoring gets a cool-girl upgrade in this sleek leather blazer, as seen on supermodel Elsa Hosk. As she so effortlessly demonstrates, the key is to keep the outfit from veering too far into Matrix territory by pairing it with a sweet, neutral tube top.

Vivid Chic

If your personal style leans on the more colorful side, there’s no reason to ditch bold palettes for fall. Simply choose an on-trend shade of green to keep those colorful vibes going into winter. A structural cream handbag—courtesy of Staud—keeps it all in balance.

Oversized Moto

Yara Shahidi gives endless inspiration for donning oversized pieces without letting it swallow your entire outfit. Here, the Grown-ish star tosses a moto-style leather jacket over a sophisticated mustard dress with fringe details. The mix of formalwear and casual outerwear adds a timeless, effortlessly cool feel, especially when combined with nude pointed-toe heels.