Looking for a quality layer you can wear with everything and that’ll never go out of style? Then your closet’s calling out for a leather jacket. Women have worn the style for literal centuries and there’s good reason.
Well-made leather jackets are durable, versatile, and built to last. They keep out the elements, look sleek, and fit most dress codes. And, depending on what you wear them with, you can sport a leather jacket in a variety of climates.
However, the popularity of a good leather layer also means there’s a lot of junk out there to sift through.
So many fast-fashion brands make cheap versions in poor conditions that won’t last you more than a few months. Not to mention all the overly trendy styles that won’t go with most things in your wardrobe.
To save you time, energy, and hassle, we asked our Next Level Wardrobe stylists for their favorite styles. They picked out four “types” of leather jackets worth adding to your closet and along with how to style them. Ready to bundle up? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. Black Leather Jacket for Women
Product by Vince, shop here.
Of course, our number one had to be the quintessential black leather jacket for women. It’s a timeless style and always deserves a place in your closet.
Why?
Versatility, first and foremost. A simple, clean, black leather jacket goes with everything. Style it with a cashmere sweater and jeans for a casual outfit. Need an evening option? Throw it over a statement red dress and boots for a night out.
While some of the other jackets we picked have a few more details to them, we kept this one minimalist. We chose a bomber style from Vince that won’t distract from the rest of your outfit.
The collar detail makes it easy to wear to work, and the practical bomber waistline adds comfort.
2. Women’s Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Product by Nili Lotan, shop here.
There’s always room for a little rock n’ roll in your style.
If you prefer a little edge to your daily wear, go for a moto jacket.
A women’s leather motorcycle jacket spices up an outfit without “trying too hard.” That is, if you pick the right piece. It’s a fine line between “cool city dweller who knows where the best martinis are” and “woman who didn’t get the off-off-broadway Grease audition.”
Take this sleek layer from Nili Lotan, for example. First, it’s a high-quality brand rather than something you grabbed from Amazon. It doesn’t look or feel cheap to the touch.
Second, it has those moto details we love without overdoing it. You get the trademark zippers and lapels, but you’re not covered in metal grommets.
Third, it has a slight twist. Moto jackets often feature belts, but usually at the hips. Here however it sits right at your natural waist for a more grown-up feminine fit.
Lean into the edgy aesthetic with black denim and Chelsea boots. Want to balance things out? Swap out your boots for loafers and your denim for cream straight-leg trousers for a touch of contrast.
3. Women’s Brown Leather Jacket
Product by Chloe, shop here.
Black may dominate leather, but brown leather jackets are just as much of a must.
First of all, brown is a core color just like black. Core colors (black, brown, navy, and white) go with everything. They should form the basis of your wardrobe because they’re the easiest to mix and match.
Of those colors, black and brown are the best place to start building out your outerwear, layering, and shoe collections. Why? Because they’re the most versatile.
We love brown as a warmer, more approachable alternative to black.
For this style, we recommend this relaxed fit option from Chloe. Made in Italy this women’s brown leather jacket has a comfortable spread collar for a more casual vibe. It also features metal detailing on the hem for a subtle dash of personality.
Partner it with a t-shirt and plaid trousers for a power casual combination. Or if you prefer skirts, go with a midi-length silk option and knee-high brown boots.
4. Cropped Leather Jacket for Women
Product by Simkhai, shop here.
A cropped leather jacket for women may sound like a trend piece, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, from styling clients, we’ve noticed that cropped pieces have a more flattering fit for many women.
Sure, petite women already know the benefit of a jacket with a shorter waistline. But depending on your proportions or what you like to emphasize, a cropped jacket may be right for you.
This is because a lot of styles these days really lean into the oversized look. And while we like the occasional boyfriend blazer, relaxed silhouettes sometimes mean your figure gets lost.
With a cropped jacket, you can bring definition back to your natural waistline.
The only rule here is that you should make sure the rest of the jacket fits the rest of you. You don’t want sleeves halfway up your forearm either.
For those interested in a women’s cropped leather jacket, try out this modern option from Simkhai. This piece also has something for those who like to be a little bold with their fashion thanks to the white stitching detailing.
Complete this look with high-waisted wide-legged trousers. Go with black for a monochromatic finish or a seasonal hue like golden mustard or emerald for flare.
Did you enjoy this guided shopping experience? Take it to the next level with a one-on-one experience with our style experts.
Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s women’s styling services to discover your personal style and transform your closet for the better. We have over six years of experience working with professionals of all shapes and sizes to build their dream wardrobes.
