How to Style a Leather Moto Jacket (+ 14 Outfit Ideas)
I purchased my first (real) leather jacket a few years ago from Wilson’s Leather. I visited the outlet store (I think with my mom?!) and walked away with a leather jacket! I remember feeling like I spent SO much money at the time (I think it was around $120 ha). I wore that jacket a few times before I realized I didn’t love the fit on me. I went on the hunt for a replacement and the Blank NYC Life Changer faux leather moto jacket caught my eye. It was a part of the 2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I’m so happy I managed to snag it in my size! It’s safe to say that it changed my life! 😆
Below, I shared my tips for styling the (faux) leather moto jacket as well as compiled all 14 outfits I’ve blogged so far featuring my Life Changer moto jacket for outfit inspiration. At the bottom of the post, you’ll find a couple of shopping widgets. Hit the heart next to your favorite items to receive a sale alert emailed directly to you!
How to Style a (Faux) Leather Moto Jacket
A leather jacket is such a fun and versatile third piece for so many outfit combinations! I love that they add just the right amount of edge to any outfit. If you want to tone down a preppy outfit, or maybe a girlier outfit, throw on a leather jacket! If you want to mimic a pair of sassy shoes, throw on a leather jacket. If you love wearing all black but need some extra texture to keep it interesting, throw on a leather jacket. It’s cliche, but the possibilities are truly endless.
I typically stick to this outfit formula when styling leather moto jackets: thin or slim top/tee/sweater (usually either cropped or tucked in), skinny jeans/pants, and either flats or boots. I will also wear them with lightweight button-down shirts and sometimes with short sleeves. I save my leather jacket for the transitional fall and spring seasons, so you likely won’t find me wearing mine with sandals or with heavy winter boots. I also don’t pull it out on days with inclement weather or on days when the high is below 60 degrees; I need a warmer coat for that!
It really could not be easier to style a leather moto jacket. Seriously. If you think you’re not cool enough to pull one off, let me be the first to tell you that you ARE and you CAN! Trust me. I’m the least cool person in the world and I feel cool when I wear a leather jacket. It’s transformative.
I bought a leather moto jacket in black because I wear black often and black, of course, goes with anything and everything. There are leather jackets available in a variety of colors! If a different color really speaks to you, go with it. Do a try-on session with a bunch of items in your closet to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I know it’s annoying to constantly change clothes, but it’s worth it to figure out if something will work for you or not. Save the ideas you love for easy dressing later!
My exact faux leather moto jacket is available in limited plus sizes, but there are other similar styles available and I included them in the widget at the end of the post. I typically take a size XS or S in tops and coats/jackets depending on the fit; I have broad shoulders, which is my number 1 fit issue and I don’t like things to be too tight on my shoulders. I also have long arms and prefer the sleeves to comfortably hit my wrists, and this jacket does! In this jacket, I own the size small after trying both the XS and small. I like that I can layer underneath it comfortably.
I rounded up 14 past outfits featuring my faux leather moto jacket below, and if you click on each photo you’ll be taken to the original post.
So, what do you say…yay or nay on leather jackets? Do you own one?! If so, how do you style yours?
Read next: A week of outfits: Wide leg crop pants
Leather Moto Jacket Outfit Ideas
With a Dress and Boots
I love the juxtaposition of a dress and leather jacket! It’s a fun, unexpected twist, and the weather only cooperates for a few days a year here in Boise, so I like to take full advantage. It works well with midi- AND mini-length dresses/skirts, even if I’m wearing boots! While I like both looks, the look on the right with the mini dress feels more balanced between the dark on top top and bare legs on bottom. My jacket hits me at my high hips, and if you’re looking for a jacket that will accentuate your waist, pick a cropped leather jacket that hits you at the waist. It would be fun to pair a leather jacket with a more frilly and/or light-colored dress!
With a Flannel Shirt and Dark Jeans
I’m wearing the same green plaid flannel shirt in both looks here, but this can work with any flannel shirt! Flannel shirts are a staple for me in the cooler months, and I like the thinner flannels for layering under this jacket. If the flannel is too bulky, it doesn’t work because my arms can’t move, lol. Dark denim is a go-to for me as are the ankle boots. Add a fun hat or bag in a contrasting color for additional texture/interest!
With Blue Denim and Burgundy Boots
There’s just something about burgundy boots… I just love ‘em, clearly! (Both pairs are from Madewell, naturally.) Black + ivory + blue denim + burgundy is always a fabulous color combination and can work for fall OR spring! It plays particularly nicely with the fall leaves, though, doesn’t it?! Lugsole boots are having a moment this season; I paired mine with a pair of non-skinny jeans because apparently those are out, too, even though I still wear mine regularly! 🤪 Can’t take the millennial out of me!
With Stripes and Shades of Brown
Mix your browns and blacks by pairing a black leather jacket with lighter browns such as caramel, camel, or cognac. Add a bit of stripes for good measure! The outfit on the right features a new silhouette, too: the leather jacket paired with a wide leg crop pant. I truly think they can be worn with any pant silhouette, especially if you have a cropped jacket. If not, look for something more tailored vs. oversized…unless you love the oversized look, then go for it!!!
With Brown/Olive/Black for Fall
Both of these outfits are from my October 2019 Style Sudoku. I went all out with the fall color palette because I do enjoy dressing like a pumpkin at this time of year, TYVM! I grounded both outfits with the black leather jacket, black jeans (in the left outfit), and black boots (in the right outfit). The rest of the elements included a brown sweater that photographs orange (#pumpkin!) and olive ankle boots/jeans! Plus Rosie for good measure.
With Blue Denim and Olive Boots
Continuing the leather jacket and skinny jean theme with these outfits, and now both outfits feature the olive green ankle boots! The different tops really make them feel different; in the outfit on the left, I’m wearing a cream hoodie, and on the left, another pumpkin-esque sweater. Olive green is basically a neutral in my wardrobe, so I think it looks good with everything. Try playing around with color combinations!
Layered Over a Lightweight Top
This outfit pairing is the most random of the bunch. Haha! They aren’t really that similar unless you consider that both tops are relatively lightweight; I wore the outfit with the thin ribbed tee on the left in spring. The outfit on the right features a sleeveless sweater vest. I wear leather jackets most often with ankle boots; they seem to go together like PB&J! But they work just as well with flats. The outfit on the left is a fun play on monochromatic dressing, which is always fun to do with leather jackets because of the textural element!
Shop leather moto jackets made by Blank NYC in the widget here, and in the second widget below, I rounded up leather moto jackets under $100 from a variety of other brands. Hit the heart next to your favorite items to receive a sale alert emailed directly to you!