What to Wear With a Leather Jacket

Whenever I’m looking for a layer that’s not too heavy yet will provide a good dose of warmth, I reach for my leather jacket. It’s a tried-and-true staple that has served me and my wardrobe well throughout the years. Plus, the universal look of a leather jacket makes it easy to pair with a variety of outfits, and through a variety of seasons.

Long gone are the days of leather jackets being reserved to black color ways — white, brown, and rich burgundy are also having a major moment right now. You also can opt for a piece that has a more sleek and timeless structure, or go with something that makes more of a statement, like a moto jacket. I personally like both styles, and think there’s a time and a place to wear them.

Whether you’re looking to add a new layer to your closet or you simply need some fresh ideas on how to style a leather jacket, consider this your go-to source. Here, I’m sharing a handful of leather jacket outfits I’ve worn over the years. As you’ll see, you can seamlessly add this piece onto any look and still achieve a chic and cool end result.

What to Wear With a Leather Jacket

Watch Here: How to Style a Leather Jacket With a Dress

Leather Jacket and Leggings

Just like a denim jacket is the perfect layer in between the spring and summer seasons, the same can be said about a leather jacket during the fall and winter. If you want to feel put together yet remain a high sense of “cozy,” a leather jacket is super easy to throw on top of athleisure wear.

Start with a pair of black leggings and a basic tee or sweater, then add an oversized scarf to dress things up. Finish off with some tall boots or even sneakers for a cute yet comfortable look — perfect for any kind of weather this fall and winter season.

This particular leather jacket has a classic and cool structure (it would be the ideal choice if you’re just purchasing one!) It has just a few details but for the most part is super simple and versatile. I also like that it is not too big or oversized. Plus. it’s not too cropped, making it a good choice to pair with leggings and various jeans.

If you want to prioritize comfort yet prefer something a little more elevated, consider swapping out the leggings for some wide leg jeans and a pair of heels or boots. Not only is this outfit almost exactly the same, but switching up the bottoms makes it more polished for dinner with the girls, a date night, or even a business occasion.

Leather Jacket and a Little Black Dress

Need a leather jacket outfit for a more special occasion? Time to turn to your little black dress, another piece that always comes in handy. What I love about this look is the combo of something feminine mixed with the edginess of a leather jacket — a well-balanced combo in my opinion. For this look, you don’t have to break the bank. A budget-friendly black dress or skirt and sweater combo paired with some kitten heels can easily be achieved even with a conservative price point in mind.

I personally love having a monochromatic moment (seen below), but you could always add a fun pop of color with your shoes or accessories.

Leather Jacket and White Tee

When in doubt, you really can’t go wrong by keeping things streamlined and simple. Styling a white t-shirt with jeans and a leather jacket might seem “boring” at first. However, there’s a reason this combo has been a go-to for years — it’s incredibly chic.

Perfect for everyday wear, this look will take you from day to night with ease. Another perk is that it’s easy to dress up or down depending on your shoe choice. Adding accessories, like some dangly earrings and a flashy clutch, can also level things up a bit.

White Leather Jacket and Silk Slip Skirt

Similar to the leather jacket and little black dress look, this is a timeless outfit that will never let you down. Silk slip skirts (and dresses) are so flattering, yet they’re easy to style for various occasions. To diversify things a bit, I recommend adding a white leather jacket (or any other color but black) to your closet. Brown, white, and mixed material leather jackets are all popular choices as well.

For a more casual event you could pair a slip skirt with a graphic tee and sneakers, and for a more elevated outing, pair a matching silk shirt with a silk skirt and some trendy booties.

Leather Jacket and Turtleneck Sweater

Another everyday leather jacket outfit worth trying? A basic turtleneck (or any sweater of your liking) paired with jeans and some boots. This is an ideal choice for the fall and winter season — you could also wear it during moody spring weather.

While simple, you can really tweak this outfit to make it your own. Pairing a burgundy leather jacket with a crisp white sweater and white jeans can give things a rich look. Light blue denim with a navy blue sweater and a brown leather jacket would also result in an elevated and stylish look. Either way, you’re guaranteed to stay warm and cozy.

Which leather jacket outfit idea is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!