How to Style a Leather Jacket

Love the look of a good leather jacket? If you don’t have $500+ to throw at the real thing, might we suggest renting your (faux) leather jackets from Nuuly? Try a cropped jacket for casual plans, a blazer to dress things up a little or a leather trench coat for making a statement. You could even try (gasp) a brown leather jacket instead of your usual black.

Let’s go over different kinds of leather jackets so you have a strong foundation when you start thinking about how to style it.

Classic Moto Jacket

• The classic moto has a slightly edgy feel and usually features details like zippers, buckles, and other practical features for the open road. Create some contrast with delicate dresses or go for simple denim to balance the look.

Cropped Leather Jacket

• A cropped silhouette works particularly well with high-rise jeans or maxi skirts and dresses. It’s all about balance, you know?

Oversized Leather Jacket

• An oversized jacket creates a more relaxed, possibly even grunge, silhouette. Balance it with streamlined pieces underneath or go fully baggy.

Leather Blazer

• A leather blazer combines the structure of traditional tailoring with the texture of leather. It’s got that slightly retro feel that’s very in right now.

Leather Trench Coat

• A leather trench is longer, more dramatic, and makes people wonder: What clandestine organization does she work for? Keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple b/c a leather trenches mean business.

Ok, now that we have the basics down, let’s get into outfit formulas for fall leather jackets.

Black Leather Jacket + Straight-Leg Jeans

This black leather jacket outfit is a classic. If Danny Zuko had a Nuuly subscription, he would definitely rent this.

Leather Jacket + Slip Dress

Don't pack away your favorite slip dress just because summer is over. Layer a leather jacket over it and add boots for an easy fall update.

Brown Leather Jacket + Soft Fall Colors

If black leather feels a little predictable, try brown. Brown leather has a softer, warmer feel than black, making it particularly easy to pair with autumn colors .

Leather Jacket + Knit Dress or Mini Skirt + Tall Boots

For a cozy but polished outfit, wear a fitted or slightly relaxed knit dress or a mini skirt with your leather jacket. Add knee-high or tall boots to give it that classic fall vibe.

Leather Blazer + Jeans

A leather blazer is a great alternative if you like the look of leather but don't want a traditional moto jacket. Pair it with jeans and you have a look that means business in the best way possible.

Leather Trench Coat + Simple Knitwear

Let the trench be the whole outfit. For a Rachel Green effect, try a fitted sweater , straight-leg jeans, and boots underneath a long leather trench.

To Summarize…

Leather jackets are a great piece to rent for fall. Pair it with your favorite jeans when you want something easy. Throw it over a dress when you want to make summer pieces work for fall. Choose brown when you're ready to move beyond black. Try a cropped silhouette when you want to play with proportions, or go for a leather trench when you want the jacket to be the entire outfit.

Need more ideas for what to pair with your leather jacket? Check out our picks for fall outfitting