Skip to Content

8 Leather Jacket Outfits That Are Anything but Basic

A classic wardrobe staple, but make it groundbreaking; this is how you wear a leather jacket in 2019.

By
Street Style - Hera Seoul Fashion Week 2019 F/W - Day 2
Hanna Lassen

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The essential leather jacket—which comes in trending variations like faux leather or PVC—remains a timeless wardrobe staple that never loses its cool-factor. Sometimes, however, it becomes more of an easy style shortcut when paired with basic jeans and simple white T-shirts, causing those who embrace it to look...well, like duplicates.

Whether you belong to the Haider Ackermann clan of futuristic cool or the Saint Laurent crew of biker chic, we're here to offer some updated, elevated, and unique ways to wear the reliable piece. From mismatched animal prints to double layers, here are 8 leather jacket outfits that'll make you stand out. Plus. shop the best leather jackets here.

Leather on Leather

Gone are the days of leather on leather equating a grungy gang of biker dudes. The structured leather separates of today are feminine, effortless, and highly Instagrammable. Wear them separately or together—either way you're bound to look city chic.

Helmut Lang Leather Wide-Leg Pants

Leather Wide-Leg Pants
Credit: net-a-porter.com

A statement-making pant that can carry you through many seasons. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Maison Margiela Tabi Multi-Strap Pumps

Tabi Multi-Strap Pumps
Now 40% Off
Credit: farfetch.com

It doesn't get much better than a sleek cleft-toe, multiple straps and a smooth block heel. 

Late Night Prints

Layering an oversized leather jacket over your itty-bitty animal-print slip dress is sure to be the right move for a cool night out. Keep things from looking too overdone with a low-heeled mule to top off the look.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Michelle Mason Leopard Minidress

Leopard Minidress
Now 40% Off
Credit: farfetch.com

For warm nights that require a little leg. 

Updated Minimalism

For a minimal approach to the leather jacket, opt for a blazer/leather jacket hybrid that can be layered with silky skirts, cotton T-shirts, and easy midi dresses.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Theory Linen-Blend Midi Skirt

Linen-Blend Midi Skirt
Credit: Net-a-porter.com

A classic white midi skirt that'll outlive trends, season after season. 

Schutz Simple Slide Sandal

Simple Slide Sandal
Credit: shop.nordstrom.com/

These sleek naked sandals will carry you anywhere. 

A Zebra Moment

What's better than a leather trench? One with a zebra-print midi dress underneath. Layer up your dress— depending on the season—with a white button-down shirt for added contrast.

Norrghi Zebra Print Maxi Dress

Zebra Print Maxi Dress
Now 60% Off
Credit: norrghi.com

Imagine this dress + white cowboy boots.  An instant look. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Raey Batwing Cotton Shirt

Batwing Cotton Shirt
Credit: matchesfashion.com

For all your sophisticated layering needs. 

Make It Beret

Dress down a long leather trench with a white T-shirt, cropped black pants, and a classic pair of Vans We love how this influencer styled hers: with the French flair of a black beret.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Maison Michel Black Cotton Beret

Black Cotton Beret
Now 50% Off
Credit: matchesfashion.com

This sophisticated beret is crafted in France from cotton poplin and a cotton-twill lining, giving it an understated and authentic feel. 

No Pants, No Problem

With the right boot height and a longer jacket length, a trouser isn't necessary. Keep things interesting by adding a luxury knapsack and liquid red thigh-high boots.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Petar Petrov Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-Knee Boots
Credit: farfetch.com

A pop of cherry red in the form of an edgy, walkable boot is a game-changer. 

Wild Wild City

Your new go-to edgy look? An oversized biker jacket styled over an animal-print ensemble. Keep it cool with a pair of worn-in sneakers.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ganni Animal Print Denim Dress

Animal Print Denim Dress
Credit: intermixonline.com

Not for the faint of heart, this clashing multi-print shirtdress is for the woman that wants to stand out. 

Ganni Animal Print Jeans

Animal Print Jeans
Credit: intermixonline.com

Too much print for your liking? Tone it down with a cool T-shirt and a classic leather moto jacket. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Matrix Ready

A patent leather trench makes for a modern twist on the classic biker jacket. Keep things fresh with a chunky turtleneck and straight-legged jeans.

The Range Knitted Turtleneck Sweater

Knitted Turtleneck Sweater
Credit: net-a-porter.com

Perfect for late spring evenings and early fall days. 

Watch Next 
preview for The Good Buy
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below