There’s something about a leather jacket that just works. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes you feel more confident, effortlessly stylish, and put-together. Even if you just threw it on over a basic outfit. If you’ve ever wondered how to wear a leather jacket and truly make it your own, you’re in the right place!
This guide is packed with styling tips, outfit ideas, and everything you need to know about picking the perfect leather jacket.
Whether you’re looking for everyday outfit inspiration, a polished way to wear your jacket to work, or a fun night-out look, I’ve got you covered. A leather jacket is more than just an outerwear piece. It’s a wardrobe essential that can be worn most of the year and styled in so many different ways.
So, let’s learn how to wear a leather jacket!
Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
This blog post was originally published in October 2021 and updated in March 2025.
How To Choose the Right Leather Jacket:
Before we jump into outfit ideas, let’s make sure you have the right leather jacket for your personal style and needs. Here’s what to consider:
⭐️ Fit is everything – A leather jacket should feel snug but not tight. You want room for layering, but it shouldn’t be too bulky.
⭐️ Material choices – Real leather lasts longer and molds to your shape, while faux leather is more affordable and cruelty-free.
⭐️ Color options – Black is the most versatile, but brown, beige, or even a pop of color like burgundy or olive green can add personality to your wardrobe.
⭐️ Style matters – Moto jackets are edgy, bombers are sporty, cropped styles are chic, and blazer-style leather jackets add sophistication.
👉🏻 Personal tip: I went for a black leather moto jacket years ago, and I’ve never looked back. It goes with EVERYTHING, and I’ve worn it in every season but summer.
Pro tip: Order a size up. This way you’ll be able to wear them with a thicker sweater underneath and use them during winter too!
How To Wear A Leather Jacket For Any Occassion!
Now, let’s get to the fun part: how to wear a leather jacket with different outfits! Think of this section as a mix of styling inspiration and practical outfit formulas. I’ll also add some personal insights because trust me, I’ve tested these looks over and over again!
Styling A Leather Jacket With Skirts:
You can wear your leather jacket with pretty much any skirt you have. It really doesn’t matter which color. It can be bright, black, printed, denim, etc. That’s why I got my leather jacket in black. It goes with everything!
I love pairing my leather jacket with skirts because it instantly makes the whole outfit look edgier. Try to mix it with feminine pieces like lace, ruffles, florals, etc. It creates a nice balance and elevates your whole outfit.
As you can see from the photos below, you can wear it with any type of skirt and it will look good.
Cute Leather Jacket Outfits With Dresses: (great for spring)
I wear my leather jacket almost all year round! Spring, Fall and Winter. It looks so cool with any type of dress.
You can dress all black, with a bold color, with neutrals or florals. Your leather jacket will go with most of the dresses you have in your closet.
Again, if you have a super feminine dress don’t be afraid to style it with your leather jacket. It will make it look so different!
Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas With Maxi Dresses:
Maxi dresses and leather jackets are a match made in heaven! 💫
This is one of those easy combos that always work. If you’ve been packing away your maxi dresses at the end of summer, stop right there! ✋🏼 A leather jacket is the perfect way to transition them into fall and even winter & spring.
This is hands-down one of the easiest ways to wear a leather jacket. Just throw it over your favorite maxi dress, add booties, and voilà—you’re instantly stylish without overthinking it.
Want to make it even cozier? Layer with tights and a sweater underneath, or even belt a chunky knit over your dress for extra warmth. (I do this all the time, and trust me, it makes your dress look like a skirt, giving you even more outfit options!).
So before you say goodbye to your maxi dresses for the season, grab your leather jacket and give this combo a try—you’ll be surprised how much wear you can get out of them year-round!
Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas With Jeans:
Don’t know what to wear? Wear jeans, ANY top and a leather jacket! You can’t go wrong. I promise, there’s nothing you can do that will make this outfit formula not work.
Here you have a few different examples of this; notice I’m wearing different shoes, different prints, different styles and it always works out.
Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas With Spanx Leggings:
I never thought these 2 pieces would work together, but just look at the outfits below and see it for yourself.
How to wear a leather jacket with Spanx leggings it’s actually not that hard. You just have to keep in mind to keep things simple with your top and shoes.
Most of the looks you’ll create with the leather jacket and the leggings will be casual, unless you use the leggings as tights and wear a dress over it as shown below. Otherwise, you can style these 2 pieces together with a hoodie, as striped top or a T-shirt and simply wear sneakers. It’s very casual but super cute at the same time.
Also read: Spanx leggings Review // What to wear with leather leggings
How To Wear A Leather Jacket With Shorts:
I had these Winter shorts for just one season and I loved them! It felt really good to wear shorts during Winter!
I had to get rid of them after I lost some weight and they were too big on me and I never replaced them. However, I’m happy I have this photo to show you how to wear a leather jacket with shorts too.
I wore tights and OTK boots and a T-shirt believe it or not. This is a great look to go out for dinner or even brunch with the girls.
If you have similar pieces, try to recreate it and let me know how it goes :)
Styling A Leather Jacket With Sweatpants/Joggers:
Yes, you can wear a leather jacket with sweatpants or joggers, and trust me, it looks way more put-together than you’d think! This is one of my favorite ways to dress comfy without looking like I just rolled out of bed.
I used to think sweatpants were only for lazy days at home, but the second I threw my leather jacket over a pair of joggers, my whole perspective changed. Suddenly, my outfit looked intentional, and I felt like one of those effortlessly cool girls who somehow always gets it right.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid looking too casual, go for structured joggers instead of slouchy sweats.
So next time you’re debating between comfort and style, just throw on your leather jacket over your sweats, add a cute pair of sneakers, and watch your outfit instantly go from “just woke up” to effortlessly cool. ✨
Is Your Closet Holding You Back? Let’s Fix That!
If you love the idea of styling a leather jacket but struggle to create outfits you actually want to wear, your closet might be working against you. The good news? I’ve got something to help!
Take the Closet Score Quiz to find out if it’s time for a wardrobe refresh. Plus, when you take the quiz, you’ll get access to a free email course (based on your results) that walks you through cleaning out your closet, defining your personal style, and building a wardrobe that makes getting dressed easy.
Get started by answering these 7 questions! I’ll help you with what’s next :)
Monochromatic Looks With A Leather Jacket:
If there’s one outfit formula that never fails, it’s an all-black look with a leather jacket.
Seriously—it’s chic, easy, and always looks put-together with minimal effort. It’s also one of my personal favorites because it works for literally any occasion. Whether it’s a casual day out, a work meeting, or a last-minute happy hour.
Whenever I don’t know what to wear, I go straight for black-on-black. It’s foolproof, flattering, and instantly stylish. If you’re wondering how to wear a leather jacket in a way that feels sophisticated but still edgy, this is it.
Want to take it up a notch? Try adding different textures to break up the look—like faux leather pants, suede booties, or a chunky knit sweater. Or, if you’re feeling bold, throw in a pop of print with an animal-print belt, scarf, or statement shoes.
So next time you’re stuck on what to wear, go all-in on black, throw on your leather jacket, and watch how effortlessly cool your outfit becomes.
Which Color Leather Jacket Should You Get? How to Decide!
If you’ve been wondering how to wear a leather jacket and which color is best for you, let’s break it down!
I’m team black leather jacket all the way. It’s classic, versatile, and goes with everything. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option! You can absolutely go for brown, beige, burgundy, or even a bold color, as long as it fits your wardrobe.
So how do you decide? Here’s my foolproof method:
1️⃣ Assess your closet: Lay out your go-to outfits. What colors dominate your wardrobe? Are your favorite boots, skirts, and pants mostly neutral, or do you love bold hues?
2️⃣ Think about versatility: If you want something that works year-round and with almost anything, stick to neutrals like black, brown, or taupe. If you love statement pieces, a deep green, burgundy, or even white leather jacket can add personality.
3️⃣ Consider your style: Love edgy outfits? A black moto jacket is a must. Prefer softer, classic looks? A camel or beige leather jacket might be your best bet.
At the end of the day, the best leather jacket is the one that you’ll actually wear on repeat. So choose a color that complements your wardrobe and fits your personal style, because that’s the key to making the most out of it!
Care Instructions For Leather Jackets:
Leather jackets are low maintenance, but a little care goes a long way! Here’s how to keep yours looking brand new:
✔ Spot Clean – Use a damp cloth with mild soap for small stains. No need for frequent washing!
✔ Wash with Caution – If needed, wash inside out on a delicate cycle with cold water. Always air dry—heat can cause cracking!
✔ Prevent Cracks – Rub a tiny bit of baby oil or coconut oil on creased areas to keep it soft.
✔ Avoid Sun & Heat – Store in a cool, dry place to prevent fading.
✔ Fix Wrinkles – Hang it in the bathroom while showering for steam-release magic or use a low-heat steamer.
Follow these simple tips, and your leather jacket will stay stylish and fresh for years!
Final Thoughts About Leather Jackets:
If there’s one piece in my closet that has never let me down, it’s my leather jacket. No matter the season, no matter the outfit, it always pulls everything together and makes me feel effortlessly cool—even when I’m just wearing jeans and a tee.
So whether you’re rocking it over a floral dress, pairing it with joggers for that ‘cool but comfy’ vibe, or going all out with an all-black power look, just OWN IT. That’s the magic of a leather jacket—it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it.
Confidence is the best accessory, and your leather jacket is here to help with that.
Now that you know how to wear a leather jacket (and care for it like a pro!), which outfit are you excited to try first? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your favorite ways to style it!
And hey, if this post helped you, share it with a friend (or pin it for later!). Because let’s be honest, every closet deserves a great leather jacket.
Until next time! Thanks for hanging out with me today 💛
XO,
Aimara
PS: here are some leather jacket options for every budget!
👉🏻 These are my favorite ones from Nordstrom (under $200)
👉🏻 These ones are a great sustainable option that won’t break the bank!
👉🏻 And these ones are a splurge, but WOW 🤩. (also sustainable)
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
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