When it comes to classic fashion investments that will last you for years to come, the leather jacket is up there with the best of them. From the biker to the bomber, there are certain styles that will always look great, no matter what the season or the latest big trend – and although they might not seem like anything new in 2022, there are plenty of new ways to wear them this spring to score maximum style points and feel pretty fabulous while doing so, too.
First created to provide warmth in extreme temperatures in the early 1900s, the leather jacket has been on quite the journey since then, eventually becoming a wardrobe staple that most of us own at least one of. If you still don’t have one hanging on your coat rack, then there’s no time like the present to treat yourself to one, because these edgy, rock-chic garments are the perfect transitional piece as we navigate the unpredictable period of weather between now and summer.
Ideal for layering up with shirts, jumpers and other lightweight pieces, the right leather jacket will take you effortlessly from day to night – all you need to work out is what to team it with.
Choosing the perfect leather jacket
The biggest challenge, of course, is choosing the right leather jacket to begin with, as with so many different options in our favourite designer boutiques, making a decision can feel overwhelming. The obvious solution would be to buy all of them – but one carefully selected leather jacket will lend itself to a variety of different looks and is a long-lasting and versatile capsule wardrobe piece, so you’re best off splashing out on a really special one and remembering that quality, rather than quantity, is the key to luxury dressing.
While black leather jackets are unlikely to ever fall out of favour, it’s worth bearing in mind that styles do evolve and change over time, and while the 00s were all about studded bikers and shiny zippers, the latest iterations favour quilted stitching and waist ties. Gone are the days of the cropped and fitted jacket, and the latest silhouette is bigger, baggier and oversized.
Nevertheless, any style of leather jacket remains fashionable as long as it’s paired with current trends – so rather than updating your old faithful by replacing it, you can simply splash out on some of the latest new-season styles and layer them together for effortless, laid-back cool.
How to style the perfect leather jacket in 2022
Whether you’ve decided to stick with the classic leather jacket you’ve had for years, or have treated yourself to a brand new one, the key to nailing S/S 2022 style is in combining it with the right outfits. If you’re unsure how to wear your leather jacket, then these combinations are guaranteed to be a hit, and will see you through every type of social occasion in style.
The feminine midi-skirt
Midi-skirts remain a style staple for spring and summer, and floaty silhouettes with ruffle or floral detailing are the order of the season. An edgy leather jacket with clean lines might sound like the complete antithesis to such a feminine garment, but the dramatic contrast is a sure-fire way to earn maximum fashion points. Throw it on at dusk to protect yourself from cooler weather and take the look from daytime into the evening with effortless ease.
The wide-leg trouser
The wide-leg trouser remains a strong look for the new season, and teamed with an oversized blazer, makes for a casual daytime outfit that is perfect for everywhere from the office to lunch with friends. Swap out your classic blazer for an oversized leather blazer for an edgy yet sophisticated vibe and you’ll be onto a winner.
Leather on leather
Remember when double denim was considered a huge no-no? Then you’ll no doubt also remember that just a few years later, it became all the rage – and now, it’s the turn of double leather. So, let go of your fear of overkill, because the head-to-toe leather look is officially in vogue. Nail it with a leather shacket and loose-fit leather trousers, and break up the black with some lighter-hued accessories.
