I’ve never met a leather jacket I didn’t click with. It’s a universal gal pal, always ready to elevate at a moment’s notice. Truly – a Sunday special of decade-old jeans and jailbreak grey-marle sweats become nonchalant Caroline Maigret cool with a biker in tow (and somehow make my under-eye bags allude to a night out on the town – a much more enticing story than, you know, ageing or watching too many Orange Is The New Black episodes back to back).
If you’re not yet consciously coupled up with a jacket of the leather variety, I suggest you jump on the bandwagon – and it’s never leaving town, mind you. A leather jacket arrives with a one-way ticket only in any wardrobe, never to leave (just wait until Sunday rolls around, you’ll wonder how you brunched without it) – and I’ve rounded up the best of the best for every budget.
- The Investment Leather Jacket
Classique? C’est chic. She is the priciest of the bunch, but when it comes to leather there really ain’t no price mountain high enough – it’s one of the key textiles where the dollars reflect quality. This divine creature will sit steadfast by your side in all her classic biker glory until the very end. Seriously – wear it with everything.
Balenciaga Classic leather biker jacket, $3,668 matchesfashion.com
- The Mixed Media Leather Jacket
Looking for something upscale, without the motorcyclist connotations? Say hi to the mixed media leather jacket – cut simply without lapels, made luxe with a splicing of leather and suede. Introduce her to your casuals (she’ll love jeans and a white tee), vamp her up for date night (nothing sexier than a suede and leather over sheers) or tone her down for the office with a classic suit pant and soft silk blouse. She’s ready for anything.
Witchery Scarlett Leather Jacket, $599.95 witchery.com.au
- The Throwback Leather Jacket
Fancy a bit of a ‘70s spin? Try a fur collar on for size; perfect with a flared trouser. Give it an unexpected femme spin with a floaty chiffon or pleated skirt underneath to balance out your masculine side.
Sandro Viviette leather jacket, $990 (02) 9327 3377
- The Fashion-Forward Leather Jacket
If you’re feeling a little ho-hum about black on black on black – or have already heavily ticked that box off your wardrobe checklist – try a deep mulberry or wine tones instead. Just as versatile (it’ll work with all your neutrals, or clash it back with forest greens and cobalts), with a fresh lick of paint. It’s the new all-rounder in disguise.
IRO Jone leather biker jacket, $1,832.29 Net-a-porter.com
- The Work Friendly Leather Jacket
Try sleeker cuts for your 9-5 – anything exuding a little too much rock’n’roll is going to rub off your professional tone. Look for lapel-free styles to keep your silhouette modern – the peplum hem on this number allows you free reign to pair it back with any type of tailoring, be in pencil skirts or trousers. Crisp and clean are your buzzwords here.
SPORTMAX Zelanda jacket $944, matchesfashion.com
- The All-Rounder Leather Jacket
Price friendly? Tick. Quality leather? Tick. Equal parts rock’n’roll and refined? Tick and tick. A great investment if you’re looking to invest in one leather lover for the rest of your days.
Marcs quilted shoulder leather jacket, $599
- The Petite Leather Jacket
Should you be drowning in leather – quite literally, being of a petite frame – the Danni Minogue for Target Petites biker style ticks all the boxes minus leaving you looking like you’ve raided your Dad’s teenage wardrobe.
Dannii Minogue For Target Petites Leather Jacket, $169 www.target.com.au
- The High Street Hero Leather Jacket
River Island black leather zip detail biker jacket, $200.00 Au.riverisland.com
