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Even if you don’t consider yourself to have an edgy style, a motorcycle jacket is still a wardrobe staple. Why? Because this versatile piece can be worn in many different ways and depending on the styling, it can be edgy, casual, and chic! But of course, if you clicked on this post then you already know your moto jacket’s styling potential and you’re probably looking for new ways and inspiration on how to style this piece. Keep reading for endless cool and chic ways on how to wear a moto jacket!
jeans | tee | bag | boots | jacket (similar)
How to Wear a Moto Jacket
Whether you call it a moto jacket, motorcycle jacket, biker jacket, or black leather jacket, this fact remains: it deserves a place in everyone’s wardrobe. No matter your age. Yes, I think every woman can wear one- even if you’re over 50!
Spring days or autumn days, a moto jacket is always a good idea! In spring, a moto jacket will look super cute with a floral dress or skirt, and in autumn, it looks great with denim and tall boots.
For a twist to your preppy look, try pairing your moto jacket with plaid shorts, tights, a sweater, and a beret.
For a nice feminine look, pair your moto jacket with a midi skirt and heels. Mixing edgy and chic is a great style!
If a feminine look is not really your style, then don’t be afraid to go all-in with your moto jacket! For the edgy vibe, wear your moto jacket with black skinny jeans, a basic tee, moto boots, and black accessories. This outfit combo is the perfect way to rock a model-off-duty look. An all-black outfit always gives a cool look too!
Now, you may have thought that the moto jacket is the final layering piece, but nope! You can layer on top of your moto jacket, creating an even cooler look. Trench coats look great layered on top of this type of jacket and not only that, but it creates a classic look too!
In my personal opinion, the best way to wear this jacket is with jeans and a basic tee. Though other outfit ideas look fabulous too, this outfit combination never fails to look effortlessly cool and chic. Plus, it’s so versatile!
If you want your outfit to look chicer, then pair your outfit with loafers or ballet flats. For a cool style, then pair your outfit with ankle boots. For casual chic, go with sneakers. The options are endless depending on your needs and occasion!
What is the best moto jacket for you?
A good idea is to keep your body type in mind to find the best moto jacket for you. Generally, if you are a pear shape, then you’d want an A-line or waist length jacket. If you’re an hourglass, then you’d want to highlight your shape and waist with a more fitted jacket (think waist detailing or bomber style). The apple could benefit from a longer length. And if you’re a rectangle, then you may want to look for a jacket with some detailing to add volume to your body.
Slightly oversized is okay, but generally, you would want your jacket to be mostly fitted in your shoulders and arms. You don’t want to look like you are swimming in fabric! But think about how you’ll wear this jacket the most. If it will be over chunky sweaters in the fall, then you may want to get a looser fit.
Black is a versatile color, so that’s what this post mostly focuses on, but it’s not your only option! There are different colors and shades to consider. First things first, I would focus on getting a good leather jacket in a dark neutral color, but after that, you have some freedom in your choices.
Related: 8 Easy Outfit Combinations You Already Have in Your Wardrobe
Depending on the time of year, you might be drawn to different styles and colors. An olive green moto jacket would be a perfect choice for fall, as would a burnt orange/ dark brown. Pale pink would be a cute spring pick.
Your skin tone could play into it as well. Color consultants say that the classic black is better for “Winters”. But even if you’re not a Winter, you still have options!
According to the House of Color blog, a Summer will look fantastic in french navy, smoked grape, or rose brown. For Springs, look for chocolate and bright Navy. If you’re an Autumn, you can wear dark brown, dark olive, warm navy, and deep bronze. And if you’re a Winter and already have black, then you can get charcoal, indigo, and navy too.
These are things to take into consideration, however, at the end of the day, the perfect moto jacket is the one that you feel confident in!
Where to get one
A leather biker jacket is a wardrobe staple and therefore, a great piece to invest in! High quality leather will mold to your body and look even better as time goes on.
Below are some top picks for real leather moto jackets:
Madewell- Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $498
$500 is certainly nothing to laugh at, but hundreds of women say it’s the only one you’ll ever need. Buy once, cry once (okay, maybe a lot), and then try to get over it and look fabulous! 😉
Blank NYC- Luxury Cropped Suede Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $90-$200
Blank NYC makes some of the best “affordable” leather jackets. They are still an investment piece, but one you can actually stomach! Those theirs are suede and more suited towards fall and winter, I can personally vouch for the quality (I have El Dorado). Not only that, but they come in a wide variety of colors and shades, making it so you can find the perfect one for your skin tone.
One thing to note about suede…you’ve got to be careful! Once upon a time, I had a beautiful, perfect-fitting, high-quality Bagatelle Suede Leather Jacket. Then I spilled some face oil all over it. And it was gone forever. Leather is easier to take care of. If you spill oil on it, then just rub it in and make it shine! You have to be more careful with suede, however. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a suede jacket, it just means that perhaps it’s not the one you spend bookoo bucks on.
Iro- Han Leather jacket, $1,200
Just in case you didn’t want to pay rent this month…Yes, this jacket will cost you a pretty penny (or thousands), but Iro’s leather jackets are supposedly the best leather jackets on the market today.
As you can see, leather does not come cheap. But don’t worry! A faux leather jacket can be just as cool and sometimes you can’t even tell the difference. No matter the price, be on the lookout for material that is too shiny, plastic, or rigid. Those features can tend to look a little cheap. The same goes for hardware that is too bright or shiny and feels lightweight in your fingers.
Here are some budget-friendly options for you to check out:
Wearing a moto jacket doesn’t automatically give you a biker look. As you can see, it can fit into your personal style (no matter what it is) and it can make you look cool and chic, no matter where you are. For more help on what wardrobe staples you should have, check out the posts below!
Classic Fall Capsule Wardrobe (Shopping List, Outfit Ideas, & More!)
A Classic Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
Capsule Outfits That Build a Timeless Wardrobe
