How to Style a Leather Blazer in 2022 Like a Total Style Icon

The easiest way to style a leather blazer is by simply switching one in for your usual blazer style, be that an oversize plaid version or a crisp black suit jacket. While you may assume black leather would be best, brown is actually a bit more wearable and often feels more casual, making it a better match for denim, white tees and other weekend staples. (P.S. Add a pair of pointy-toe shoes and swap the T-shirt for a silky blouse for a dressier version of the same look.)

Shop similar styles: Wilfred Faux-Leather Blazer ($228); Gentleherd Cashmere Scarf ($98); Sanctuary Ruched Boyfriend Shirt ($89); Agolde ’90s Pinch Straight-Leg Jeans ($198); New York & Company Boots ($100; $68)

If you prefer the look of black leather, start simply by pairing it with other black or white wardrobe staples. We’re talking about leggings, lug-sole boots and simple T-shirts or sweaters. Itching for a bit of color? Add small pops by way of a crossbody bag, headband or statement earrings to keep things looking classically chic.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Design Leather Blazer ($200); Athleta Outbound T-shirt ($54); Gilrfriend Collective Luxe Leggings ($92); ASOS Design Carla Boots ($65)

You can also use this neutrals-only trick for dressier occasions where leggings won’t do. To jazz things up, swap your comfy leggings for structured wide-leg jeans in a non-distressed white wash and a sleek, slim-fitting black turtleneck. Add a pair of pointy-toe boots or heels and maybe a gold chain necklace or string of pearls for a bit of glam.

Shop similar styles: Blank NYC Faux-Leather Blazer ($118); ALO Protection Turtleneck ($74); Spanx Cropped Wide Leg Pants ($128); Matisse Caty Boots ($205)

Of course, you don’t have to stick with natural colors like brown or black. You could also try a fun spring-ready hue like pistachio green or lilac. Layer these lighter hues (including beige and winter whites) over floral midi dresses and boots. Leather, even faux, is much warmer than cotton, denim or linen, so it can double as a more substantial jacket on those early spring days that are all too often chillier than we’d like.

Shop similar styles: Nasty Gal Leather Blazer ($339; $170); Reformation Carolena Dress ($248); Journee Collection Sarie Boots ($80)

Speaking of denim, the rugged material is a classic partner to leather, but there are some combinations that look more stylish than others. Slipping a black leather blazer on over a denim dress or chambray shirt and denim midi skirt looks more fashion forward than a moto jacket and distressed jeans. And while we could definitely throw in some more colorful shoes and accessories to lighten the look, matching black helps to emphasize those city vibes even more.

Shop similar styles: BCBG Max Azria Faux-Leather Blazer ($348); J.Crew Chambray Button-Up Shirt ($90); We The Free Denim Skirt ($128; $70); JW Pei Mira Shoulder Bag ($99); Steve Madden Saged Sandals ($100)

Loose trousers or jeans and a kitschy knit is one of our favorite weekend combos for 2022, and all you need to dress it up enough for dinner or drinks with friends is one tailored staple. Yup, a leather blazer adds a heavy dose of polish to even the most relaxed silhouettes, so you won’t feel out of place no matter where your BFF chooses to dine.

Shop similar styles: AS by DF Recycled Leather Blazer ($685); AYR The Deep End Shirt ($135); House of Sunny Swan Sweater Vest ($133; $93); H&M Wide-Leg Pants ($40); Cariuma Canvas Sneakers ($79)

On the flip side, leather, with its rock-n-roll/western influences, can also help make preppy staples feel a bit edgier and less prim. We especially love the combination above because of the way the creamy beige leather compliments the colors of the pleated skirt, snakeskin handbag and slouchy boots. If your ensemble is comprised of mostly pale hues, opt for a lighter jacket, and if your outfit is mostly black or navy, try a darker shade.

Shop similar styles: The Frankie Shop Olympia Blazer ($395); LilySilk Silk Shirt ($95); Reformation Calgary Skirt ($178); Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Bag ($1,198); Alohas South Bicolor Boots ($252)

Tall riding boots, skinny jeans, a slim turtleneck and a fitted blazer can all come together to help elongate your frame and make you appear taller. But it’s also a lot of straight up-and-down sameness from head to toe. Add a belt at your waist for some extra definition and to give some shape to your silhouette.

Shop similar styles: J.Ing Nalah Faux-Leather Blazer ($80; $32); J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($37; $26); Citizens of Humanity Skinny Jeans ($198); Boyy Bobby 18 Bag ($895); House of Harlow 1960 Boots ($258)

Unexpected pairings like lilac and ruby red are pretty attention grabbing, but if you’d rather tone down that “look at me” vibe, try adding a black leather blazer. Both the neutral hue and the tough material will help to ground bolder pieces. (Just be sure to choose a matte leather over shiny patent versions.)

Shop similar styles: Deadwood + Net Sustain Leather Blazer ($350); Y.A.S. Batwing Sweater ($50); Les Rêveries Velvet Pants ($450); Vaneli Aliz Shoes ($160)

Yes, you could also do this with black or brown, but it’s much more fun and springy to try this tip with an unexpected shade like periwinkle or robin’s egg blue. Rather than trying to match two leather pieces—which is very likely to leave you looking like a biker or ranch hand, which isn’t really what we want at the moment—opt for a lighter material, like cotton, denim or wool-crepe instead. Having mismatched fabrics also makes it look less odd if you can’t find identical shades of the same color. Finish with easy accessories in other solids, like white, gray or even pale yellow.

Shop similar styles: French Connection Crolenda Faux-Leather Blazer ($171); Marine Layer Swing T-shirt ($45); Maeve Wide-Leg Pants ($140); Coach Tabby 26 Bag ($395); Rothys The Point Flats ($145)

Winter isn’t quite over yet, but you’re just so sick of your puffer coat. Both real and faux leather are incredibly warm, so when worn over a chunky sweater, a leather blazer can actually keep you fairly toasty on your way to work. Embrace the power of layering by slipping a blouse or crisp T-shirt on underneath your turtleneck so you can keep the blazer on while removing your knit at your desk without totally overheating.

Shop similar styles: Lattelier Faux-Leather Blazer ($); Thakoon Turtleneck Sweater ($215); Cider Check Pattern Pants ($28); Boyy Devon 21 Bag ($1,095); Everlane Italian Leather Day Glove Flats ($115)

Matching all the pieces of your outfit went from being a fashion rule to being a major faux pas and has now circled back around to settle somewhere in the middle as a fun styling option that’s neither terrible nor super trendy. And while you could obviously do this with natural shades, we think it looks more purposeful and thereby more stylish if you opt for burgundy, forest green, pale pink or another less common leather color. You also don’t have to match exactly—patterns or prints that incorporate large swaths of the color work just fine, as do shades that are a tad lighter or darker but still in the same color family.

Shop similar styles: AFRM Faux-Leather Blazer ($128); Banana Republic Wide-Leg Pants ($80; $56); Dior Saddle Bag ($3,800); Vince Camuto Semtera Heels ($100)