How to Style a Leather Jacket in 2023 (Plus, 1 Outfit to Avoid)

We’re used to seeing standard black leather jackets, but we’ve been loving the tan leather as an alternative. (Don’t worry, you can—and should—still wear all of your black pieces with a lighter colored coat.) Another styling tip? If you want to balance out the Matrix-ness of a leather trench, try adding a soft texture like a cashmere beanie or even a canvas baseball cap to give a more approachable vibe to a severe jacket.

Shop similar styles: Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Trench Coat ($200); Wolf & Badger Eco-Leather Trench ($413); Steve Madden Ally Boot ($202); Cleobella Hobo Woven Bag ($448; $251); Quince Mongolian Cashmere Beanie ($30)

An oversize shirt, sweater or jacket atop a mini skirt or dress is classically chic and subtly sexy. If you’re thinking, “Am I going to look like I’m a character in Top Gun?” the answer is, no, depending on how you style your leather bomber. Just stick to simple pieces in one color (you can never go wrong with black) and skip the aviator sunglasses.

Shop similar styles: Madewell Leather Bomber Jacket ($538); Edikted Oversize Faux Leather Bomber ($110); Lovers and Friends Aubrey Mini Skirt ($108); See by Chloe Joan Shoulder Bag ($495)

We know we just said we love the look of a bigger jacket with a smaller skirt, but we’re also fans of full-on oversize dressing—especially when it’s freezing out. A leather jacket over a sweatsuit with some sneakers and a cute bag is the comfy, weekend errand-running fit of our dreams.

Shop similar styles: LBLC The Label Vegan Oversized Moto Jacket ($390); 7 Days Active Monday Sweatshirt ($165); 7 Days Active Monday Sweatpants ($165); Cariuma Salvas ($98); Marc Jacobs The Colorblock Snapshot Bag ($325)

Winter’s favorite outerwear: the puffer jacket. The cold-weather staple looks great in leather—especially in a cropped silhouette. To make sure this luxe topper is the star of the show, pair it with a fitted turtleneck underneath and keep your proportions in check with a wide-leg pant (skinny jeans with a shorter jacket can sometimes make your torso look weirdly short).

Shop similar styles: Mango Oval Short Handle Bag ($50); Alo Yoga Faux Leather Boss Puffer ($348); Everlane The Organic Straight-Leg Pants ($98); Dr. Marten Jadon Boots ($200)

We’re in love with the Audrey Hepburn vibes of the ensemble above for many reasons. Leather is an inherently tough/edgy material, which makes it so unexpected and cool to wear it in the form of an elegant piece like this sleek, button-laden jacket. Pair it with a relaxed pant, some loafers and a mock neck sweater for a pop of color and you’ll be looking like you’re in search of the nearest Chanel.

Shop similar styles: Understated Leather Vixen Jacket ($535; $348); Everlane The Utility Barrel Pant ($98); Lisa Vicky Zany Loafer ($100)

Listen, we love our short leather moto as much as the next person, but at this point it just feels a little dated (especially when worn with a busy print and moto boots). When it comes to styling a leather jacket in 2023, we recommend a less is more approach.