Why you should own at least one leather jacket
The reason you should have at least one short, fitted leather jacket in your closet is easy: It goes with just about anything!
Pair it with a soft and feminine skirt for some edge or to bring together a mix of different patterns. Keep a look cohesive by coordinating different leather pieces or throw on a belt at the waist for more definition.
Now that it looks like spring has finally decided to stick around, a leather jacket will come in handy as we transition from freezing temperatures to the summer heat.
I usually throw mine on whenever I need that one, extra layer to keep me comfortable during the spring and fall transitional weather. I also have made it work in the winter with thick wool sweaters and tons of layering or when I didn’t have to spend too much time outdoors. In the summer, a cute leather jacket will come in handy on a cool night or even during an open-air concert.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Real versus fake: It’s totally a preference thing. I love my brown (genuine leather) jacket from Mango. The leather is soft and after 5 years of heavy wear, it still looks amazing! A real leather jacket will usually start about $100 but you may be able to get an even better deal by shopping the clearance, or by checking on Ebay and at thrift stores.
Note: My black “pleather” jacket, pictured here, came from Target just a few months ago and I am equally in love with it. One thing to look for with pleather is how real does it actually look? If it’s too shiny and lacks any sort of texture or grain, it’s a no-go. You don’t want to wear something that looks like a shiny plastic sack.
These jackets will save you at least 50 percent compared to a real leather jacket and are a great option if you just don’t want to invest yet.
2. Fit: Fit is obviously the most important thing when it comes to buying all clothes. With a leather jacket I like to have it be just fitted enough that I don’t lose my shape but I’m still able to have a few layers on underneath. If it’s a real leather jacket, it will most likely get softer and a little looser over the years.
3. Style: I say, keep it basic and plain. Of course there are lots of leather jackets out there with a ton of embellishments and they can look really cute too, but you are limiting yourself in the ways you will be able to wear that jacket.
Do you own a (pl)leather jacket already?
Web columnist and local blogger Sophie Steele is a German native living in Washington County with her husband, son and two dogs. A Cal U. design graduate, her personal style blog, The Forge, is about great food, photography, fashion and Steele’s outlook on living an inspired and creative life. Follow The Forge on Facebook and on Twitter: @theforgestyle.