The Perfect: Way to Style a Leather Jacket

By Leah Melby ClintonPublished: Aug 10, 2018

Jacket, Street fashion, Album cover, Leather jacket, Cool, Leather, Music artist, Textile, Photography, Black hair,

Tyler Joe

Welcome to "The Perfect," ELLE.com's weekly roundup of all the elements needed for a perfectly outfitted and executed fill-in-the-blank.

When it comes to personal style, there's no one right way to wear anything. As we start stockpiling outfits for fall, we combed through our street style archive to find women around the globe styling leather jackets in a multitude of ways.

With pops of color

Clothing, Pink, Outerwear, Street fashion, Fashion, Jacket, Beauty, Leather, Fur, Coat,

Tyler Joe

A bright spot of a crayon-box hue adds instant energy.

Shop similar:

Alexander McQueen Shearling Biker Jacket

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With bold bottoms

Plaid, Clothing, Leather, Leather jacket, Jacket, Street fashion, Tartan, Fashion, Pattern, Textile,

Tyler Joe

A biker jacket is the downtown cousin of your classic blazer. Liven it up with printed pants.

Shop similar:

H&M Biker Jacket

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Michael Kors Collection pants

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With a longer layer

White, Street fashion, Clothing, Fashion, Jeans, Blue, Sportswear, Jacket, Denim, Footwear,

Tyler Joe

Make things interesting by wearing a leather jacket over a thin, thigh-grazing shirt.

Shop similar:

The Arrivals Rainier Jacket

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Elizabeth and James Button-Down

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As a statement coat

Clothing, Street fashion, Fashion, Coat, Leather, Outerwear, Fashion model, Trench coat, Overcoat, Eyewear,

Tyler Joe

Leather jackets aren't all bikers and bombers. The vibe gets more uptown in a long silhouette.

Shop similar:

Diane von Furstenberg Trench Coat

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Suecomma Booties

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With half the buttons done

Clothing, Black, Leather, Jacket, Outerwear, Street fashion, Leather jacket, Fashion, Suit, Sleeve,

Tyler Joe

Don't think about buttons as all or nothing. An in-between look reads as purposeful and decidedly cool.

Shop similar:

Mango Leather Jacket

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Schoen by Yu Black Jeans

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With all white

White, Fashion, Street fashion, Clothing, Suit, Blazer, Footwear, Jacket, Pantsuit, Outerwear,

Tyler Joe

An embellished jacket stands out via a monochromatic moment.

Shop similar:

Zadig & Voltaire Leather Jacket

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Derek Lam Pants

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With a serious slouch

Street fashion, Clothing, Fashion, Snapshot, Pink, Footwear, Fashion model, Outerwear, Tights, Jeans,

Tyler Joe

Cozy, but big—keep an oversized aviator from swallowing your frame by letting it hang off a shoulder.

Shop similar:

Urban Outfitters Aviator Jacket

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Loewe T-Shirt

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With your arms out

Street fashion, Clothing, Fashion, Polka dot, Outerwear, Pattern, Design, Black-and-white, Headgear, Leather,

Tyler Joe

A jacket tossed over the shoulders has a nonchalance that works with any base layer.

Shop similar:

Topshop Biker Jacket

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ASOS Jumpsuit

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With the belt tied

Clothing, Leather, Fashion model, Leather jacket, Fashion, Jacket, Street fashion, Outerwear, Eyewear, Textile,

Tyler Joe

The biker's belt can feel like it's in the way. Make it a focal point instead by knotting it.

Shop similar:

Free People Jacket

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Alternative T-Shirt

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Leah Melby Clinton

Leah Melby Clinton is a writer, editor, and serious shopper who loves discovering new labels, detailing the best ways to build a wardrobe, and interviewing interesting people.