A solid leather jacket will never go out of style. It looks as good on ASAP Rocky today as it did on James Dean back in the ‘60s.
As great as the right leather jacket can be, not everyone may think they can pull off. We get it. Your fleece zip-up is too cozy. Your North Face puffer is too warm. Maybe tossing on a leather number feels like you’re trying too hard. But trust us, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Like we said, leather jackets were never dead, but they certainly do seem to be having a bit of a moment lately. Maybe you’re in the market for one. Whether you prefer a classic black moto jacket or wearable art from veterans like Jeff Hamilton and Pelle Pelle, you may be looking for some styling pointers. Take some cues from these celebrities and you’ll be more than happy with your latest outwear purchase.
A solid leather jacket will never go out of style. It looks as good on ASAP Rocky today as it did on James Dean back in the ‘60s.
As great as the right leather jacket can be, not everyone may think they can pull off. We get it. Your fleece zip-up is too cozy. Your North Face puffer is too warm. Maybe tossing on a leather number feels like you’re trying too hard. But trust us, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Like we said, leather jackets were never dead, but they certainly do seem to be having a bit of a moment lately. Maybe you’re in the market for one. Whether you prefer a classic black moto jacket or wearable art from veterans like Jeff Hamilton and Pelle Pelle, you may be looking for some styling pointers. Take some cues from these celebrities and you’ll be more than happy with your latest outwear purchase.
ASAP Rocky
Styling Tip: Let the jacket be the star of the outfit
Chances are, you won’t be rocking stuff that hit the runway in Paris just a week ago or copping a jacket that we can only assume costs upward of $20,000. We aren’t either. But that doesn’t mean that ASAP Rocky’s fit can’t influence you. Here, the rapper can be seen wearing this insane leather jacket from Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 that’s covered in colorful images alluding to the neon lights of Las Vegas. Even though we probably wouldn’t wear something like this with a colorful graphic T-shirt and Louis Vuitton monogram belt, we aren’t ASAP Rocky. He lives by a special set of rules. The point is, if you invest in a jacket this loud, don’t be afraid to let it stand alone as the statement piece of your fit. Pair it with a solid T-shirt, jeans, and some classic boots, and you’ll be golden.
Drake
Styling Tip: Grab something vintage
Not all of us want to pay the price for a high-quality leather jacket fresh off the rack. As Drake proves here with this vintage Avirex, you shouldn’t hesitate to do some digging and buy something from decades past. Not only will you most likely be wearing something you can guarantee nobody else will have, you won’t have to go through that uncomfortable process of breaking in a stiff new leather jacket. Plus, as is the case with many articles of clothing, the vintage stuff is just better. They don’t make a lot of stuff like they used to. Depending on what exactly you’re looking for and how rare it is, you still could be paying a premium. Look hard enough and there are deals to be had.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Styling Tip: Don’t be scared to go all leather
This isn’t for everyone. Personally, you’ll never catch me in some leather pants (shoutout En Noir). But, there are a lot of people who can pull it off. If you’re thinking about it, don’t be afraid to go for it and rock the all-leather fit. Odell Beckham Jr. pulled it off gracefully here. Just know, results may vary with this one. You’ve been warned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Styling Tip: A leather jacket doesn’t have to be loud
Many people assume that a leather jacket is a piece that draws attention. But if you want to just grab a black leather jacket, it can easily become your everyday outerwear if you want it to. This recent fit worn by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a perfect example. He paired a distressed leather Coach jacket with a white T-shirt, olive green pants, and some black and white Nike Dunk Highs. We know you probably have similar items in your closet right now. This fit is clean and simple. See? Don’t try too hard. Sometimes the most obvious choices look the best.
Jordan Clarkson
Styling Tip: Sports fan? Nothing beats an authentic Jeff Hamilton
Jordan Clarkson is one of the best-dressed players in the NBA. Of course, he has a few amazing leather jackets hanging in his closet. One of them is this all-over NHL logo style from the legendary Jeff Hamilton. If you’re looking for a jacket to rep your favorite team, nothing beats a leather jacket from Hamilton. There’s a reason the NBA has relied on him for so many monumental moments over the years. Wearing an authentic Jeff Hamilton won’t make you an NBA champion, but it will make you look like one. That counts for something.
Dipset
Styling Tip: Dipset inspired a lot of this
Give Dipset its flowers. A lot of what you see trending right now is stuff they were doing 20 years ago. So, it was awesome to see Who Decides War show love by not only creating a collection of leather and jeans inspired by the Diplomats, but also by tapping Jim Jones and Juelz Santana to model it for the official campaign. We say this all to say, if you’re going to take the plunge into the 2000s trends like Ed Hardy T-shirts, True Religion jeans, or elaborate Pelle Pelles, do your Googles. How Jim Jones and Juelz Santana were wearing this stuff in the aughts is how you’re supposed to wear it.
Cardi B
Styling Tip: A leather with some denim and Timbs is a foolproof combination.
New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop. So, it only makes sense that plenty of hip-hop’s most iconic fashion trends were also popularized there. Pelle Pelles, Timbs, and Robin’s Jeans (OK, maybe we could have done without the last one) wouldn’t have the cultural significance that they do without the New York rap scene. Cardi B and her sister Hennessy decided to pay homage to this iconic New York look for a photoshoot in 2023. We’re not saying you need to go grab a Soda Club jacket and some bedazzled denim. We are saying that if you’re trying to decide what to pair with your leather jacket when you buy it, some blue jeans and a fresh pair of wheat Timberland boots will do the trick every single time.
Joe Freshgoods
Styling Tip: The right leather can add the perfect pop of color
When you think of leather jackets, you probably think of a classic black style. Yes, those will be the most versatile and live in your closet for potentially your whole life. But maybe you already have one of those and are looking for something off the beaten path. Don’t hesitate to grab a colorful leather to add a pop of color to your outfits. This recent fit worn by Joe Freshgoods in Paris is a perfect example. He accentuates his all-black ensemble with a baby blue Avirex jacket. Even better, it’s one he made. If you have the chance to wear your own designs like him, consider it a bonus. Brands like Avirex and Schott make leathers in a ton of bright colors. They aren’t as uncommon as you may think.