By Rachel Young and Caroline Ruhland
Similar to a pair of black pumps or a classic blazer, a leather jacket should be a long-term investment for everybody’s closet. “A classic bomber jacket is a wardrobe must,” says Southern California-based fashion designer and personal stylist Erica Tracey. “They never go out of style and can be recycled for years to come.”
Before splurging on this timeless piece, try on several brands and fits of jackets that best accentuate your body frame. For example, a jacket with a cinched middle flatters women with hourglass figures because it draws the eye to slim waistlines. It can also better define a narrow silhouette, adding waist and hip definition. Women who are pear-shaped, however, might want to try a cropped style, which focuses on a slimmer upper half.
Although a black leather jacket can complement any wardrobe, variation in color and texture can easily make it an outfit’s focal piece. If you typically stick to monochrome or neutrals, try a bolder shade to spice up that little black dress. Tracey predicts that quilted bomber jackets, along with olive and oxblood hues, will be prominent this season.
Once you find your perfect fit and color, choose a quality leather that will age well and adapt to your evolving wardrobe. You can also justify the splurge by looking to the jacket’s versatility—it can easily transition from day to night. Throw on a chic moto style with jeans and a T-shirt to create an effortlessly edgy look. Then, after running errands throughout the day, slip your jacket over a dress or skirt and add a touch of lipstick for a night out on the town. —Rachel Young
