If you can only afford to make one current trend purchase this season, make it a leather jacket. Be it vintage or brand-spanking new, the leather jacket is without a doubt the key piece for fall 2009 and will make almost anything else you wear look edgy and au courant.
Biker Jacket: Rebel with Fabulous Fashion
The best way to achieve the authentic-looking adventurous and sexy edge that epitomizes Biker Chic is by investing in a worn-in vintage leather jacket – or a new one that has been aged to look as if it's witnessed a lifetime hard-living and dangerous adventures. We're talking soft, distressed leather tailored to a second-skin fit embellished with all the pockets, zippers, belts, closures and accents that areal biker girl would need – after all, a motorcycle isn't exactly handbag-friendly is it?
Bomber Jacket: Soaring Style
Today's leather Bomber Jacket is inspired by the flight jackets originally created for pilots in the First World War when most airplanes didn't have an enclosed cockpit. Because these garments had to keep the pilots warm, for practical reasons they featured high wraparound collars, zipper closures with wind flaps, snug, elasticized and ribbed cuffs and waists, and even fur fringe and lining. What was born out of necessity almost one hundred years ago is being revived as a magnificent fashion statement for fall.
Urban Sleek Leather Jacket
If Biker Chic or Bomber Jackets aren't exactly you style – or appropriate – for your lifestyle, don't worry. While slightly less adventurous, there is a second way to participate in the leather jacket trend that's so hot for fall 2009: Urban Sleek. Unlike to lived-in, rough-edged look of the Biker Chic interpretation of the leather jacket, and the sportier look of the Bomber Jacket, Urban Sleek style jackets are made from polished, glossy leather, and typically have fewer grommets, zippers, pockets, ribbed cuffs and other shiny, metallic bits.
What the Urban Sleek look does have in common with its rebel counterparts is that all styles of leather jackets should be well-tailored for a fit where seams don't pucker or pull, and the coat itself doesn't gape, à la cape-like Matrix movie style jackets.
Leather Jacket Colors
Of course basic black is the classic look which comes to mind when thinking of the biker jacket, but don't let convention tie you down! Feel free to be a fashion rebel and stand out in a beautiful color such as eggplant, toffee, indigo or green-black.
How to Wear Your Leather Jacket
The beauty of this season's leather jacket is lends a bit of rock and roll attitude to anything it's worn with.
Daytime Looks for the Leather Jacket
Think Grease and layer your leather jacket over a snug-fitting top, tailored shirt or designer t-shirt, and pair with a pair of slim legging pants, skinny jeans, or even a mini skirt and boots or high heel shoes. Wrap on a scarf, pile on some chunky jewelry, and tousle your hair and you're ready to go.
Rocking the Leather Jacket at Night
At night, slip into a pair of the platform booties (season's other must-have), and layer your leather jacket over a whimsical dress; the juxtaposition of hard and soft will make others seriously envious of your personal style.
Check out this gallery of some of our favorite leather jackets.
