A leather jacket is a timeless fashion staple that can enhance nearly any outfit. You can even layer a leather jacket. As you may know, layering is the process of wearing one or more garments over each other. You can wear a shirt or top under a leather jacket. If you’re going to create a layered outfit with a leather jacket, however, there are several things you should know.
Traditional vs Cropped
You can create a layered outfit with either a traditional leather jacket or a cropped leather jacket. Traditional leather jackets are full length, meaning they extend to the waist or past the waist when worn. Cropped leather jackets feature a shorter length. While available in different sizes, most cropped leather jackets stop several inches above the waist. With their shorter length, they’ll reveal more of your underlying shirt or top. Regardless, you can layer with a traditional leather jacket or a cropped leather jacket.
Choose a Simple Base
The base can make or break a layered outfit. All layered outfits have a base. Typically consisting of a shirt or top, it’s worn under your leather jacket. The secret to creating an attractive layered outfit with a leather jacket is to choose a simple base. Opt for a neutral-colored base, such as a plain white t-shirt, a black turtleneck or a neutral-toned blouse. With a simple base, you’ll have a clean canvas with which to layer your leather jacket.
Leave the Front Open
Don’t make the mistake of closing the front of your leather jacket. Regardless of the color or style, nearly all leather jackets have fasteners on the front. Some of them have buttons on the front, whereas other leather jackets have a zipper on the front. There are even leather jackets with both buttons and a zipper on the front. During the winter, you may want to close the front of your leather jacket for extra warmth. For a layered outfit, though, you should leave the front open. Leaving the front of your leather jacket open will reveal your underlying top or base layer, thus projecting a layered look.
Experiment With Different Colors
Feel free to experiment with different colors when layering your leather jacket. Some people assume that leather jackets are only available in black and brown. In the past, most leather jackets did, in fact, feature a black or brown color, but you can now find them in a variety of other colors. When shopping for a leather jacket, consider the color and whether it will flow cohesively with the garments and accessories with which you plan on wearing it. You may want to stick with a traditional color like black or brown. For a bolder layered look, on the other hand, you may want to choose a leather jacket in an alternative color like red or green.
Wear a Long-Sleeve Top
If the weather permits, you may want to wear a long-sleeve top with your leather jacket. The combination of a long-sleeve top and a leather jacket will result in a sleek and stylish layered look. With a long-sleeve top, the cuffs should be visible — even while wearing your leather jacket over the top. The photo above, for example, depicts a layered outfit consisting of a long-sleeve top and a leather jacket. As you can see, the cuffs at the end of the top are visible through the leather jacket.
Accessorize With a Belt
Another tip to follow when layering a leather jacket is to accessorize with a belt. A belt will accentuate your waistline. At the same time, it will break up your outfit while adding another layer to it. Keep in mind that some leather jackets come with a built-in belt. The Leather Jacket #280 sold here at LeatherCult features a built-in belt. If your leather jacket already features a belt, you won’t need to wear a separate belt. Rather, you can take advantage of your leather jacket’s built-in belt to make your layered outfit pop.
Focus on Comfort
You shouldn’t sacrifice comfort for style when creating a layered look. There’s a way to balance both style and comfort. Jackets made of real leather are both comfortable and stylish. They are soft and supple, yet they offer a timeless appearance in the process. Jackets made of faux leather, in comparison, lack the comfortable properties of their real leather counterparts.
Check the Proportions
Always check the proportions when layering your leather jacket. Steer clear of excessively bulky or loose layers that can overwhelm your natural figure. Instead, choose pieces that fit well and complement the shape of your body. You may want to pair a fitted leather jacket with a slim-fitting top and skinny jeans. The combination of these items will result in a sleek figure that’s stylish and attractive.
Play With Textures
You can create a more sophisticated and unique layered look by playing with textures. Layering is all about adding dimension and visual style to your outfits in the form of multiple layers. Experiment with different textures to create a layered look with a leather jacket. For example, you can pair your leather jacket with a chunky knit sweater, a silk blouse or a lace camisole. The contrasting textures will add depth to your outfit.
Explore Different Jacket Styles
Leather jackets are available in many different styles. When creating a layered outfit, you should explore some of these alternative styles. You don’t have to limit yourself to a traditional, basic style. For a more eye-catching appearance, you may want to wear a unique, modern style. There are biker-style leather jackets, for instance. Biker-style leather jackets are synonymous with motorcycle riders. They are commonly worn by motorcycle riders, and many of them feature asymmetric zippers and metal studs that project a rebellious vibe.
Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or going for a casual daytime look, follow these tips to artfully layer with a leather jacket and create stylish outfits.