How to pick out the perfect leather jacket
Leather jackets feature in just about every decent ‘women’s wardrobe essentials’ list ever published. They’re perfect for throwing over a mini dress in the summer, and equally well suited to layering for warmth during the winter.
Unfortunately they’re not cheap, so we’ve developed a short guide to help you pick out a versatile leather jacket that’s right for you.
1) Resist the urge to skimp
Good quality leather jackets are, I repeat, not cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, but really feel like your wardrobe could benefit from the addition of such an item of clothing, consider faux leather.
However, the quality is unlikely to be as high as you might like, and few faux leather jackets will last as long as a real one. If you do have money to spend, consider your leather jacket an investment. While this rule doesn’t always hold true, leather jacket law dictates that the more you spend, the longer your jacket will last.
2) Think ahead
Leather jackets may be quite consistently fashionable, but the acceptable styles vary hugely over time.
Work around this by choosing a neutral colour and a length that won’t look out of place whether you wear it today or in five years’ time. We recommend a jacket that reaches the hipbone, or there about.
If you want to try bright colours and trendy lengths as they come into fashion, faux leather is, yet again, a great alternative. Faux leather gives you the option to play about with the latest styles without breaking the bank.
3) Shop around
Leather jackets are not suited to impulse buying. Browse online stores, check out charity shops, and have a look in high street shops and outlets.
If you see another woman wearing a jacket you really like, don’t be afraid to ask her where she got it!
4) Dress for confidence!
Choose a style that flatters your body type, and you’ll not only look great, but you’ll feel great too.
If you want to draw attention to your upper body, a lighter colour and more extravagant detail on the jacket will do the trick. If you’d rather flaunt your legs and curves, a darker (or at least neutral) jacket without embellishment is ideal.
Once you’ve got your hands on your dream jacket, try wearing it with different tops, dresses, trousers and skirts to figure out which combinations accentuate your best features. Whether you’re aiming for biker chic, or ladies who lunch, we reckon every wardrobe should include a leather jacket!
The Autograph leather bomber jacket from Marks & Spencer (pictured) is priced at £249 in sizes 8 to 18, and is also available in tan. Get free home delivery on orders over £50 at M&S online, or order online and collect in store for free (price and details correct on 17 September 2014).
