I’ve always had a leather jacket on the go. I’m currently on my third one. My first was actually bought at Target for about $150 when affordable, mainstream leather became a thing about 10 years ago. I snapped it up when it went on sale and then wore it until it was falling apart. A lovely young gal bought it from me at a market for $50 and was thrilled at how well worn it was. That jacket led a great life.
My second one I bought online from Ms Selfridge about 7 years ago. Back then I had this job through PayPal for a website they had called Lustable. I had to buy things via PayPal using all kinds of different stores and shipping methods and then report back to Lustable and write content for them. I also got to keep the things I bought. It was a really great job. I still have my Miss Selfridge leather jacket and I wear it often.
This is my third leather and I bought it yesterday. Yep. Yesterday. I have literally been looking for a loose, open leather cardigan style jacket for most of my adult life. I tried to have one made in Bali and it was a disaster. I tried to settle and get a pleather one but they were all nasty.
I found this in a Salvos store in South Melbourne when I was killing time waiting for a meeting. I picked it up, saw it was my size, looked at the tag and my heart started racing as I realised it was real leather. I slipped it on and it fit perfectly. And it was $20. I think it’s the best second thing I’ve ever bought. Ever.
Wearing
Leather jacket from The Salvos
Dress from Marimekko
Tights from Big W – must replace these, the toes are full of hole and they’re driving me nuts!
Boots from Frye
How to wear a leather jacket
1. Embrace it
Leather jackets have a reputation for being a tough gal, biker chick, rock star kind of style but I just think they’re a really classic wardrobe item. I’ve had a few people say they wish they could pull off a leather jacket but I think it’s all in the attitude. To me, leather jackets suit all styles. Classic, boho, trendy, girly. Just chuck one on over the top of pretty much anything you wear and just make it your style.
2. Go classic
If you’re worried about leather jackets not being your style, make sure you go as simple as possible with the design. Avoid fringes, studs, extra belts and details. If that’s your look, totally go for it (I have every intention of going full Balenciaga on this leather jacket situation one day) but if you’re just starting out, go slow. I’ve seen lovely waterfall leather jackets are that are pretty much un-lined, free flowing leather cardigans (similar to this one I just bought!). Start with something like this and work your way up to the more hardcore stuff.
3. Make sure it fits well
Too big and you’ll look like Wham (which is obviously awesome but might not be the look you’re shooting for), too small and you won’t be able to move in it. The best thing to do is try them on. I bought my Ms Selfridge online and it’s great but the ones that fit the best I bought in real life.
This outfit was worn for a manic day of writing, meetings and packing for a weekend away. I’m off to the Bendigo Wool show this weekend and I’m so excited. I’ve never been before so I’m warming up my credit card to get a workout buying delicious yarn. I’m also attending a Women of Wool lunch today which sounds just delightful. I slammed through all my work early on in the week so I can just chill and enjoy my weekend away.
Do you have a leather jacket? Or are they not really your bag?
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16 Comments
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My leather jacket is navy blue, butter soft, slightly 80’s style and worn nearly every day. I love it.
Bought it at the Salvos for $21-
Author
Nice one! I love navy blue leather, such a versatile colour!
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When I got my first full time job fresh out of uni I paid $400 (nearly THIRTY years ago…so with inflation, nearly a week’s wages ?) for a black leather jacket with enormous shoulder pads…it was SO Wham. I wore it to death for a year then it lived in my wardrobe unworn for 25 years before I finally donated. I just really hope some gorgeous young hipster is now wearing it ironically.
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Wow! What a great purchase! I think $400 for a full year of wear is great.
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You look fantastic and your writing is also fantastic. I love leather. Recently I donated 4 leathers and now I concentrate on my true loves… a salvos sirocco tan worn-to-death classic, an eBay-score black (real) biker jacket and a beautiful navy waterfall-style raw jacket.
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Thank you so much! I’d love to wear tan but it’s just not good on my colouring. Tan leather is so stylish.
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I’ve always had a leather jacket since I was about 19, first one was about $450. Best leather I’ve ever bought has been in Italy. Good leather is an investment.
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Italian leather is the best, isn’t it?!
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I have 2. A black moto for when I’m feeling a bit tough, and a baby pink moto for the other days. Both online purchases but from places with great exchange/return policies – a must when buying an investment piece online!
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I’d love to be able to pull off a baby pink leather jacket! I’m just a tad too pale for it.
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I have also spent most of my adult life searching for the perfect black leather jacket. But didn’t want to sell my children and soul to fund it. A few weeks ago settled on one from decjuba. Biker style but not over the top – no stitching studs or buckles and I removed the belt. Love it.
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Sometimes you’ve just got to customise it! My other one had flappy things on the shoulders I took off and now it’s perfect.
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Oh wow, that is a very cool leather jacket and the price tag makes it even cooler! It was meant to be!
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It totally was I nearly had a heart attack. I’ve been wanting one like this for a fancy cardigan option forever!
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I love leather jackets, they keep you warm without extra bulk. My mother bought me a black bias cut one when I was nineteen and I still have it and love it ten years later. I had been looking for a green one for ages and then was so excited when I found one in Copenhagen three years ago, I wear it all the time.
Pingbacks
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[…] constantly smelt like I slept in a barn. It was weird. If you can get a quality second-hand coat (I literally bought a leather jacket for $20 the other day from Vinnies) absolutely go for it but you should get the best quality you can, which usually means forking out […]
[…] constantly smelt like I slept in a barn. It was weird. If you can get a quality second-hand coat (I literally bought a leather jacket for $20 the other day from Vinnies) absolutely go for it but you should get the best quality you can, which usually means forking out […]