The Leather Jacket

I realised something this week, as I have prepped and (almost) shopped with three different clients. On certain matters, I am a broken record. One of those things is, I think a good quality leather jacket is a perfect and essential item to a capsule wardrobe. 

There is a lot of choice out there, at staggering degrees of expense. Shape, cut and colour have flavours of the seasons. But essentially, a good quality leather jacket is, at its heart a stalwart item- and it will weather the fickle ebb and flow of passing trends. 

There are styles and shapes out there to suit any age (my mum is mid 60s and owns 3) It can really elevate an outfit, and as I have mentioned before in previous blogs/posts. A leather jacket has that clever ability to dress up or dress down an outfit, befitting most occasions.

Some Tips. DO buy leather, if you can stretch to it. There are some very reasonably priced selections out there. Some not coming in that much above a decent PU leather option. But, leather will keep you warmer, mould your shape better, smell better (as in you wont get clammy!) and will last longer.

DON'T be afraid to size up. It doesn't always need to be a form fitting thing and its nice to ease knitwear under them too. THINK about style before you buy. Look at your current wardrobe, think about your job/lifestyle. What shape jacket suits that best and works with what you have got? DON'T buy into a fad/trend at huge expense, buy classic with clean lines and not too much embellishment.  

DO care for them, but don't be afraid to let them get a bit battered round the edges, worn in buttery leather is a gorgeous thing. 

DO chuck them over anything, silky dresses, evening wear, teeshirts, tailoring, knitwear, even a wedding dress!

Below are some selects off the current high street. I have tried to include a mix of prices, shapes and styles. I've also included two of the best priced faux shearling jackets (in my opinion)

Hope you find something in here for you. 

Love Immy.x

& Other Stories Longer line, Boyfriend style biker. £345. Although this lacks embellishment and its fairly simple, it packs a punch. This is a style you have to own wear with confidence.  

All Saints. Classic Biker, £380. Its one of the best sellers, and its a brilliant jacket. I could have chosen any of the best sellers- they are excellent. I do love this one though. It is form fitting with a slightly dipped back, the shoulders are stitched detail rather than padded- which can add bulk. 

All Saints £380. Patent Leather...oooh its a thing of beauty, and patent is very hot right now. This is a classic shape though and will carry through time. Its not too shiny and its raw edges keep it grounded, plus its beautiful quality. 

Mango £119.99 Simple clean line, round neck leather. Mango, always has some incredible leather in varying styles available. This is a classic, clean, snug fit jacket, same rules still apply though, Sling over anything- this style looks good zipped up if you choose to as well. Providing you have nothing too bulky underneath. 

Jigsaw £299 a softer more feminine biker style. Elegant, with a clean line yet still packs a punch and very reasonably priced for leather too. 

Karen Millen £299 Similar to the one above, but with even more feminine lines and ever so slightly kicked out on the waist. The gold zip detail changes it up a bit, its a nice touch to match your accessories to this colour. 

Topshop £225 I put this in, because i LOVE studding (and fringing ;) this is obviously an outright statement jacket. HOWEVER, I still consider it a classic- there are no slogans, flowers, birds or motifs. Its just studs. Studs and leather are a good a marriage as Gin and Tonic! They are forever committed and if you can pull it off- do it!

Sandro £420 Hefty priced one, but gorgeous quality. This style is more cropped, but its neat and elegant. The two zip fastening adding a nice, subtle embellishment detail. 

Mango £119.99 A tailored funnel neck design. Very simple and unfussy, can be worn done up but equally looks good worn open. 

ME&EM £489 (in sale, was £699) 10/12 left. However it's an oversize boyfriend style and will fit a range of frames/sizes- so don't be put off by the numbers. Amazing quality and hugely wearable. This you can definitely chuck over chunky knits.

Warehouse £89.00 Faux Shearling jacket, one of the best on the high street i think. It feels amazing and is incredible value. You need to grab this before it goes, 

Whistles £195 THIS jacket is a thing of beauty, Amazing value, and beautiful quality. It classic biker style and really can worn over almost anything. Its not black i know, and I've kept this edit to black (only because it would be an endless thing otherwise) but its also the hottest colour right now, DO snap it up