Top Five: Little Leather Jackets
Strap on your hardhats, dear readers, because today we’re breaking ground on a completely new WhoWhatWear.com feature! We’re pleased to unveil the latest addition to our regularly scheduled content—Top Five—a handpicked selection of current classics. Each month or so, we’ll focus on a different key piece (starting with little leather jackets) you should have in your closet and show you our five favorites versions. Just think of the story as a general contractor for personal style, helping you to build a truly extraordinary wardrobe, bit by bit!
We decided to kick off our Top Five series with an item that’s near and dear to our hearts (it was our first story after all), the leather jacket. This iconic piece has storied associations with everyone from James Dean to Alice Dellal, yet somehow remains delightfully universal and appealing. Though the little leather has become quite quotidian over the past few years (now worn with everything from denim to party dresses), it’s also maintained its signature cool—a most difficult thing to do!
While your favorite trendsetters, like Ashley Olsen and Rachel Bilson, go for Rick Owens’ Side Zip Leather Jacket ($2300, 212.627.7222), and the model pack is dedicated to Balenciaga’s Quilted Leather Jacket ($5200), there are so many amazing, and attainable, styles on the market right now. After poring over look books and trying on enough little leather jackets to outfit an army of bikers, we finally settled on our five favorites (including one PETA-friendly faux leather option). Admittedly, many of these jackets are a little pricey, but just remember this should be an investment piece you wear for years. It’s all about price per wear!
1. Grai Anouk Leather Jacket ($1070)
Though we love the quintessential leather jacket (bomber or moto in style), there’s also much to be said for fashion-forward cuts too. The Anouk Jacket by Grai subtly tweaks the standard shapes and takes the little leather to the next level. It’s just what we’d expect from a designer, Maya Yogev, who worked in Rick Owens’ Parisian atelier. Undone, the Anouk Jacket relaxes into sumptuous folds and casually draped lines; zipped up, it has a futuristic sort of chic. Either way, it’s gorgeous. Try INC International Concepts’ Motorcycle Jacket ($249) for a similarly soft style.
2. Mike & Chris Kelvin Jacket ($836)
As we started to call in product, we immediately asked for options from Los Angeles’ own lord and lady of coolly casual leather looks, Mike Gonzalez and Christine Park-Gonzalez. The husband and wife design duo are beloved by celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Keira Knightley (to only name two) for their incredibly wearable and versatile line, and with pieces like Kelvin Jacket, we completely understand the adoration. The Kelvin’s double-breasted style looks fresh and the big loose collar is pretty amazing. Who could resist the oversized button details, not to mention the jacket’s unusual and delightful wrinkled leather? Not us! If you adore the oversized buttons, also take a look at Joe’s Jeans Myra Leather Jacket
($484) for another great take on the trend.
3. Simone by Katie Nehra Leather Jacket ($1335)
If you’re in search of a classic motorcycle jacket with couture-like touches, you’ll love this one from Simone by Katie Nehra. Our office went wild over the cut in particular: the high armhole and long narrow sleeve is both elongating and elegant. We also approve of the bold neon fuchsia lining, boxy yet feminine shape, and the snakeskin-embossed leather (the texture is nifty). It is available by special order, email Katie@simonecollection.com to snag one immediately. We also noticed that Delia’s has its own version of the cropped moto, the Ashton Pleather Jacket
($69.50), available now at an amazing price.
4. Veda Domino Leather Jacket ($745)
One of our biggest dilemmas for this story was deciding which jacket from the up-and-coming line Veda we wanted to showcase. Though this is only designer Lyndsey Butler’s second season, her mastery of little leathers is already astonishing. Though we loved many of her styles, the Domino Jacket is particularly perfect. It fits a bit like a blazer and is both lightweight and warm, thanks to a cozy lining. The snug sleeves also have a cozy sweater detail (love it) along the inside of the arm, so you get maximum movement and sleeve flexibility. On the off chance that basic black isn’t your thing, the jacket also comes in an amazing graphite
color! If you like the unembellished look, but aren’t ready to invest, you might love Kookai’s Victoriana Leather Jacket ($323).
5. H&M Pleather Jacket ($49.95)
Leave it to H&M to make the ideal modern update to the traditional bomber jacket. While this style typically brings to mind something brown, super boxy, and slightly stiff, their version has a smartly snug fit and hits at the natural waist. It’s a high-quality pleather, so the jacket’s lightweight and allows you to move freely (no binding arms, thank goodness). The cuffs, collar, and waist all are accentuated with a heavy sweater material, ensuring you’ll be warm on even the windiest days. If you’d prefer a leather version, check out Young Fabulous & Broke’s Bomber Jacket ($370), which is also very cute!
We decided to kick off our Top Five series with an item that’s near and dear to our hearts (it was our first story after all), the leather jacket. This iconic piece has storied associations with everyone from James Dean to Alice Dellal, yet somehow remains delightfully universal and appealing. Though the little leather has become quite quotidian over the past few years (now worn with everything from denim to party dresses), it’s also maintained its signature cool—a most difficult thing to do!
While your favorite trendsetters, like Ashley Olsen and Rachel Bilson, go for Rick Owens’ Side Zip Leather Jacket ($2300, 212.627.7222), and the model pack is dedicated to Balenciaga’s Quilted Leather Jacket ($5200), there are so many amazing, and attainable, styles on the market right now. After poring over look books and trying on enough little leather jackets to outfit an army of bikers, we finally settled on our five favorites (including one PETA-friendly faux leather option). Admittedly, many of these jackets are a little pricey, but just remember this should be an investment piece you wear for years. It’s all about price per wear!
1. Grai Anouk Leather Jacket ($1070)
Though we love the quintessential leather jacket (bomber or moto in style), there’s also much to be said for fashion-forward cuts too. The Anouk Jacket by Grai subtly tweaks the standard shapes and takes the little leather to the next level. It’s just what we’d expect from a designer, Maya Yogev, who worked in Rick Owens’ Parisian atelier. Undone, the Anouk Jacket relaxes into sumptuous folds and casually draped lines; zipped up, it has a futuristic sort of chic. Either way, it’s gorgeous. Try INC International Concepts’ Motorcycle Jacket ($249) for a similarly soft style.
2. Mike & Chris Kelvin Jacket ($836)
As we started to call in product, we immediately asked for options from Los Angeles’ own lord and lady of coolly casual leather looks, Mike Gonzalez and Christine Park-Gonzalez. The husband and wife design duo are beloved by celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Keira Knightley (to only name two) for their incredibly wearable and versatile line, and with pieces like Kelvin Jacket, we completely understand the adoration. The Kelvin’s double-breasted style looks fresh and the big loose collar is pretty amazing. Who could resist the oversized button details, not to mention the jacket’s unusual and delightful wrinkled leather? Not us! If you adore the oversized buttons, also take a look at Joe’s Jeans Myra Leather Jacket
3. Simone by Katie Nehra Leather Jacket ($1335)
If you’re in search of a classic motorcycle jacket with couture-like touches, you’ll love this one from Simone by Katie Nehra. Our office went wild over the cut in particular: the high armhole and long narrow sleeve is both elongating and elegant. We also approve of the bold neon fuchsia lining, boxy yet feminine shape, and the snakeskin-embossed leather (the texture is nifty). It is available by special order, email Katie@simonecollection.com to snag one immediately. We also noticed that Delia’s has its own version of the cropped moto, the Ashton Pleather Jacket
4. Veda Domino Leather Jacket ($745)
One of our biggest dilemmas for this story was deciding which jacket from the up-and-coming line Veda we wanted to showcase. Though this is only designer Lyndsey Butler’s second season, her mastery of little leathers is already astonishing. Though we loved many of her styles, the Domino Jacket is particularly perfect. It fits a bit like a blazer and is both lightweight and warm, thanks to a cozy lining. The snug sleeves also have a cozy sweater detail (love it) along the inside of the arm, so you get maximum movement and sleeve flexibility. On the off chance that basic black isn’t your thing, the jacket also comes in an amazing graphite
5. H&M Pleather Jacket ($49.95)
Leave it to H&M to make the ideal modern update to the traditional bomber jacket. While this style typically brings to mind something brown, super boxy, and slightly stiff, their version has a smartly snug fit and hits at the natural waist. It’s a high-quality pleather, so the jacket’s lightweight and allows you to move freely (no binding arms, thank goodness). The cuffs, collar, and waist all are accentuated with a heavy sweater material, ensuring you’ll be warm on even the windiest days. If you’d prefer a leather version, check out Young Fabulous & Broke’s Bomber Jacket ($370), which is also very cute!
COMMENTS (33)
|
love it number 3 I love leather jackets! They are so cool! But they can be quite expensive if you are looking for real leather of course! Have to look for one on my budget because this is a wardrobe staple. If you do not have a leather jacket your closet is not complete! BLINKBUNNY your site is amazing! I love your style! Love the little leather jacket...just glad I swooped up some unbelievable vintage ones at Urban Outfitters 2 years ago. Before they were trendy. $5 a piece....love these but got a whole wardrobe of 'em for about 20 bucks! Obsessed with leather jackets! :P
go check out my blog!
www.stylescrapbook.com I bought one from F21 heritage 81 for around USD40 ? but it was last season and sold out here so .. idk if its still in stores :) i got two , one rust-red and one black ! its amzing and really soft :D <3 Update:
Julie, I bought the American Apparel jacket. I LOVE it. thank you. i just don't dig wrinkled leather...i like the old rider type leather jackets :-) outside of my budget or not, i really like this idea of top 5 picks. you get to see 5 examples of the best cuts in the design of a particular item and it helps me narrow down just exactly i am looking for. when you shop on ebay or online and can't actually try or feel the item in real life it helps to have something to compare the fit to visually. and you know, there is this thing called layaway for all you skeptical ladies... sometimes the lower end versions are a waste of money if you're planning on wearing something for years to come. i love every single one. maybe next time, something within a reasonable price range, though. MIKE & CHRIS IS LOVE
their line is so freaking cute
i almost got one of their jackets but they only had it in grey and i wasnt convinced on its versatility.
yeah,I love leather jackets too!they're such good investment 'cos you can wear it every day.in every ocasion..I have one too,it's black and I really like it! and about these jackets here,my favourite is #3 is that exact H&M jacket still available in stores right now? i've seen different styles, but I really like this one which i know is from a previous season. anybody know? I bought the best little black leather hoodie at Bloomingdales for under $300. It's from their Aqua line and comes in brown and grey too. The leather is super soft and the quality is fab! Really, thank God for H&M (even though I don't have one around where I live but I have had the pleasure of going to several). There would be no way every day people would be able to keep up with trends if it wasn't for that store! I love these picks. The #3 jacket is one of the hottest I've seen yet! BTW if people want to get real leather jackets cheaper then go on eBay!. I got myself a $400 BCBG jacket brand new with tags on eBay for $49 a year ago.
http://ebayfashionaddict.com little leather jacket : i love it! but i'm waiting for sales so the one by Patrizia Pepe will be mine!!!! Leather jackets are an investment. learn to save and WAIT and you won't be sorry. If you pick the right one it will last you for a really long time. amazing, julie! i'm buying one on my lunch break.... I love the simplicity of the Domino Leather Jacket. A definite must have for my mod collection!
you guys should have mentioned the new American Apparel matte faux-leather hoodie. Definitely gives a similar look & style w/out the humungo price tag Definitely a favorite! |-fashionchalet.blogspot.com if you read the whole thing you morons you'll see they give a bunch of affordable jackets, they just aren't shown in the pictures. I love leather jackets!
I have one from H&M and it was 40$?Something like that. Anyways, really nice hoodie leather jacket. Price ranges are definitely out of reach for most people..... be a little more realistic. With that said, if I could afford a $1000+ on a coat, number 3 is ammazzzzinnng. I just bought one at Zara, but I think I'm returning it.. it's not perfect to me.. I bought it for about $200...
I'm still looking for the perfect one under $200... lol I was hoping I would find it in this post : ( Aren't we in a financial crisis? Can't you do a budget friendly post every now and then?? I love the leather jackets posted,and if I cant afford one of these I usually try to find one similar! Its the ideas which are great. Simone by katie is gorgeous! Love the Simone by Katie Nehra jacket! Zara does have great leather jackets at affordable prices. Forever 21 has a cute black bomber that's real leather for $150--not too bad, and the leather is really soft. wow thanks - now if i save for the rest of my life maybe i can buy a leather jacket. please keep in mind that most of your readers aren't billionaires and can't spend $1,000 on one article of clothing! For those who can't spend $700+ on a beautiful leather jacket and refuse to succumb to pleather (yuck), Zara seems to always have some cute, more affordable options (under $300). come one who what wear you cant drop in some actually affordable pieces for these girls outside of an H&M find thats 50$, and its not a national store I absolutely love my little leather jacket.. it's great over my little floral dresses and great for the punkish look around at mo..
|
| Subscribe | Who What Wear Style Series | Shop the Closet | About Us | Ask a Stylist | Monthly Archive | What Was She Wearing | Advertise | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Support | Sitemap | |||
© Who What Wear LLC. 2010 All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except as expressly permitted in writing by Who What Wear LLC |
