Updated 10/20/24
A black leather jacket is just the thing you want to grab from your closet if you don’t want an outfit to be too sweet. It adds a sleek and edgy look and an element of coolness to any outfit. A statement piece, it leaves a lasting impression, especially when you wear it in unexpected ways like when it’s paired with a dress, skirt, or even workout gear. It’s the perfect piece to throw on when you want to create an elevated and edgy look for a night out, holiday, or everyday.
I’ve been on the lookout for a black leather moto jacket that feels like me for a while now. As someone whose style tends to like a classic look, I wanted one that was edgy but not too edgy. I recently found the perfect one at Anthropologie. This jacket has black matte zippers and snaps so it’s not too blingy making it an even more versatile style. Plus, it has a reasonable price point of just under $100. Genuine leather jackets can be investment pieces. I was happy to find a faux vegan good quality leather jacket for an affordable price.
What is a black leather jacket?
A black leather jacket is a jacket made of black colored leather. It’s an iconic, classic style of jacket that’s been popular for decades. Versatile and timeless, they come in a variety of different styles. You’re probably most familiar with biker jackets, also known as moto jackets, with an asymmetrical front zipper, wide lapels, and a cropped hemline. Racer jackets are similar but more minimalistic with a straight zipper and stand-up collar.
If you’re wondering about all the different ways you can style this wardrobe staple, in this post, I have 16 outfit combinations to show you how versatile these coats can be.
SHOP LEATHER JACKETS
What clothes go with a black leather jacket?
Pair your black leather jacket with classic tops like a button-down shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, or a simple black shirt. Try a graphic tee for personality. For the bottom, try blue or black jeans, black trousers, or a straight skirt. For an unexpected combination, try wearing it over a little black dress, a midi skirt, or a maxi dress.
Ready to look at some outfit ideas? Let’s dive in!
1. A black leather jacket with a black turtleneck, black midi skirt, and knee-high boots
The easiest way to begin to style your black leather jacket is in a monochromatic black ensemble. This outfit plays with texture. I’ve got a black turtleneck sweater paired with a silk midi skirt, and suede knee-high boots. And the black jacket adds some shine. This outfit has the bones of a conservative look. But then you add the black leather jacket, which adds a touch of drama. In a monochromatic look, a belt is important to define the waistline. The pop of gold in the buckle matches the hardware in the purse and elevates the whole outfit for a more formal look.
Turtleneck | Belt | Similar Skirt | Bag | Leather Jacket | Belt
2. A black leather jacket with a short black shirtdress and knee-high boots
You don’t have to keep your black outfit all in one color. In this look, I’m pairing a short black shirtdress with a tiered skirt and a black leather jacket. Adding brown knee-high boots and a similar-tone brown bag makes this look fun and playful and something you could wear to date night. Anytime you add a stacked heel knee-high boot, you create a look that’s flirty.
Leather Jacket | Boots | Bag
3. A black leather jacket with a plaid shirtdress and ankle boots
Here’s another look with a dress, but this time I’m pairing a red and black plaid flannel shirtdress with taupe ankle boots. This plaid shirt dress has an outdoorsy feel to it thanks to this nostalgic red plaid and the soft flannel material. Pairing it with a black leather jacket and taupe ankle boots keeps this look fresh and cool.
Leather Jacket | Bag | Similar Ankle Boots
4. A black leather jacket with a striped button down, blue jeans, and Mary Janes
If you try on a black leather jacket and it feels out of your comfort zone, try pairing it with a basic outfit you wear all the time. You’ll feel grounded by the familiarity of the outfit and less like you’re stepping out on a limb. This outfit is quintessentially me. I wear this classic striped button-down shirt every week and love it to pieces. I feel completely me wearing it with my favorite kick crop jeans and black belt with gold buckle. The Mary Janes have a fresh modern shape with a pointy toe. Then you add the black leather jacket and this look is a blend of classic and confidence. The jacket becomes a statement piece and is such a fresh and interesting choice here.
Shirt | Belt | Leather Jacket | Bag | Shoes | Jeans
5. A black leather jacket with a white button down, jeans, and ankle strap pumps
Okay, so here’s another way to wear your black leather jacket that feels so classy. This is the perfect outfit that strikes a balance between a minimalist and elevated look. A collared button-down white shirt is a classic paired with modern kick crop jeans. Then the black ankle wrap pumps and black belt tie into the black leather jacket and bag. This is such a stylish look. The jeans and shirt are understated. The heels and jacket create a wow moment together. Wear this out to happy hour or to dinner out with another couple.
Similar Shirt | Leather Jacket | Bag | Belt | Heels | Jeans
6. A black leather jacket with a gray sweater, black jeans, and ankle strap pumps
Here’s another jeans look. This time with black kick crop jeans with a raw hem for a more casual look. Pairing them with ankle wrap pumps creates such an interesting juxtaposition. The gray sweater with a chunky turtleneck is so cozy. And adding a black leather jacket over top gives an edge that’s memorable.
Leather Jacket | Bag | Belt | Heels | Similar Sweater | Jeans
7. A black leather jacket with a black midi dress and knee-high boots
This minimalist black cotton poplin midi dress is actually a summer dress. But it’s one that transitions beautifully to colder seasons with knee-high boots and a black classic leather jacket. Carrying a brown bag that matches the boots grounds the color in the look.
Similar Dress | Leather Jacket | Boots | Bag
8. A black leather jacket with a v-neck cardigan sweater, plaid pants, and black ankle strap heels
Betcha didn’t expect to see plaid pants here! They’re something I’m experimenting with and have been dying to try with this black leather jacket. Plaid pants have a preppy feel. So adding a black leather jacket and ankle strap heels makes this look cool and edgy instead.
Leather Jacket | Bag | Pants | Heels
9. A black leather jacket with a striped shirt, black pants, and cap-toe flats
This outfit has a super classic feel with cap-toe flats, black pants, and a striped shirt. Adding a black leather jacket over top gives the outfit a sleek look.
Leather Jacket | Belt | Pants | Flats | Bag
10. A black leather jacket with a short black dress and Mary Janes
This dress is sort of shapeless with a tiered skirt that’s super flowy. It’s got a Boho vibe. But depending on how you style it, it can also feel a bit prim. Adding a black leather jacket over the top is just the thing to make this look confident and memorable. And the Mary Janes give a modern twist to the look.
Leather Jacket | Bag | Shoes
11. A black leather jacket with a taupe midi sweater dress and taupe ankle boots
This taupe sweater dress is one of the few dresses I own that has a clingy fit. Since my body type is larger on the bottom, the A-line skirt is more forgiving. And wearing this black leather jacket over top gives this dress an edge that works. Defining the waistline with a black belt is important. With a midi-length dress, ankle boots that match your skin tone extend the length of your legs.
Leather Jacket | Similar Ankle Boots | Bag
12. A black leather jacket with a striped tee, jeans, and black Adidas tennis shoes
I love combining sporty sneakers with an edgy leather jacket for an unexpected casual outfit combination. Layering a white and black striped shirt under this leather jacket creates a ton of visual interest. The black Adidas keep the black-and-white look going.
Top | Jeans (Fit TTS. Wearing long length) | Leather Jacket | Bag | Adidas
13. A black leather jacket with a floral maxi dress and ankle strap heels
If you want to make a lasting impression, pair a black leather jacket with a long floral dress. A floral dress has a sweet vibe so wearing an edgy jacket over top creates such a confident look. Ankle wrap pumps with a pointed toe elevate the look.
14. A black leather jacket with a graphic white tee, black skirt, and Mary Janes
This look is full of fun pieces. A graphic white t-shirt will always be part of my personal style repertoire. This J’Adore Paris tee with black writing has a sophisticated vibe that’s perfect for a casual day. A black straight skirt brings a chic vibe while the leather jacket adds an edginess. Pointy toe Mary Janes give a modern touch while the brown bag adds a pop of color.
Tee | Leather Jacket | Shoes
15. A black leather jacket with a gray sweater, black trousers, and black ankle boots
Your black leather jacket is a great piece to wear to work on a Friday. Pair it with neutral colors like I’m doing here over a gray cable knit sweater and black trousers pants for a business meets pleasure look.
Similar Trousers | Leather Jacket | Bag
16. A black leather jacket with a magenta blouse, black jeans, and black ankle strap sandals
Here’s a great way to style your black leather biker jacket for a casual holiday party. This look is a little bit festive thanks to the silky magenta blouse and ankle wrap pumps. But the black kick crop jeans with a raw hem give a cool laid-back vibe, and the jacket adds a pop of edginess.
Blouse | Jeans | Leather Jacket | Bag | Belt | Heels
17. A black leather jacket with a black turtleneck, wide leg jeans, and black Chelsea boots
Here’s a low-key classic black leather jacket look. Pair a black turtleneck with wide leg jeans and some black leather boots. The wide leg jeans make your legs go on for days. And the leather jacket makes this an easy Friday night look. Leaving off a belt adds to the laid-back vibe.
Turtleneck | Jeans | Boots | Leather Jacket | Bag
18. A black leather jacket with a gray sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and Black Adidas
There’s nothing that I love more than creating an unexpected combination of an edgy leather jacket with casual wear like a sporty sweatsuit. Adding my favorite brown belt bag is the best way to have a hands-free place to throw a phone and keys.
Sweatpants | Sweatshirt | Leather Jacket | Adidas
A black leather jacket is a closet workhorse that adds a bold and stylish touch to any outfit. With countless ways to wear it, and styling options for different seasons, it’s a must-have item that will save the day anytime you struggle to figure out what to wear for a date night, party, or holiday gathering.
Looking to style a brown leather jacket? Check out my post, 15 Really Good Outfits: How to Wear a Brown Leather Jacket.
