Trends come and go, but wardrobe staples like denim, crisp white tops, trench coats, and the best leather jackets can last for years. When well-chosen, these pieces have staying power—a forever chic that’s hard to find elsewhere in your closet. Designers are certainly emphasizing building wardrobes that are meant to last—focusing on quality and craft instead of what’s in or out. The early days of fall always feels like a good time to invest in pieces for the long haul. And a leather jacket is a great place to start.
The Best Leather Jackets, According to Vogue:
- The Polished Pick: Cos oversized collared leather jacket, $590
- The Classic Bomber: Saint Laurent leather jacket, $6,500
- The Bold Biker: By Malene Birger Beatrisse jacket, $1,700
- The Statement Trench: Nour Hammour Tamara belted leather jacket, 1,755
- The Cute Crop: Ba&sh Mylos 3/4 sleeve jacket, $550
- The Vintage Vibe: Frame leather Heart jacket, $1,498
Regarding silhouette, many of the best leather jackets are tried and true: moto, bomber, and pared-back zip-ups. And while these styles flow on and off the runways, a leather jacket will always remain a staple in the cool-girl aesthetic. Prada in particular has championed the revival of the moto jacket in its fall/winter 2024 show. Brands like Acne Studios and Saint Laurent have permanent pieces in their collection—core styles that have helped shape their brand’s DNA. Take good care of these, and the leather will look even better with age. But if you’re looking for something lasting with a twist, there are plenty of styles available for fall: lately, we’re loving close-fitting cropped versions, as well as leather blazers and trenches. Shop our favorite leather jackets for the season, ahead.
The Minimalist
The latest crop of sleek, minimal leather jackets feels plucked from Gwyneth Paltrow’s ’90s wardrobe, in the best possible way. Look for options with minimal hardware or distressing, and a straightforward shape. These wardrobe chameleons can easily transition from a casual day look to an evening out.
The Bomber
A roomy bomber silhouette is another classic style with retro appeal. The generous fit is perfect for wearing into the cooler months, as it can easily be layered over cozy knits. Saint Laurent’s soft brown version is the ultimate inspiration.
The Biker
As evidenced by cool-girl brands like Acne Studios and Khaite, you can never go wrong with a classic biker jacket. The style is a favorite of the model off-duty set, like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid, and adds an element of rebellious ease to any outfit.
The Blazer
For a subversive twist on office wear, with a hint of ’90s attitude, try adding a leather blazer to your roster this fall. We love it paired with simple separates, like a maxiskirt or slim trousers. It’s also a foolproof addition to your classic jeans-and-tee combo.
The Distressed
Mrs. Miuccia is pushing the distressed leather jacket in her collections for Prada and Miu Miu, and therefore we must obey. Fitted or oversized, a worn-in style adds edge, and will continue to get softer—and better—with age.
The Trench
Another ’90s throwback, the leather trench is having a resurgence this fall. (It’s a fall must-have for Vogue’s digital style director, Leah Faye Cooper, who shared previously that it’s the first ‘trend’ she’s buying into for the cooler months.) Despite its cyberpunk connotations, it’s a smart addition to any wardrobe. Throw yours over any outfit (even sweats!) to feel instantly pulled together.
The Shearling
Once we transition to winter, a good shearling jacket will be your new go-to. This style combines the cool-factor of a classic leather with the warmth and coziness of a winter coat. We love the oversized vegan version from Stella McCartney, and Saks Potts’s feminine wrap style.
The Cropped and Fitted
Cropped and fitted leather jackets feel very of-the-moment (you have the ladylike jacket trend to thank for that), but they’re bound to stay in your rotation for years to come. They pair perfectly with sleek dresses and high-rise silhouettes, adding a bit of definition to the waist.
The ’80s Update
Another new category of jacket this season is the updated ’80s: a catchall term for styles reminiscent of the decadent decade, but with a distinctly modern twist. Alaïa’s sleek, high-collared zip version is a standout of the season, along with Nour Hammour’s blousy belted silhouette.
