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Leather jackets are a fashionista favorite when it comes to traveling stylishly. Not only do they add edge to a classic outfit, but they’re also practical in many ways. Find out why and how to wear a leather jacket on your next trip!
How to Wear a Leather Jacket
Written By: Sydney Woolery
Table Of Contents
When we think of a “travel jacket” you might envision an outdoorsy type rain jacket. However, unless you’re hitting the mountains or expecting heavy showers, a leather (or faux leather) jacket is a great option for city destinations.
Whether you’re visiting a major city like Paris or New York, these jackets are the perfect solution for fall or spring travel when you might expect moderate temperatures and only light rain. They can also act as the perfect layer for cities that experience might to cool summers or in places where temperatures drop at night such as Los Angeles.
Now if you don’t normally wear leather jackets at home, then it’s certainly not a requirement that you add one to your travel capsule wardrobe. Remember, the best travel clothing are items true to your own personal style.
However, if you love to wear them at home like we do, don’t forget to bring them along when you travel, too. Here are some ideas on how to wear a leather jacket and a few of our top picks!
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
To eliminate some of the guesswork for you, here are tips on how to wear a leather jacket, plus ten of our favorite leather jacket styles to rock this season!
Jacket | Blouse | Jeans | Bag | Bracelet | Sunglasses | Boots
Sleek & Chic
This classic faux-leather jacket from BLANKNYC is a serious must-have (just look at all those reviews) and a TFG reader favorite. It has a feminine silhouette with a high quality feel despite the affordable price.
This boot is so popular among readers and the TFG Editor-in-Chief, we did a video review on them and a post.
Watch this video review on the Blondo Villa Waterproof boot!
Pair them with the perfect travel shoe for fall – an ankle boot! Here’s a breakdown of the best ankle boots for fall!
Tank | Jacket | Jeans | Bag | Earrings | Watch | Boots
Casual Luxe
Sometimes all it takes is one piece to instantly elevate a look. More often that not, leather jackets can do the trick.
For a look that’s equal parts laid back and luxe, pair a casual tank and jeans with this moto jacket from All Saints. Finish it off with some perfect-for-fall ankle boots and glitzy fine jewelry.
London Shopping Tip: if you’re an All Saints fan, it’s more cost effective to purchase in London and ask the sales person for a duty-free receipt. Leave the tags on and make time to visit the VAT refund desk at the airport – you’ll end up with a beautiful, quality investment piece at a fraction of the price!
If you’re in the US, you can also look for All Saints outlets and save!
This jacket is our editor’s personal favorite! She even used it to travel on a budget airlines that only allowed 5kg in luggage! Find out how!
Jacket | Dress | Bag | Necklace | Lipstick | Sunglasses | Boots
Grunge Girl
Leather jackets and florals come together to create that perfect edgy-meets-girly contrast. Dark florals, in particular, create that grungy look effortlessly. It’s a good way to transition your favorite summer dress into autumn weather.
If you really want to throw it back to the 90s, rock some dark lipstick and a chic backpack (The TFG-favorite Julian backpack is an easy pick—check out our video and post on this popular item!).
Learn why the Julian backpack is a travel fave in this video!
Find our our favorite cute backpacks for travel!
Jacket | Longsleeve | Scarf | Bag | Boots | Watch | Skirt | Tights
Seasonal Superstar
This Made By Johnny jacket gives us the best of both worlds, possessing that faux leather style we all clearly love while also coming in an autumn-perfect cognac shade.
A knit sweater and flannel scarf capture the- essence of fall and complement the outfit perfectly. Finish it off with some mid-height boots on your feet and a toasty latte in hand.
Style tip: wear tan boots with a black jacket or vice versa.
Take a look at our top picks for women’s leather boots and find out why they are the best for travel!
Jacket | V Neck | Leggings | Bag | Passport Holder | Bottle | Shoes
Airplane Outfit
When you’re looking to travel in style (and also make your suitcase just a tad bit lighter at check-in, with the help of packing cubes), why not work a leather jacket into your plane outfit?
Make sure you choose one that isn’t too fitted so that you’ll be a bit more comfortable onboard. Keep the rest of your ensemble simple with a long plain t-shirt, leggings, sneakers and a travel-friendly tote.
These are the best leggings for women that travel!
Jacket | Tee | Jeans | Watch | Earrings | Sunglasses | Bag | Shoes
Girl About Town
For a casual, metropolitan look that’s perfect for sightseeing, opt for a hooded leather jacket. Now, of course, you can just create this look yourself by layering a hooded sweater underneath, but the two-in-one piece can take the fuss out for you (and also help lighten up your suitcase).
They’ll provide you with just a bit more warmth and protection than the standard jacket while also giving off a bit of a cool, urban vibe. Pair with artsy earrings, Ray Ban sunglasses, jeans, and black slip-ons while you take in the sights of a new city.
Looking for comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel? Read this!
Jacket | Longsleeve | Jeans | Cream | Lipstick | Bag | Boots
Cold Climates
If you’re looking for tips on how to wear a leather jacket in colder climates, make sure to choose your details appropriately. A pop of faux fur or shearling is a cozy touch that not only looks cute but can also help you stay warm in slightly chillier destinations.
Pair with an equally toasty knit sweater, waterproof boots, and a pop of lipstick to add some color to the frigid day. Don’t forget a travel-friendly moisturizer!
Here is a collection of the best waterproof boots according to our readers!
Tank | Jacket | Jeans | Bag | Rings | Boots
Statement Maker
Looking to really make a statement with your outerwear? A leather jacket in a bright shade will surely do the trick. Stray away from the typical blacks and browns, and go for an eye-catching, “Thriller” red.
Pair with a cool band tee and black jeans for an edgy look that would make the great MJ proud.
Are you obsessed with boots? We are! If you don’t already own a pair of chelsea boots you need to add them to your list.
Jacket | Dress | Bag | Earrings | Sunglasses | Flats
Embroidered Beauty
Merge the classics with the trends by rocking an embroidered leather jacket.
These pieces give off such a cute and perky varsity jacket feel and would pair well with an equally fun polka dotted dress. Finish off your look with flats and some retro sunglasses.
Find out why dresses are the best for spring and fall travel!
Jacket | Top | Jeans | Bracelet | Bag | Earrings | Necklace | Flats
Chic Neutrals
A leather jacket in a neutral beige makes a statement that’s both chic and subdued. Paired with a cream-colored blouse, fitted black trousers, and touches of fine jewelry, you get a look that’s equal parts elegant and modern.
This style is perfect for a destination such as Paris where simplicity is key!
What are neutral colors clothing? Find out!
How to Pack Your Leather Jacket
Packing cubes can help organize all your travel clothes. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See the video below for more.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What are your tips on how to wear a leather jacket? Please comment below!
For more tips and ideas on travel fashion, please read:
- Skirt Outfits: 8 Ways to Wear a Skirt
- How to Pack for Mixed Weather Trips
- What to Wear on a Rainy Day
- Best (and Most Comfortable) Waterproof Boots
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Author Bio: Sydney Woolery is a recent UCLA graduate who loves a good adventure just as much as she does a fabulous dress. Check out her fashion blog at www.tokyoglitter.com and follow her visual escapades on Instagram – @tokyoglitter.
I’m going to Mexico City on 2/26/2019 and then on to Oaxaca and need advise on what to pack. I don’t do shorts or sleeveless! Any suggestions?
Hi Sydnie, have a look at this article for ideas for what to pack for Mexico City: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-mexico/. Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our packing lists: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ The product images shown in the packing lists are simply to provide you with ideas that you can use, you can then adjust the clothing items to suit your own personal style and preferences. Hope this answers your question. Have an awesome trip!!
These look nice, but I have yet to find a leather jacket that fits my 5’4″ 35-28-39, short-waisted, swayback, athletic/broad-shouldered upper body. Trench coats don’t even work — plus sizes fit my shoulders but then there’s so much fabric cinched by the belt that it looks like I got into my mommy’s closet :-\ Men’s athletic cut fits the shoulders and waist but not the hips, of course.
If you know of a brand that would work for a figure like mine, I’d be thrilled to follow the affiliate link… same goes for raincoats and waterproof winter coats, for that matter. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your question! Have a look at the different articles found here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-jackets/ Hopefully you may find a jacket which will fit you perfectly! Good luck in your search 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. I excited to see this given leather Jacket. I just Ordered a Leather jacket like yours from the Fadcloset online store. it’s looking, good quality.
Hi Emily, thank you so much for your feedback. 🙂
I really enjoy your fashion options. It gives me ideas on how to use these basic pieces in my own travel wardrobe.