foundations // the leather jacket

the Freja uniform: leather jacket, perfectly broken-in PS1 satchel, black skinnies, and biker boots

“We used to laugh at our small selves, saying that I was a bad girl trying to be good and that he was a good boy trying to be bad. Through the years these roles would reverse, then reverse again, until we came to accept our dual natures. We contained opposing principles, light and dark.” 

― Patti Smith, Just Kids

modern power dressing begins with the perfect leather jacket. i'm counting the days until the temperature drops so that i can bring out my black leather jacket – the single most cherished essential in my wardrobe. after 6+ years, i still find it endlessly versatile, and the jacket has earned its cost-per-wear hundreds of times over.

every fall, i get questions from readers asking where to get that perfect leather jacket. these are my two perennial picks – i've seen them in person, and the leather and fit on both are superb.

[1] the RO original                                                                [2] the indie luxe alternative

a few things to note regarding style + price:

first, of all the options out there now, i think the most flattering and easy to wear version is a sleek silhouette with a drape collar. i love the sharp, minimalist elegance in the Rick Owens original – it has become an iconic classic.

second, a really good leather jacket doesn't come cheap. that said, i personally believe in splurging on foundations that will keep you warm. i've worn mine every year for about 3/4 of the year (fall, winter, early spring) since i bought it in 2007, so it has proven to be a very utilitarian and 'evergreen' wardrobe staple.

here are the main criteria to look out for:

1. minimal design // keep it simple and streamlined – too many zippers and extras would look overly trendy and costumey. choose one in black leather – it's low maintenance and goes with everything.

casual day + weekend:
sleeves pushed up with a tee and jeans // one of my favorite ways to wear it 

2. versatility // wear with everything: jeans and boots, silk dresses and white tees, sneakers and heels...it also works as a fall and spring jacket, but it's still thin enough to work as a cardigan alternative underneath a vest or overcoat. i'll even wear mine under a trench in later fall and early spring to add a bit more warmth.

chic night out:

pair with a skirt and stilettos // one of my favorite Ashley Olsen looks 

3. durability // the leather should be thick enough to be substantial and warm, but not so thick or stiff (a sign of poor quality leather) that it adds bulk. a luxe leather jacket will soften and break in with time and wear.

4. fit // it should be nicely tailored, especially in the shoulders and through the arms. the ribbed side panel on the sleeves of the RO/inspired version ensures a sleek and comfortable fit.

my favorite leather jacket layered under a puffer vest with marant dicker boots // 

wearing last fall with steven alan mini bag + Acne scarf

do you have a leather jacket? how do you like to wear it?