Leather jackets: a mod twist on an old classic
January 22nd, 2008Leather jackets were big in the ‘80’s and pleather or “faux leather” jackets were big in the ‘90’s. Now a mod twist on the once classic item is becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with. Funky designer leather jackets, like streamlined biker styles, trapeze styles and baby doll silhouettes, started coming through a year ago and I was convinced that the trend would not filter down to mainstream fashion. But I was wrong and the cheeky cropped leather or pleather jacket is here to stay. They are everywhere and just as big for Spring as they were for Autumn. I like the look and there is always some form of cropped and playful leather or pleather jacket in my wardrobe. I love the contrast that is created when a short, stiff, structured boyish leather jacket is paired with a soft, flowing, girly blouse. Add a pair of jeans, slacks or a skirt and pretty shoes, and you’ve got yourself a timeless yet current little look.
Leather jackets are expensive, but you’ll find many on sale at the moment. I personally enjoy refined “rock-chic” biker looks. You can’t get that early ‘80’s streak out of me I suppose.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 am
I love the one in the middle on the top row! Where’s it from?
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
If you click the pictures, you’ll get to the link Sarah. The cropped black biker is from bebe.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 am
I am kicking myself! In high school (mid 80″s) my boyfriend bought me a fab grey leather jacket that looks a lot like some of the styles I am starting to see now. It had ruffles around the neck and at the cuff. It was so cute, and of course it is long gone. I want it back!!!! I am going to start holding onto those kind of pieces. My daughter might like them in another 20 years. I bet high end consignment shops have a ton of these kind of jackets also. What do you think?
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
This is an interesting question Shannon. It’s fun to hold onto certain things and wait whether they’ll become a vintage statement or not (as long as they’re stored in your “sentimental box” until then). Based on my experience of cleaning out loads of closets on an ongoing basis, there hasn’t yet been an 80’s garment that has made the “cool retro mark”. Stylish items from the 40’s,50’s, 60’s and 70’s often pass the ” it’s vintage and you’ll look fab wearing it today” category. But somehow the ’80’s product is a little trickier. In the rag trade, the 80’s are often described as the decade of “anti-fashion”. Chances are high that mid ’80’s styles were boxy and embedded with shoulder pads, even if the overall design was not dissimilar to what you are seeing today. Despite the fact that boxy styles are back, it’s not in an ’80’s boxy way, but in a 50’s boxy way.
If you can get yourself a pukka 60’s or 70’s cropped biker leather jacket from a consignment store, you’ll probably end up with a rather nice piece. What we are seeing today is fashion that is strongly influenced by 80’s design, but with the glamour of the 40’s and 50’s, the edge of the 70’s and the figure-flattering knowledge of today. I’d say that makes for a pretty nice mix.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
My hesitation with the leather jackets that we are seeing today, is they are almost over stylized. To me, a leather jacket is an investment, and if I’m going spend that much money on an article of clothing, I want to be able to wear it more than one or two seasons. So as much I love the look, color and new finishes, I’ll let this one pass me by.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I read in one of those “What Not To Wear” books that the only color jackets you should ever wear are black or brown. I guess they felt that other colors could quickly look dated.
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Do you mean for leather jackets Patricia?
January 24th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I long for long jackets again. In my opinion, crops do not look good on 45 year olds or pear shapes–of which I am both. The metallic jacket is nice, but the sleeve length is too short and the overall color is likely not good for the office and I would need to get a lot of wear out of it to justify the expense. I do have a long black leather jacket with a simple fitted line to it. This will have to suffice. Please do comment on the metallic color for the conservative work place. Thanks, Angie.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I believe cropped jackets can look great on women 45 years and older depending on their body type and height. There is cropped and there is cropped. Shorter women look best in shorter jackets. Perhaps I should qualify what I mean by cropped. A cropped jacket is any length that grazes your hip bone or shorter. Extremely cropped jackets are called boleros.
Metallic jackets are not created equally as some are shinier than others. I’ve devoted a blog entry to answer your question Joey as to whether metallic jackets are appropriate in the work place so stay tuned!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I’ve been sick lately but before I got the cold I started wearing my fake leather jacket with ruffles from Target everyday in place of a regular coat and it really seems to work better for me than most of what I’ve bought for winter. I agree with what other posters said about jackets being overstylized. That is why I never really wore leather before and after this season will probably continue to search for the perfect coat.
March 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I love it! I am trying to find a non-leather version like the ones featured on page 120 of the March 2008 edition of Lucky Magazine…but, more affordably priced and something in a cotton blend or dark black denim. When I search for motorcycle jacket on the Internet, I get the real actual types LOL…
I have a fake non-shiny leather jacket that is actually pretty cute and styled with a nice, flattering fit. But, I like the side zippered look with the v-collar and the snaps and pockets. I want something like that but not in any leather type of material.
I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I think a jacket like these would look great with feminine wardrobe pieces or detailing