Biker Jacket 101
September 4th, 2008I have been champing at the bit to write this post because “biker-inspired” jackets are one of my favourite edgy items of all time. For my style they are forever fashionable (at least until I’m 70). My wardrobe has not been without some sort of updated biker jacket since the ‘80’s.
Bikers are becoming increasingly popular and there are loads of styles to choose from this season. I absolutely adore the “tough edge” they add to a feminine ensemble. It’s unexpected and the contrast is simply delicious. The trick is finding the perfect biker jacket and pairing it with the right pieces.
Some tips on how to incorporate a biker-inspired jacket into your clothing mix:
- Keep the fit cropped and snug: You’re after a cheeky look and not a masculine one.
- Black is not the only option: Neutrals like brown, cream, ink blue and grey work just as well. I’ve had a red biker at some point and recently saw a style in eggplant that’s fabulous.
- Leather is not the only option: Thick cotton twills, faux leathers, nylon and polyester blends can be just as effective and cheaper to purchase.
- Sport one biker item at a time: Leave off the biker boots, studded belt and do-rag when you sport a biker jacket. A bit of biker goes a long way.
- Keep the rest of the ensemble feminine: I like the look of a black biker jacket worn over a white knitted top, or white blouse. Add jeans, heels and Bob’s your uncle. One of my own favourite flop-proof outfits. Tartan, denim, floral and tweed skirts or soft pretty frocks also look great paired with bikers.
- Keep accessories to a minimum: Biker jackets make a huge statement, so choose your accessories wisely. Soft silk scarves add a pretty touch. My choice of accessory is usually some form on chunky pearl necklace (no surprises). The contrast of ultra-feminine, perfectly round, large white pearls against hardcore biker leather sends me into orbit. I LOVE that look.
Consider investing in a biker jacket if there’s an urban rock-chic element to your style. I’ll be posting flop-proof outfits on how to get the most mileage out of your biker as the season progresses. In the meantime, check out YLF forum members Tanya and Patience in their killer biker jackets. My heart skipped a beat when they posted their ensembles.
An assortment of biker-inspired jackets. I updated my biker jacket last year. It’s black with retro cracked patent and suede trim, belted at the waist. It happens to be my best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase ever.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I love this look- I would definitely consider a non-leather alternative. Will have to look around for what’s available! Nylon sounds neat to me- a little 80s! I suspect they look cute with Chuck Taylors, too.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Thank you for the mention Angie! My black leather is pretty old, 4-5 years, I’ve had it way before they became this popular. I have worn it a lot through the years and love the look! . I am looking for a brown leather one this fall. I also wouldn’t mind one made of woven material is color such as grey or deep eggplant.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I absolutely love Tanya and Patience in their jackets and would like to experiment with this look with a less expensive jacket, maybe faux leather, nylon or even denim, before investing in the real thing. I look forward to your posts on flop proof outfits. At my age and church lady life style, incorporating such a look is a big challenge and will need the right pieces. I don’t know that I can pull it off. I like Lannie’s idea of Chuck Taylors as I rarely wear heels if you think that would work.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:25 am
That white jacket in the middle is going right onto my list. Thanks Angie!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:36 am
One of my treasured pieces is a biker jacket complete with lots of zippers, and belted at the waist with a big buckle, AND it’s made in a nice black wool!! I love it with a colorful looped scarf, bootleg jeans and boots. I’d also like to mention it might be worth your whiles to check out vintage or 2nd hand shops for the real-deal biker jackets.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I stopped in at Ann Taylor the other day to say hi to my favorite sales associate. She pointed out some of their new things, including the biker jacket. I was very surprised to see that item in AT! She was thrilled with it! They have a big sale next week, so I told her I’d be back to try it on. We’ll see how it looks!
September 4th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I have loved this look ever since you mentioned wearing it with pearls, but I didn’t bother with it because I didn’t think I could find one that wasn’t leather, but that first one is perfect! This will definitely be on my fall wish list.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I have three leather jackets and I wouldn’t call any of them “biker” jackets, though one of the looks a lot like the one in the middle, far left. I do love the concept - but have tried on biker jackets this year and somehow it’s just not “me.” Perhaps I simply haven’t found the right one yet.
Did anyone see Project Runway last night? Heidi was rocking a cropped biker jacket over a sequined top… I didn’t like her in the tights (straight black jeans would’ve looked better) but I LOVED the concept of a cropped biker jacket… that may be something I could pull off….
September 4th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I love my moto jacket. I got it last year at macy’s, and it’s faux leather (though I’m always looking for a leather one to replace it). Given my love of all things eyelet, I wear mine, naturally, with a white eyelet top or short dress. I have one dress that I always wear with my black cowboy boots. It also looks great with chiffon.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I looooove these! I saw one in a Nine West ad I just “had to have” - until I found out it was almost $500. I’ve been looking for an imitation, but for some reason I cannot find any biker jacket that fits me correctly. Sigh.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I have always liked the look of biker jackets, but since I always assumed they had to be leather to look right, never considered them for myself. Due to my lifestyle and habits I tend to prefer items that can be washed often and easily, so I own nothing in leather other than purses, belts, and shoes. However, I will keep an eye out for biker jackets in nylon or other fabrics. They are great-looking when combined with more conservative or feminine items.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
After losing weight I am in the market for a new leather jacket. Funny, even before coming to YLF I decided that it would be biker inspired. However it will be a journey for me on two fronts. First it can’t be too zipperish so that I can wear it to work. Second, finding one to fit my short waisted big busted self will be a tall order!
As for the pearls, that reminds me of wearing pearls with everything in my 80s sorority girl stage, so I might avoid . . . . but I do think a vintage statement necklace with big beads (like lucite) would be hot! Currently have my eye on one on ebay from the 60s . . .
September 4th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I like the ones in the last row the best!!! How fun!
September 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
As always, you’re reading my mind, Angie. I’ve been longing for a biker, but unsure if I could pull off the look. Thanks for the great tips!
September 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I also love this look–so edgy…but I don’t have any luck finding this style jacket that flatters me. They are usually overly stylized with chest pockets/zippers, snaps and gear in all the wrong places for me!
September 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I always loved this look but thought only young rectangles could pull it off. I’ll definitely keep my mind open and try them on to see how they look on me. Thanks Angie for all those pictures in different colors and materials.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Nicole. would something like this work for you?
http://www.burlingtoncoatfacto.....1_80682079
September 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Yay! I’m excited you’re excited about this look.
Lannie, Quite right. Chucks look fab with bikers.
Joy, I challenge you to get the right biker. I have a feeling you’re going to pull this look off well.
Ana, I rather fancy the white biker myself. Nicole, the white biker is the type of styling that might work for you. Remember that the jacket does not need to close if it fits everywhere else. Tanya makes a lovely style suggestion.
Rhonda, I’ve seen the biker at AT and it’s fabulous. I almost fainted as I walked past it. Julia, Maya and Shiny you’d look killer in the right bikers. Go ladies go!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I bought a faux (non-leather) black one at Target last year for $30. It fits great and everyone thinks I paid a lot more for it. I like biker jackets with pretty sundresses…It seems counter-intuitive, but it really works well
September 4th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Is there a difference between a biker jacket and a bomber jacket?
September 4th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
There is a difference, San. This is a bomber jacket:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults
September 10th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I’ve been on vacation and away from the www so I’m sorry I missed this post. Thanks for the mention, Angie! I love my new jacket (it’s the kenna-t) and I can’t wait to wear it this fall.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:44 am
[…] it gets. I like to pair my pencil skirts with a tucked-in, form fitting polo-neck, or blousy top, a biker jacket or denim jacket, and knee high boots, fancy flats or chunky pumps. YLF forum members are having a […]