Fall 2011 Trend: Motorcycle Jackets
We love fall. Sure it's nippy out, possibly raining, and the wind is doing dastardly things to our hair. But we can finally wear leather. Motorcycle jackets are a wardrobe staple, and just about every designer and brand has a version to keep you warm—and to fit your budget.
Photos courtesy of Net-a-Porter, Forever21, and Farfetch.com
Motorcycle jackets from Rick Owens, Forever 21, and Acne
If there's one jacket to splurge on, it's a Rick Owens. His leather is the cool standard for fashion girls from Paris to New York. Washed-leather and ribbed wool jacket, $2,505; at Net-a-Porter.com.
Not all jackets have to break the bank. Forever 21's biker jacket not only offers up the look, but also incorporates the cropped trend—all at a price that's affordable. Crop Biker jacket, $34.80; at select Forever 21, XXI Forever, and For Love 21 stores nationwide.
Shearling and leather make a great combo, as evidenced by Acne. The detachable collar and diagonal zip will make it stand out in a sea of black leather. Rita jacket, $1,230; at Barneys.com.
Photos courtesy of All Saints, DKNY, Barneys.com
Motorcycle jackets from All Saints, DKNY, and Helmut Lang
If you prefer your jackets to have that lived-in, slept-in, been-run-through-the-wash look, then opt for this All Saints interpretation. Made from lambskin, the coloring is faded, and the leather oh-so-soft. No one will know it's brand-new. Kendall jacket, $650; at AllSaints.com.
Sometimes—dare we say it—we don't want to wear all black. We know, crazy talk! But DKNY's two-tone moto is the perfect alternative to the darker-than-dark jackets out there. Featuring cream, racing stripe-esque panels with buckle detailing, it's a fun twist on the classic. Motorcycle jacket with contrast side panels, on sale for $447.49 (regularly $895); at DKNY.com.
Scared of the cropped jacket? Don't be. The silhouette on this Helmut Lang is easy to pull off and can actually be quite flattering. Pair it with a dress for a tough-chic look. Just avoid wearing with low-rise jeans; the mid-riff may be back, but it is awfully chilly out. Cropped jacket-black, $1,290; available for pre-order at Barneys.com.
Photos courtesy of Net-a-Porter, CalvinKlein.com, and Topshop.com
Motorcycle jackets from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein, and Topshop
A plain jacket just won't do for a big night out. Sometimes you need a little sparkle. This 3.1 Phillip Lim motorcycle jacket features hand-beaded diamante embellishment on the arms. Hey, think of it as built-in bracelets! Embellished leather biker jacket, $1,500; at Net-a-Porter.com.
If you prefer a slightly more classic look, Calvin Klein's faux leather version is the jacket for you. The funnel collar keeps it from being too conservative (as does the slight metallic hue) and the prominent zipper adds just enough edge. Faux Ultrasuede Metallic Moto jacket, on sale for $89.99 (regularly $149.50); at CalvinKlein.com.
Snakeskin is a trend that's here to stay. And though it's fantastic on bags, it's time to wear it instead of carry it. Or, in the case of this Topshop jacket, embossed leather that does a mighty fine job of looking like the print. Snake Suede Biker, $330; at Topshop.com.
Need some shoes to go with that leather? Check out fall's glitter shoe trend.
