What Style Leather Jacket Should I Wear in Spring?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I know that there is a whole lot of layering going on throughout the year. Our summer doesn’t come until mid-July, but delightfully, it lasts through the end of September. This means that much of our year requires a top layer. After working with hundreds of women over the years, a common question is always about that tricky final layer. How do I make sure that my jacket elevates my outfit, communicates my authentic personal style, AND is functional for the weather? A blog post from the archives about what to wear besides a fleece jacket is a great place to start.

I’ve been wearing leather or vegan leather for what feels like forever. It’s an essential component of my outfits. With a triangle-shaped figure and an edge to my style, I have worn all of these depending on my mood and other outfit components. I can say that while I technically have a leather bomber, it feels too oversized and masculine for my style, and I never wear it. Although I LOVE putting a leather bomber on a client when it communicates her authentic personal style and flatters her frame.

Today, we’re diving into the eternal question: How do I choose the right leather or vegan leather jacket for me?

The Ideal Leather (or Vegan Leather) Jacket for YOU for Spring

This dusty blue is everything. An oversized boxy vegan leather bomber is most flattering on a diamond body shape. Just be mindful of your proportions. Oversized pieces are challenging if your goal is a flattering cut rather than a fun trend choice.

Try a cropped faux leather bomber for a rectangle shaped silhouette.

Metallic pieces are bold and shockingly easy to pair. This silver oversized faux leather bomber is a show stopper.

What: A Leather Bomber

Who is it ideal for?

Bombers continue to be on trend for spring. They look best on women with Diamond or Triangle body types. Because this is a masculine cut, if you prefer a feminine vibe, you’ll be happier trying a different style. If you are committed to a bomber but love something more feminine, try a silk option or something else with feminine details or a smaller fit over all.

Here’s a hilarious screen shot from one of the recent Poplin Momentum Trainings. This is Poplin’s monthly membership. I’m currently obsessed with leather blazers. Here I am in one of two that I am wearing on repeat.

What could be better than a bold royal blue leather suit? Simple: One that’s on sale.

White and winter white jackets are an easy way to elevate your look. Try a vegan leather cream blazer for the shoulder seasons.

What: A Leather Blazer (or Vegan Leather Blazer)

Who is it ideal for?

Blazers are a classic that works year after year. Of course, trends change, so each year, reevaluate whether the fit on your jacket still feels fresh. If not, store it away and bring it back as things shift. I love a leather or vegan leather blazer to add some edge, elegance, or extra polish. A fitted blazer in black works best for a woman with an Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Diamond, or Hourglass body type. If you have a Triangle or pear figure, opt for a colored choice. Oversized versions are challenging because they can often make you appear larger than you are. The best approach here is to put form-fitting choices underneath to show your shape. If oversized appeals to you, it’s most flattering on a Triangle or diamond-shaped body.

Metallics are neutrals, too. How about a silver leather moto jacket for spring?

Available in red or black, this unique moto jacket is sure to be a fav.

This delightful green vegan moto jacket is available in plus sizes up to size 30.

What: A Leather or Vegan Leather Moto Jacket

Who is it ideal for?

Moto jackets are another option that feel timeless. They add an edge to any outfit and are a quick way to transform an outfit. Be thoughtful about the style of moto jacket based on your body type. A choice with more bulk, including epilets at the shoulders and hardware in various spots, is ideal for a Triangle shaped figure as this will balance out your shape. If you have a Rectangle shaped body, you’ll like something that feels a little more feminine- either because of the cut (perhaps it’s cropped) or because of the color. An Inverted Triangle will be happiest in a streamlined choice that doesn’t add bulk to her shoulders, or consider skipping this style altogether. Diamonds tend to adore this style as long as they are also drawing the eye to the bottom half of their bodies to maintain their natural balance.

Poplin client Isa in a vegan leather trench.

Yours truly in my favorite leather trench coat.

Burgundy is a neutral if you have an autumn color palette. This burgundy vegan leather trench is just right for a sophisticated and functional raincoat.

Lipstick red vegan leather trench for the win!

Second hand yellow leather trench coat. That’s a super find.

What: A Leather or Vegan Leather Trench Coat

Who is it ideal for?

This is a dream for nearly every body type. Now, the focus is on authentic personal style. If a classic and edgy style resonates with you, just go for it. A vegan leather option is also a great raincoat. I love a fun color for an unexpected way to make a statement.

Heavy Petals Vegan Leather Jacket. This vintage inspired piece will be with you forever.

From one of my favorite brands, this bright vintage inspired vegan leather trench is available up to size 3X.

A leather jacket with fringe details is just right to bring out your inner rocker.

What: A Leather Jacket with Unexpected Elements

Who is it ideal for?

You’ll adore having a bold leather jacket if you also enjoy sparking conversation with folks about your clothes or being known for memorable pieces. Just be sure to opt for styles that are authentic to your personal style. Typically, this works best for someone who is drawing the eye up to balance your Triangle body type. But, the specifics of the jacket will determine how well it flatters your frame.

Poplin client Bridget in her cactus leather trench coat.

A western inspired cactus leather jacket! Yes, please!

What: An Ethically Made Leather Jacket or Vegan Leather Jacket

Who is this ideal for?

If you are a woman who loves to communicate her values through her clothing, an ethically made jacket is just right for you. It can be second hand, eliminating the waste of creating a new garment or it can be made from a biodegradable source, like cactus leather. Of course the ideal cut will vary depending on body type. But, remember, you can always tailor it and YES, that’s also a sustainable option.

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