December 19, 2023
How old is too old to wear a leather jacket? If you’re struggling with this question, you’re missing out on one of the best clothing investments you could make. Here’s why a leather jacket is a fantastic addition to your midlife wardrobe and how to wear a leather jacket at 40, 50+
Why Buy A Leather Jacket?
1. They’re Modern and Youthful
The best way to think of a leather jacket is as an edgy alternative to a classic blazer. Leather has a rebellious vibe, giving you a more youthful look. This tan faux leather jacket from Amazon isn’t expensive and looks modern.
2. You Can Them with Everything
A leather jacket is a hard-working wardrobe staple you can wear with casual clothes or work into a dressy ensemble.
Wear it with jeans, a cute top, and a pair of suede booties, or slip on it with a pretty dress and tall boots to look urban and on-trend.
3. Leather Jackets are Comfortable
Gone are the days of thick, heavy, stiff leather jackets that made you feel part of a motorcycle gang.
Today’s leather and faux jackets are thin, lightweight, soft, and more elegant than ever before.
I own three leather jackets, all as comfy as a sweater.
This burgundy leather jacket is a great example of how to wear a leather jacket over 40.
It’s thin, buttery, and very tailored. There is a limited amount of hardware or detail. It is sophisticated.
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4. They Transition Well
A leather jacket is great year-round because you can wear one as an outdoor coat or an indoor layering piece.
I wear this tan faux leather jacket with a thin sweater and black jeans to transition from summer into fall.
5. Leather Jackets Look Classy
Quality leather jackets have a smooth, luxurious texture, giving your outfit an upscale look. Be sure to invest in a known brand like Coach, Andrew Marc, Eli Tahari, or Theory, which are among my favorites.
Faux leather is less expensive but can be just as fabulous. Nordstrom usually has a good selection of faux leather jackets.
Unique details like Chanel-like quilting, shoulder epaulets, or an unusual type of collar also make a leather jacket look upscale and expensive.
My beautiful brown leather jacket looks classy because of its braided military-style collar.
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6. Leather Jackets are Timeless
A friend of mine has been wearing her black leather jacket for over 15 years, and it still looks fabulous. This is the power of a great leather jacket. Yes, they are an investment, but you can always get one on sale. Visit sites like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth to see an amazing selection of leather jackets that are heavily discounted.
7. They’re for Everyone
The last great reason to own a leather jacket is they are ageless. They look fabulous at 20 or 70. However, if in your heart, a leather jacket isn’t for you, that’s fine too. Attitude is everything when it comes to wearing a leather jacket!
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How to Wear a Leather Jacket at 40, 50, 60
Choose an Elegant Style
As a mature woman, you may not want a biker look -something cropped short with a lot of hardware or any other leather jacket with an extreme look. That’s fine because a sleeker, more understated leather jacket will always look fabulous.
Try Colored Leather
Black is always the most popular color for leather jackets until you hit 40. After that, it can be aging since black exaggerates facial shadows and wrinkles. Instead, try. burgundy, emerald, navy, tan, or brown leather jacket. Colored leather is often more flattering than black. Of the three leather jackets I own, none are black.
Pair Your Leather Jacket With Something Chic
A short, fitted black leather moto jacket with a short skirt, tank top, and heels may look cool in your 20s, but it can look rather raunchy at 40+. A more grown-up look would be a burgundy leather jacket over a neutral-colored sweater dress and boots.
For example, I’m wearing my favorite Burgundy leather jacket with a gorgeous silk scarf to soften the biker look of leather and add a luxurious touch.
Do you own a leather jacket? How do you wear it? Do you like black leather or are you a fan of colored leather. Drop me a comment and let me know how you style yours.
