“Everyone should have a great leather jacket in their wardrobe. It is perfect to wear with a T-shirt and jeans and a great pair of high tops.”
— Brad Goreski
SHOP THE LOOK:
Jacket – Veda (leather version) || Sweater – c/o Treasure & Bond x Something Navy || Culottes – Zara (similar) || Mules – c/o Everlane || Sunglasses – Prada || Lips – YSL Pop Water No. 204
Photos courtesy of my sister Emily
When I think of the wardrobe investments that have truly proven their worth to me these last few years, this suede moto jacket is HIGH on the list.
I bought it after Christmas in a flash sale last January and have worn it with all sorts of outfits.
It works in dressy situations (over a lace dress), in casual situations (like with jeans in Vegas), and everything in-between.
And after seeing Amber style her cream moto jacket over her bump yesterday, I fully expect to be wearing mine through pregnancy as well!
A great moto jacket MAKES an outfit. It doesn’t just complement one. It’s edgy without being unapproachable. Comfortable without being lazy. It’s the ultimate go-everywhere with-everything piece.
And one of the best wardrobe investments you can make!
Things to Consider Before Investing in a Moto Jacket
1. Price
Moto jackets are available at just about every price point. And I mean EVERY price point. While my beloved Veda is certainly an investment piece at $998 full price (wait for it to go on sale!), you can find great options for under $40 (like this one), under $200 (like this one) and under $400 (like this one).
Choose your price point and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away with all the options available. I still wear my $60 Zara moto jacket just as much as this Veda one!
2. Fabric
Suede, leather, synthetic. Moto jackets come in all sorts of fabrics. Before deciding ask yourself: where will you wear your moto jacket? I love this suede version but if I had waited another year, I probably would have invested in the easier-to-care-for leather version Veda released this year. I certainly don’t regret my purchase and especially love the effect the suede has in photos but suspect my next moto jacket WON’T be suede.
If only to save me from the constant care that comes with such a finicky fabric!
3. Cut
The next thing to consider when buying a moto jacket is your own body type. Are you curvy like me? Beware of large boxy cut moto jackets that swallow your frame. Have a short neck like me too? Don’t buy a moto jacket with lots of details around the neck and shoulders — it can make your neck disappear! Focus on any elements on the shoulders, the cut of the waist (is it nipped in or not?), whether there’s a belt along the waist, and the design of the jacket zipper (at a diagonal?) before picking the one that’s right for you.
This is a wardrobe essential after all — it should work beautifully with your body. If you don’t feel like a million dollars when you put it on, then you don’t need it in your closet.
4. Color
An obvious point but one that needs to be said regardless. Moto jackets come in all sorts of shades and hues. Every color under the rainbow really. And while most of you will — rightfully so — invest in an all-purpose black version, colors can bring so much richness to this wardrobe essential. I don’t own a black moto jacket but this green one works just as well — I’ve been shocked at home many outfits I can make with it!
If you are willing to step outside your comfort zone, try a jewel-toned dark version instead of black for a surprising and interesting twist.
5. Feminine vs. Rocker
Moto jackets can be both feminine or rocker chic. Some moto jackets even have ruffles! Pay attention to the tone of the jacket and what suits your wardrobe.
Is most of your wardrobe on the feminine side? Then a pink moto jacket with ruffles will fit right in. Is most of your wardrobe black with some vintage band t-shirts? Go for a classic boyfriend-cut moto in black. Think about the types of outfits you’ll be wearing most often and tailor your moto jacket choice to that.
How do you feel about moto jackets? Would you call them a wardrobe essential?
