7 Ways to Wear a Leather Like a Style Icon

Whether you’re motorcycle-bound or en route to save the free world, few style signatures make a sartorial statement quite like leather. We’re talking classic jackets to a gentleman’s wristwatch and everything in between; the point is, you don’t need to do it head to toe to showcase a little of that leather-clad confidence. From more straightforward accents to full-blown and biker-ready, we’ve collated a cultural nod to all things leather, paying homage to some game-changers that accredited the manliest of materials with serious staying power.

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1. The Gentleman’s Timepiece

According to the history pages, J.F.K. famously sported his signature Omega thin leather strap wristwatch during his inauguration. Fast-forward and a simple brown leather timepiece is just as timely as ever. Opt for a classic crocodile that works with the rest of your workwear wardrobe. If you’re hung up on colorways, match your watchstrap to your leather dress shoes for a foolproof solution.

John F. Kennedy

2. The Motorcycle Jacket

Brando made this statement piece his own before hipsters hijacked the Motorcycle jacket. Heavy on hardware and as tough as guts, a classic motorcycle jacket is about as cool as cool gets, period. Consider this investment piece the finishing touch to a well-layered transitional wardrobe.

Marlon Brando

3. The Stylish Spy

Whoever said man-bags were girly isn’t a Bond fan. Nothing was precious about Sean Connery circa 007 toting a killer leather briefcase equipped with every gadget and gizmo imaginable. These days, the leather man-bag comes in many forms. From box bags to capsules to off-duty accompaniments, feel free to sport your leather carry-on however you see fit.

Sean Connery

4. The Leather And Shearling Collar Combo

There is something so unassumingly confident about a leather, texture, and tee combo. Never was there a man who made this look more his own quite like Jimmy Dean. Veer away from a complete style cut-copy and opt for a contemporary shape, like a waterfall-cut leather jacket. Bound to keep you warm as toast and showcase some shearling when unzipped, you’ll be smiling all winter, come hell or high water.

James Dean

5. The Rock n’ Roll Pant

Before you shrug this one off, let it be known that leather pants don’t need to be smuggled and suffocated to work. Whether you’re willing to work on your moves like Jagger or not is entirely up to you. A classic pair of leather pants, regardless of the cut, and much like blue jeans, will be worth their weight in wearability—we can assure you. Sport them with neutrals like grey, navy, and khaki, complete with a pair of sneakers to soften the look.

Mick Jagger

6. The Simple Sixties Cut

Have you ever been deterred from owning a leather jacket because you’re more minimalist than a motorcycle gang? Granted, the hardware and sheer weight aren’t for everybody. Soft, clean, crisp, and lightweight leather jackets favored by a young Lennon and McCartney are right on the money. Sport with a simple crew or black cashmere roll neck, and you’ll be all kinds of all right.

John Lennon

7. The Free Spirit

Rocking a little leather up top and accessorizing with leather accents isn’t always easy, but it’s undoubtedly well worth it when executed correctly. If the thought of a leather hat makes you feel more ‘Village People’ than confident-cool, a simple wide-brimmed felt fedora finished with an understated leather strap can be all a man really needs. We think Jimi Hendrix, undisputed Rock God and regular wearer of cool hats, would concur.

Jimi Hendrix

Alexandra Feiam

Writer

Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.