While it's a real thrill to start experimenting with layering as we enter September, the changeable weather leaves us all vulnerable to under or over dressing for the day. Take the past week as an example: there have been days which began with heavy rain, only to disperse and leave a muggy late afternoon and then get chilly towards the evening. This, I'm sure you'll agree, is difficult to dress for. What I've been noticing recently, however, is that every well-dressed woman seems to have rediscovered her passion for the leather jacket, and so as a result, my feeble and easily-influenced brain has become slightly obsessed with finding the perfect style.
At the recently concluded US Open, Katie Holmes threw her slouchy leather jacket over her elegant white dress. It's not exactly groundbreaking but it worked; it didn't feel too wintery but would also be suitable when the heavens open or the wind picks up. Other outfits inspiring me of late? Hailey Bieber's chic leather bomber layered over a white tee and shorts (the slicked back hari and sunglasses topped this off nicely). Meanwhile in Venice, Alexa Chung paired her pleated grey skirt and oversized studded Gimagaus tote with a brown leather jacket.
Brown leather has been enjoying a resurgence, largely thanks to Saint Laurent's highly covetable collection of leather jackets, although Tod's, Coach and Versace also showed the shade for autumn/winter 2025. Chung proved her love for leather is not limited to one jacket in a brown leather bomber earlier in New York, which she paired with the suede Valentino bag that's currently trending. Zoe Saldana, meanwhile, wore Saint Laurent's '80s-inspired bomber jacket while she was in Paris, and Laura Harrier has worn many leather jackets in various forms during the past few weeks.
One of the most appealing things about a leather jacket is the fact that there is no one style or shape governing trends. The reason this piece of outerwear has remained a classic for so long is, in part, thanks to its democratic nature; you could opt for a boxy collared style, a leather bomber jacket, a sleek blazer or even a leather trench. It's not about a trend, after all; this is something you could have in your wardrobe forever.
Naturally, leather is expensive, so it's worth taking your time to find the right jacket in which to invest. I, feeling particularly benevolent, have done the hard work on your behalf and have tracked down the very best styles which will last a lifetime. Don't think you have to spend a fortune, though; there are some excellent options on the high street, too. In fact, I've found a jacket for every budget. Your spring outfits are suddenly looking better than ever.
Shop: The Best Leather Jackets 2025
100% leather
www2.hm.com
Part of H&M's Atelier collection, this jacket is technically menswear, but the boxy fit is just as cool and fashion-forward on women. It has a structured fit, a two-way zip closure and zips at the cuffs. Wear to transform jeans and a loafer to something altogether more interesting.
100% leather (lamb)
uk.coach.com
Collarless jackets are really having a moment, and this style from Coach, with its shrunken fit and four slip pockets, is one of the best I've seen. It has minimalist '90s vibes and will work with everything from high-waisted jeans to your favourite dress.
100% polyester
www.zara.com
If you want the look of leather without actually wearing it, Zara's faux jacket does the job. It has a classic oversized fit of a bomber jacket and is available in khaki or taupe grey for a different take than classic black.
100% leather
www.mytheresa.com
You can't go wrong with an Acne leather jacket and this brown bomber will fast become one of your favourite things in your wardrobe. Pair with floaty midi skirts and boots for a stylish contrast.
100% leather (lamb)
www.meandem.com
If you're after a leather jacket without the biker chic associations, look to ME+EM, chocolate brown style. With a simple silhouette, a collared neckline, and four functional pockets, it'll elevate any outfit but will look particularly stylish with a pleated midi skirt and knee-high boots.
100% polyurethane
www.marksandspencer.com
Another faux leather option, this M&S jacket is an excellent alternative to simple black bikers. The chocolate brown croc-texture adds a fun element to easy knits and jeans on autumn days.
100% sheep leather
www.hush-uk.com
If you prefer a boxy jacket, try this olive green style from Hush. It's cropped, with oversized pocket details and will add some polish to everyday outfits.
100% sheep leather
www.allsaints.com
While All Saints has many shapes and styles of leather jacket to choose from, this oversized fit is one of the best. With multiple pockets, a removable belt and dropped shoulders, you'll find that this will get even better with age.
100% leather (lamb)
www.net-a-porter.com
The very style worn by Zoe Saldana, a Saint Laurent leather jacket is a big investment, but one which will pay dividends. This oversized bomber, with its '80s vibes, will age like a fine wine – and you can wear it all year round, to maximise your cost-per-wear.
100% leather
On sale
www.whistles.com
If you want a longer jacket, this bonded version from Whistles is ideal. Buttery soft, it has patch pockets and bonded seams which make it look far more expensive than it is. This will be a timeless jacket you'll want to wear with everything you own.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.