While it's a real thrill to ditch the winter coat as spring starts to bloom, 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 sunny warm late afternoon and 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 by finding the perfect style.
This week, Alexa Chung threw her boxy leather jacket over a partially unbuttoned cardigan, worn with a simple black skirt. 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? Aimee Lou Wood's classic fitted jacket looked great layered over a white tee, cardi and jeans (the socks and loafers topped this off nicely) while, in New York, Diane Kruger paired white denim with an oversized black bomber.
Brown leather has also 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 bomber last month, 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 (including Miu Miu's collarless version). Hailey Bieber, for her part, even announced on Instagram that she's designing a leather jacket for SKYLRK, a new label founded by her husband, Justin Bieber.
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 Studio collection, this jacket has a crackled finish and is made to look hand painted with a subtle injection of colour. It has a loose fit, zip closure and concealed press-studs down the front. Wear to transform jeans and loafer to something altogether more interesting.
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
www.stories.com
Collarless jackets are really having a moment and this style from & Other Stories, with its slightly flared sleeves, 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% 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% 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% 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 black or on-trend brown.
100% leather
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.
100% polyurethane
www.marksandspencer.com
Another faux leather option, this M&S jacket is the quintessential biker to wear with jeans and T-shirts on spring days. Come autumn/winter, layer it over knits and swap ballet flats for boots.
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.