Outfits to Wear With a Brown Leather Jacket

TV personality Derek Hough opts for a brown leather jacket instead of the usual black.
... Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

When it comes to leather jackets, it's hard to top the classic black style that James Dean made so famous. But when you want a modern twist on the look, go for a brown leather version. In some ways, it's even more versatile than its black counterpart because the softer color works with so many outfits. This means that when you're headed to lunch with friends or a presentation for class, your brown leather jacket can help pull your entire look together.

1 Keep It Casual

Just like the classic black leather jacket, a brown leather jacket is an ideal option when you’re going for a cool, casual look. Guys can layer the jacket over a basic white tee, dark wash jeans and brown boots for an outfit that works well for school, lunch with friends or a low-key evening out. In the fall, swap the tee for a sweater in a rich color like maroon or forest green, and replace the jeans with tan corduroy pants. Girls can wear a leather jacket over a simple white tank or T-shirt and skinny jeans. Throw on a pair of nude suede ankle booties, gold hoop earrings and a few gold bangles to pull the look together. Or pair your jacket with an olive tunic, camouflage print leggings and knee-high flat brown boots. Add silver spike earrings and a dog tag-inspired necklace for an edgy military-inspired look.

2 Get Polished

When you’re going for a polished look, swap your usual blazer for a brown leather jacket. Guys can start with a white button-down, navy tie and khaki pants, then layer the leather jacket over it. Add brown Oxford shoes for a look that is ideal for work, school presentations or date night. Girls can slip a leather jacket over a blush-colored bow tie blouse and a camel pencil skirt. Pair the outfit with brown pumps, pearl stud earrings and a hot pink shoulder bag for a pop of color.

3 Go Modern

It used to be a fashion rule that you shouldn’t wear black with brown, but these days, pairing the two colors can lead to a surprisingly modern look. Guys might pair a brown leather jacket with a black Henley, black jeans and black boots for a sharp, contemporary look. Girls can layer a brown jacket over a black sweater dress, tights and knee-high black boots. If you want to tie the colors together even more, add a black and brown animal print scarf or purse, or swap the boots for a pair of animal print ballet flats. Add a gold cuff bracelet and chunky gold stud earrings for a little bling.

4 For the Girls

A black leather jacket paired with feminine pieces mixes edgy with girly. But if the look is too harsh, soften it with a brown leather jacket. Wear your jacket over a floral print sundress and nude wedges. Add a pearl necklace and faux diamond studs for an understated girly look. Or layer your jacket over an ivory lace blouse and a pink polka dot swing skirt. Pair the outfit with hot pink ballet flats and sparkly chandelier earrings for a chic, flirty look.

Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

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