Quite possibly, black leather is one of the most iconic textiles that is often associated with more savory characteristics. Predominately black leather outfits are not for the faint of heart, but a touch of it might be just what an outfit needs.

In smaller doses like a jacket, a basic look is transformed. For instance, consider its impact on a simple jeans and tee ensemble. It was my luck to have come across two great black leather beauties (one faux and one real) last month during a thrift store shopping trip. In Secondhand Finds & OOTDs: August 2021, I paired up the faux-leather bomber jacket with a wrap-style dress. For today’s look, I’ve continued with a black and white color scheme.

I’m calling my topper in this look a “swacket” because it looks and fits like a cross between a sweater and a jacket (not unlike the currently popular shackets which are said to be shirt/jacket hybrids). If that’s not a thing yet, it should be and remember that you read about it here first. Back to this swacket, the sleeves and the back are a ribbed-knit; only the front panels and the upper back are leather. And it’s real leather, too. Surprisingly, the brand is Jaclyn Smith Classic which I believe is a K-Mart brand so the revelation of real leather was unexpected. I read a kind of menswear vibe in this swacket so it’s ticking off that sartorial note for me as well.

Floral print jeans and a graphic tee help to keep the overall feel of this outfit on the lighter side and better suited as a transitional summer-to-fall look. The jeans were a thrift store find from a couple of years ago. My “paradise” tee as well as my ankle boots were retail purchases from a few years past. White hoop earrings are my only accessory; no need for a necklace to compete with the graphic. I have a feeling that this swacket is going to replace my denim jackets as the go-to completer piece for me this Fall.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from the last link-up is Linda, the vivacious Canadian you’ll find sharing her views on food, fashion and fun on her blog A Labour Of Life. The link for adding your post(s) to this week’s party is at the end of today’s post.

Have I made my case for adding a bit of black leather into your Fall wardrobe? I’m interested in hearing about where your focus is these days, style-wise. Are you staying only with what’s current or do you look at what has worked in the past? What details are staples in your wardrobe? And now that we’re at the end of Summer 2021, how have your fashion choices changed since this time last year?

Stay well and letโ€™s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin โ€ฆ all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.

Photos: MMPerez

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54 Comments

  1. shelbeeontheedge1

    Rena, I love this outfit! What a great swacket (and great hybrid word, too)! I love the contrast between the feminine floral print on your jeans and the edgy black leather. You look totally bad ass with some seriously cool vibes! Brilliant styling!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Rena

      Shelbee, thank you so much for the lovely compliments. I do so like being referred to as a “badass”, especially one with cool vibes.

    • Rena

      Pamela, it does feel so cozy and I’m sure to get a lot of wear from it.

  2. Love your take on the black leather jacket. That was a great find. I’m with you on adding a little black leather and have two black leather jackets, a lighter one and a heavier one so I’m covered for different temps. As far as I’m concerned, they are a closet staple. “Swacket” is a pretty cool word too. Take care, Terri

    • Rena

      Terri, it’s easy to go wrong with black leather especially if the leather is too stiff or the look is too heavy. My swacket seems like a great middle ground and quite versatile too.

  3. Oh, this swacket really does give your look that added oomph! I always wanted a black leather moto jacket, but I have yet to find THE one. I purchased something similar to your swacket a few years ago in the NSale. I need to pull it out again soon. I think the last time I wore it was on a train trip to Seattle a couple of years ago. And, I know you hear it all of the timeโ€ฆbut, I love your hair!

    • Rena

      Marsha, thank you for the hair love. It took me many years to get to a place where I like my hair so receiving compliments is always appreciated. And I’m glad you and I are on the same “train of thought” regarding swackets.

    • Rena

      Jill, adding a little edginess to an outfit is definitely a good thing, right?

    • Rena

      Kellyann, it is my pleasure to host and I’m so glad that you’ve been joining in on the link-ups.

    • Rena

      Laurie, you and I are on the same page about black leather. And a little can go a long way, too.

    • Rena

      Emma, “swacket” seems to be getting a lot of traction and I’m glad you’re on board with it too.

  4. That is such a fun outfit with the graphic tee and floral print pants! I really like the swacket on you – such a great way to do a leather jacket, it doesn’t look too touch but is a great topper with your outfit ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thank you for the link up!

    Hope you are having a great weekend ๐Ÿ™‚ We had a quiet day yesterday as we had a big day at the zoo on Friday – we got to feed a giraffe!

    • Rena

      Mica, I’m glad that you like this look. Isn’t it amazing how easily a basic jeans/tee/jacket can be transformed with the use of different fabrics and patterns? And you family got to feed a giraffe … how fun is that?

  5. The leather + floral combination is terrific, and I love the “swacket”! The softer knit arms with harder leather pieces looks like it would be comfortable as well as cool-looking. Your curls are a wonderful accessory to this outfit!

    • Rena

      Sally, I’m so happy that you like the floral and leather combo. I’ve had these jeans for a while but hadn’t worn them yet and this seemed like a great opportunity for their debut. And you’re right … my curls do come in handy as an accessory. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  6. isthismutton

    This is one of my favorite looks on you – the swacket, Paradise tee and patterned pants. It looks very cool and edgy. I had a couple of leather jackets, one lime, one cream, around 20 years ago but I don’t think I could carry off a black one.

    • Rena

      Gail, what a lovely compliment. Thank you. I haven’t ventured into colored leather yet but if the right option came along, I’d certainly give it a try.

  7. I love leather jackets, they look so cool. Especially when worn with a contrast like your floral trousers.

    • Rena

      Nancy, I’d initially planned to wear the swacket with regular denim jeans but I’m so glad that I went looking for other options in my closet first.

  8. Lucy Bertoldi

    Such a great outfit! YOu look so cool! I love that you call it a swacket – I will too lol! And I’m also loving those booties- the whole look is great. Have a wonderful Sunday and a beautiful week ahead.

    • Rena

      Lauren, fortunately for me, the temps are much milder in my area otherwise I might have passed on buying this jacket.

    • Rena

      Heather, I do so enjoy the challenge of thinking of new ways to wear much-loved items in my wardrobe.

  9. mireilleftm

    I love this outfit: those pants are so cool and the swacket is fun: I think the sleeves being sweatshirt material makes it much more versatile and wearable. I just bought a hoodie denim jacket with sleeves like that and I cannot wait to wear it.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Rena

      Mireille, thank you for letting me know that you like this look. The hoodie/jacket combo look is a cool one, too. Have you tried a hoodie/blazer pairing?

  10. Well, I think you may know where I stand when it comes to black leather, Rena! ๐Ÿ™‚ I love it!! *jazz hands* Great looking swacket (lol) and how awesome that it’s actually leather – shocking for a Kmart item! This whole outfit has an awesome rock & roll vibe that I adore.

    Thank you so much for the link-party!

    • Rena

      Sheila, ๐Ÿ– Y~A~S ๐Ÿ– (my attempt at jazz hands). I know a kindred spirit when I see one and you have some marvelous black leather in your wardrobe.

  11. You look absolutely fabulous in those black and white outfit! I love black leather, especially teamed with something that’s a bit more girlie (like those fabulous jeans!). I’ve been looking for a decent pair of black leather jeans for yearsโ€”I don’t care whether they’re IN or OUT, I like what I like lol! Thanks for the link-up, Rena!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

    • Rena

      Suzy, I felt pretty fabulous wearing this. As for black leather pants, they are on my want list too but I’m not sure that I’m brave enough to actually wear them.

    • Rena

      Laura, I like the bit of edginess, too. The floral patterned jeans might have been a bit too much without it.

    • Rena

      Lovely, thank you for the compliments. They’ve brightened my day.

  12. Great outfit! You look very good in it…suits you very nice.

    And thank you for hosting the party!

    • Rena

      Thank you, Sinziana. And I’m glad that you found my blog.

  13. It seems leather is really making a comeback lately, too!! I only have a black moto jacket and faux leggings, but I’d love to get a leather skirt! I love those b/w patterned pants w/ the jacket!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • Rena

      Carrie, I had a black leather skirt many years ago and it was a fun piece to wear. I also have a couple of moto jackets that I need to wear more often.

  14. mummabstylish

    Fab, fun outfit Rena, love the black and white look. Jacqui x