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 letโs keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin โฆ 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
54 Comments
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
Shelbee, thank you so much for the lovely compliments. I do so like being referred to as a “badass”, especially one with cool vibes.
That’s a great find more useful than a jacket I would say. Love the cosy sleeves, indoor or outdoor wear – a perfect topper!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Pamela, it does feel so cozy and I’m sure to get a lot of wear from it.
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
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.
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 timeโฆbut, I love your hair!
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.
Your swacket (love the word, by the way) was such a great find and gives this look just the right amount of edge! Have a fabulous weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Jill, adding a little edginess to an outfit is definitely a good thing, right?
Love this look ๐ Thanks so much for hosting. Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you, Claire.
Edgy meets feminine in this fab look Rena! Love the combo – I am a huge fan of black leather. Thank you for the link up!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, it is my pleasure to host and I’m so glad that you’ve been joining in on the link-ups.
No wardrobe is complete without a little black leather. Love the feminine/masculine mix here Rena xx
Laurie, you and I are on the same page about black leather. And a little can go a long way, too.
I love this outfit – and the word “swacket”! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Emma, “swacket” seems to be getting a lot of traction and I’m glad you’re on board with it too.
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 ๐
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a great weekend ๐ We had a quiet day yesterday as we had a big day at the zoo on Friday – we got to feed a giraffe!
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?
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!
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. ๐
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.
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.
I love leather jackets, they look so cool. Especially when worn with a contrast like your floral trousers.
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.
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.
Thank you, Lucy.
I really love this outfit!!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer.
Love that leather jacket. It’s 97 degrees here today, though, so that will have to wait for me!
Lauren, fortunately for me, the temps are much milder in my area otherwise I might have passed on buying this jacket.
I love how leather is such a classic but so fresh at the same time with new ways to always wear it ๐ http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/09/the-toastiest-faux-fur-coats-to-wear.html
Heather, I do so enjoy the challenge of thinking of new ways to wear much-loved items in my wardrobe.
Looking great! Loving that leather jacket! Thank you for hosting this link up!
Life is a Shoe
Thank you, Celyn. I’m glad that you like the look.
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
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?
Well, I think you may know where I stand when it comes to black leather, Rena! ๐ 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!
Sheila, ๐ Y~A~S ๐ (my attempt at jazz hands). I know a kindred spirit when I see one and you have some marvelous black leather in your wardrobe.
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 yearsโI don’t care whether they’re IN or OUT, I like what I like lol! Thanks for the link-up, Rena!
Hugs
Suzy xx
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.
I love the edge the leather adds to this post! Those pants are so cute!
Laura, I like the bit of edginess, too. The floral patterned jeans might have been a bit too much without it.
This swacket (that’s a fun term) is a beautiful find! You look cool in this outfit!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Lovely, thank you for the compliments. They’ve brightened my day.
Great outfit! You look very good in it…suits you very nice.
And thank you for hosting the party!
Thank you, Sinziana. And I’m glad that you found my blog.
I loved the look, I found it very comfortable and beautiful, and I loved the pants are super cute.
kisses and good week.
https://beperes.blogspot.com/
Thank you for reading and commenting.
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
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.
Fab, fun outfit Rena, love the black and white look. Jacqui x
I adore all the black leather vibes Rena