Revisiting the biker jacket
Lindas Fargo & Rodin: Elle.com
Once a symbol of Rebel Style, the biker jacket has become an ageless wardrobe staple. More easy living, than Easy Rider; its cross-generational appeal works for most women, from Linda Rodin to Gigi Hadid (on the cover of January Vogue). I wore a biker jacket relentlessly as a teenage Clash fan, and got the biker bug again when Mr TNMA bought me one as a 50th birthday present. That’s not a Zoolander moment or a midlife crisis, it’s revisiting an old favourite and wearing it with renewed elan. Seasonless, ageless, priceless. That’s what we want.
Julianne Moore
I like the idea of tempering leather with a beautiful scarf, a pair of chandelier earrings or a stripy top. Or going for in-built Casual Glamour by opting for a jacket with a sheepskin collar – Jaeger’s is half price in the sale, available HERE.
Sarah Harris
These days, I prefer non-black biker (it’s a complexion thing). But make that blues and greys rather than Joan Jett red. The photograph below was taken in New York, in November, I’m currently ‘doubling up’ and wearing it layered beneath an overcoat. Unfortunately my biker doesn’t look quite so blue anymore. I don’t mind leather getting beaten up and changing with age – I just wish I could go grey as quickly as the sleeves on this jacket. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t recommend buying a shabby chic biker from Isabel Marant.
Photo: Denton Taylor
Whistles has a good selection of colourways including navy and a beautiful khaki, as well as a collarless black style that is just asking for a beautiful scarf or faux fur tippet.
Whistles navy biker
There’s a Capri Navy from Lauren Ralph Lauren, available HERE. And Muubaa is another good place to look – particularly at the moment as prices are drastically reduced in the online sale (the London brand is also sold at John Lewis and asos). Highlights include the ‘Lance Grey’ leather biker, available HERE. And Everdene Grey, available HERE. There’s a Rick Owens-inspired washed leather style and a classic black ‘boyfriend style’ available HERE:
Muubaa biker jacket
All Saints, has several variations on a theme available HERE and best selling sweatshirt version, available HERE.
Will you be buying a biker?
Discussion (25 Comments)
anna says:
I’ve been debating for quite a long time getting a biker jacket, sometimes it’s nice to toughen up an outfit that’s a little pretty. I’ve only looked at black but think it’s a nice idea to soften the colour with navy or charcoal grey, as you say Alyson, it’s a complexion thing! I’m all my natural colour now and loving the freedom as well as my look, a lovely arctic blonde which makes me quite conscious of choosing colours to enhance both my complexion and hair. There is another brand you might look at, Mackage.com (a Canadian Company), there is a lovely charcoal one I would love to try as well as they offer variations with fur collars and fringe. Your jacket looks great on you!!
Coincidence I was just thinking of getting my 1985 (restructured) Agnes B biker jacket out of the cupboard and dusting it down as part of my “shop your closet” series.
TC says:
Nope. Those of us with long bodies & generous hips favour a more tailored blazer-style leather which skims past the hips. I passed my biker jackets onto my daughters years ago! My current fave is a black leather M&S blazer which I picked up in a charity shop. It can still be styled with that rocker chic by adding some killer biker boots, it just doesn’t make me look like I’m trying to recapture 1985.
Nancy says:
Am I the only person totally tired of biker jackets? Can’t someone come up with a new style? It’s no longer cutting edge, they’re just boring because they are everywhere. Sorry to rain on the parade. I needed to vent.
Jane says:
I love my bikers, two black and one nude. I don’t find black a problem (I have white hair), as I never wear my jackets without a colourful scarf or open with something coloured underneath.
nohatnogloves says:
I love my biker! Cheap as chips from H&M but perfect both day and night. Like my suede jacket, it comes out in those in-between times when you are not sure about the weather. And I love it in summer too with a long skirt.
Anna K. says:
I’d love a biker but not sure whether they look good on large-bosomed girls. Anybody here 38DD who looks goods in one?
Beth says:
I have the same bra size and was going to post the same exact thing….biker jackets are not flattering on large busted women and in my case, short large breasted women.
Jill says:
I search for years and found one that is really fun and different. It is tastefully fringed on the sleeve seams and across the Upper part of the back seam. I’ve received several compliments. It’s so much fun!
Liz in Paris says:
I bought one in Munich when I was there a couple of months ago (just took a fine wool blazer with me and was freezing!). At 58, I didn’t want one with dozens of zips and hardware – that looks like “trying too hard” I think, at least on me. I found one at a shop called Leder Fischer that is absolutely perfect. I’m a slightly top heavy hourglass and the assistant found me one that wasn’t too boxy or too short (note to Anna K above: that’s the trick if you’re well endowed up top – fitted and not too short!). It was only 199 euros which I thought very reasonable for something that fits perfectly. I’ve worn it practically ever day since and love it!
Joanna says:
Sorry! But this is one trend I’m not hopping on. I have two black biker jackets, but they are only worn when I’m on my Harley. Then, it’s for safety reasons.
The young look fabulous in a biker jacket with a soft dress, flowy pants or skinny jeans. Let’s let them have their fun!Ceri says:
I’ve got a Reiss suede biker in blue which I love but have yet to wear. Too cold for it now and too warm last summer. And I paid what to me was a lot for it so I have a fear of damaging it. Yes, I know – nothing more expensive than something that sits in the wardrobe. Anyway. Anyone got any bright ideas on preserving the inside collar of a suede jacket from the inevitable neckline tide mark? Apart from showers, roll necks, shirt collars, scarves etc?
Linda Boardman Kerr says:
I think you look great in the jacket. I love mine (Topshop). LOVE Linda Rodin’s white one, she has such a fun sense of style. At 61–and well preserved I think, and ready for fun, I like the edge this gives me. Love today’s post.
I have a black Balenciaga one (with dark gunmetal coloured zips and hardware, so not too flashy) that I wear constantly in the autumn. I think it is a great look if you pretty it up a little and it looks more about form than function (i.e. I would never get on a motorcycle for any reason whatsoever). The white one on Linda looks gorgeous, but I’ve learned my lesson with white leather jackets; looks great for the first two weeks, and then grimy and awful after that.
Susan says:
In my personal opinion, I do not think the black biker jacket is flattering after age 50-55. The lines, short length and usual prominent zipper make it harsh. There are many other options that are much more flattering choices. If wearing a biker jacket at all, I would add a silk scarf with a flattering color and print. This would definitely soften the overall appearance and make the total look more flattering. Susan
I love my navy biker from Oasis – softest leather ever. The fact that it is now getting beaten up even better for me! I wear in summer and this winter with a sheepskin gilet over the top or a fur tippet. I feel great in it!
If i look half as cool as Linda Rodin in future years i will be a happy (&lucky) lady indeed!!! 🙂 xxSusan W says:
I remember “what not to wear over 40” lists a few years back often included leather jackets. This seems ridiculous now–I’m happy to see older women looking great in formerly forbidden items. For me, however, the biker and similar styles just don’t work–it’s the bra size–you just can’t zip then up without looking like you were stuffed into it.
sharon says:
I would love a biker’s jacket, but I’m blessed with boobs, not a problem overall, but the fitted, cropped ones would barely cover my tits, never mind about sipping the damn thing up……………….sigh
I would love a biker’s jacket, but I’m blessed with boobs, not a problem overall, but the fitted, cropped ones would barely cover my tits, never mind about zipping the damn thing up……………….sigh
[…] Totally love a good biker jacket […]
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Yes but I am making mine in a softer gray faux suede. The color will be better and the suede will be less tough and hopefully still cool. Funny thing is I never would have worn one when I was younger. Much too Hells Angels in my youth.