I’m a fashion director and this leather blazer is one of my most-worn items
Over the past couple of years, the leather blazer seems to have transcended every seasonal trend to become a modern classic. In the same way an oversized blazer elevates every outfit, leather blazers have this magic appeal of looking sleek - due to the slick blazer silhouette - yet tough, thanks to the leather finish (or faux leather, depending on your ethical and financial boundaries). Think of the fashion pack's favourite high / low styling trick… then condense it into one epic item. The best leather blazers can do it all.
Are leather blazers still in? | Shop the best leather blazers.
I bought my leather blazer jacket from & Other Stories in January 2020 – after searching on Depop for pre-loved versions – and since then, I’ve never looked back. I've worn it most weeks (apart from during the hottest - rarest - weather.) Mine is a longline, oversized iteration and as a stylist, I can vouch for the versatility of this cut. You can wear it over a slip dress but it also works over going Out Out garms - leather blazers are definitely a slicker option than a biker jacket or trench coat.
My most worn combo? A leather blazer with straight-leg jeans and a white tee. Wide-leg-trousers look totally on-trend with an oversized leather blazer and these leather jackets are a natural fit for layering with a midi dress and t-shirts, too. The only thing leather blazers don't suit are leather trousers. Although, that's just in my wardrobe. I've spotted Hailey Bieber rocking double leather looking iconic and if you have a pair of patent leggings or silver jeans and some sky-high heels, you could totally create a Hadid sisters meets Kendall Jenner vibe with a full leather *lewk*.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
If I’ve convinced you that there’s a leather blazer-shaped hole in your wardrobe, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Real leather tends to cost more (although not necessarily), while high street faux leather blazers can be had for around £60. It’s up to you if you follow the sustainable advice to spend more and wear your garments for longer. I’ve definitely aced the #30WearsChallenge from my blazer (wearing your clothes longer aims to cut down the impact of their creation).
Many brands now flag their leather as being chrome-free and chrome tanning is often cited as a cause of pollution - but faux leather is made from plastic-derived sources… Again, it's your call what you decide to do, although reading our vegan leather debate might help…
Are leather blazers still in 2023?
Yes they are, but don’t think that your leather blazer has to come in black. We’ve spotted a bevy of brown leather blazers this autumn from Karen Millen (lush chocolate patent leather), caramel-coloured vegan leather from Norma Kamali and a "latte" toned oversized style from Topshop. We're drooling. And Mango's chestnut suede blazer is a wardrobe staple that has also won a place on our wishlist for autumn.
Nanushka has long been the go to for responsible production and innovative cruelty-free materials. Their cream Hathi Okobor™ Alt-Leather Blazer is a trans-seasonal vegan leather dream. Deadwood are a brand on our radar for their brilliantly conscious upcycling methods and the Brooke leather blazer is made from discarded leathers and has a recycled fabric lining, proving that second-life fabrics can be just as stylish as brand new buys.
Regardless of the colour or cut, if you invest in a leather blazer, I promise you'll wonder how you ever lived without one.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.