Leather jackets for women are probably a much more diverse affair than their male counterparts, spanning as they do the whole spectrum of formality, from the rough and ready tasselled biker jacket to chic and subtle evening wear. This wide range of styles has ensured the leather jacket has survived many a fashion renaissance and will probably go on fitting the bill whatever direction style takes. And for those girls who aren’t won over by leather, there’s always the opportunity to be swayed by suede, leather’s slightly more velvety cousin that brings a sensuality to the material while keeping its solid lines and ruggedness.

And just in case you were picturing a classic black, shiny leather or matt brown suede, it’s worth remembering that the colour palette of both takes in every imaginable colour, bookended by brilliant whites and jet blacks, and such a variety of finishes from glossy to matt that Dulux Paints cast envious glances in leather’s direction.

Of course, as with any browse through the annals of style, you’ll come across some shockers in the leather jacket chapter. Designers have all too often accentuated leather’s flashy lustre for all the wrong reasons, and the 1980s rears its ugly head quite noticeably in the leather department. The jackets of this era were often shapeless and unflattering, with loose, bulging waists tapering in around the thighs for a rugby ball silhouette that defies taste. Acres of unadorned leather would flap in the breeze, quite an achievement for a material as far removed from chiffon as is possible.

Leather and suede jackets for women are at their best when they are either minimally sized or decorated with details, or are a blend of both. And folds and pleats just look too skin-like in leather to have any claim to beauty. If you’re looking for inspiration in a vintage clothing store, you’ll be able to see straight away which ones are working and which ones should be exported to Bavaria and converted into lederhosen.

A timelessly cool look is the not-quite biker or flying jacket. With some nods to the rugged origins of the leather jacket (perhaps an abundance of pockets or some fur collar lining), the well designed ones keep the look simple and stylish without going over the top. If they end above the waist, that’s great for wearing with jeans, but some of the most feminine leather or suede jackets are the thigh-length numbers, so long as they are designed with a narrow (often belted) waist and subtly flaring lower half.

Or maybe you really don’t care for remaining feminine and just want an honest to goodness leather jacket for the very reason that they defy time and, sometimes, refinement. If this sounds like you, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Accessorise away, beat it about a little and let it age gracelessly and you’ll let the world know you’re no shrinking violet.

So what are you waiting for? Get your motor running …

Some jacket styles seem to live forever and women\’s leather jackets are a prime example. The best vintage clothing stores keep a good range and James knows only too well that leather and suede jackets for women will always be popular.

Some jacket styles seem to live forever and women\’s leather jackets are a prime example. The best vintage clothing stores like http://www.rokit.co.uk/ keep a good range and James knows only too well that leather and suede jackets for women will never fade away completely.

Author Bio: Some jacket styles seem to live forever and women\’s leather jackets are a prime example. The best vintage clothing stores keep a good range and James knows only too well that leather and suede jackets for women will always be popular.

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