Name: Black Lam Leather Gary Jacket
Brand: Rick Owens

Table of Contents

Leather Jackets for Autumn

As temperatures drop and the weather turns unpredictable, layering becomes essential. Leather provides warmth where it counts while resisting damp, holding its shape, and developing character with time. In the UK, where rain and chill are constants, it suits city dwellers and rural commuters alike. Designers have translated leather’s function into considered cuts and finishes, allowing jackets to accommodate layers, and wear beautifully. Cropped styles highlight the waist, long coats create room for sweaters, and belted designs define without restricting. Shearling trims can add texture and comfort, while lambskin softens with wear, developing a patina over time.

Leather jackets interact with outfits in subtle but decisive ways. Blazers sharpen tailored looks, bombers soften casual combinations, and belted coats add definition over knits. Cropped jackets complement high-waisted trousers or midi skirts, balancing proportions. Panels, seams, and finishing details influence drape and movement, while material choice determines weight and warmth. Colour shapes mood: black forms a foundation, taupe and chocolate introduce warmth, and plum adds depth. Debossing or panelling can inject visual interest to your wardrobe.

Investing in well-crafted leather rewards over time. Thoughtful cuts accommodate layering, durable finishes tolerate moisture, and quality materials age gracefully. A single piece adapts across seasons, pairing seamlessly with knitwear, jeans, skirts, and coats while maintaining proportion and ease. Simple maintenance keeps jackets performing and looking their best. With these considerations, a leather jacket offers reliability and style through Autumn and beyond.

Designer Leather Edit

Black Leather Jackets and Coats

Alaïa

Black Lambskin Collarless Jacket – £3,700

Rick Owens

Black Naska Leather Jacket – £1,760

Nour Hammour

Black Lambskin Kasha Coat – £1,440

Toteme

Black Collarless Leather Jacket – £1,950

Rick Owens

Black Lam Leather Gary Jacket – £1,615

Nour Hammour

Hatti Cropped Belted Black Leather Jacket – £1,220

Magda Butrym

Classic Collar Vintage Black Leather Jacket – £2,355

Gucci

Debossed Black Leather Jacket – £4,700

Balmain

Belted Black Leather Blazer – £3,865

Shearling and Aviator Styles

AllSaints

Lorel Black Shearling Flying Jacket – £999

Jacquemus

Shearling Trim Aviator Dark Brown Leather Jacket – £2,900

Maje

Cropped Smocked-Waist Bruns Leather Jacket – £549

Nour Hammour

Briona Belted Shearling Trimmed Plum Leather Coat – £1,520

Neutral and Taupe Leather

Proenza Schouler

Annabel Chocolate Leather Jacket – £1,220

Tove

Magda Panelled Taupe Leather Jacket – £1,995

Rag & Bone

Ash Lamb Leather Two Button Blazer – £1,155

*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

Style guide for leather layers this autumn

Quick reference

Cropped biker or boxy jacket, worn with high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt, for daywear that feels modern.
Long belted coat, over chunky knit and straight trousers, when you want easy coverage and movement.
Soft lambskin blazer, matched with tailoring or a dress, for an instant pulled-together finish.
Heavy grain bomber, with jeans or soft trousers, when texture matters more than sheen.
Shearling trimmed coat, for chilly mornings and tactile interest.
Choose finished leathers for wet days, suede and nubuck for dry, photographed looks.

Fit and proportion

Shoulders should follow the natural line of the shoulder without pulling. Leave enough room for a jumper or a blazer underneath, while keeping the cut tidy.
Sleeve length should reach the wrist bone when arms are by your side; show a little cuff of knit for a lived-in editorial look.
Cropped jackets should hit at or just above the waistline to highlight high-rise trousers and skirts.
Long coats should fall well below the knee for layered drama and for ease over thicker knits.
When a jacket has a belt, leave a little ease so the jacket reads shaped not tight; the aim is definition without restriction.

Fabrics and finishes

Lambskin, napa or soft calf, chosen for suppleness and a quiet shine that ages into character.
Full grain and heavy grained hides resist scuffs and keep their presence over time.
Suede and nubuck read soft and photogenic; pick a tight nap if you want a cleaner finish.
Shiny or patent leathers work best as accent pieces rather than daily outerwear.
Embossed and croc finishes provide instant personality; use them as a focal point in an otherwise restrained outfit.

Colour guide

Black is the foundation piece, reliable and easy to pair.
Taupe and chocolate read warm and sit well with most autumn palettes.
Deep plum or oxblood introduces subtle colour without shouting.
Forest green or deep navy offers a modern alternative to black while remaining seasonally quiet.
Match the jacket tone to one element of the outfit, for example a boot or a bag, to make the look feel intentional.

How to wear it — six editorial scenarios

Commute, city to office
Choose a long coat in a finished hide, layered over a lightweight knit and tailored trousers. Keep hardware minimal and a simple crossbody bag to maintain ease.
Office meeting or client lunch
Slip on a soft leather blazer over a silk blouse and straight-leg trousers; balance the leather with a refined shoe such as a low block heel or a polished loafer.
Weekend with friends
Pair a cropped biker with high-waisted jeans and chunky boots. Add a fine-gauge rollneck or an oversized shirt for visual contrast.
Evening out
A cropped, glossy jacket over a bias-cut midi dress creates tension between tough and tender textures. Let jewellery do the talking.
Countryside or wet-weather day
Wear a heavy grain long coat with sturdy boots and a rib knit. Choose a lined option for warmth and quick-dry finishes if rain is likely.
Travel and transit
A lightweight leather jacket in a broken-in grain travels well. It compresses in a bag, layers comfortably, and looks considered straight off the plane.

Footwear pairings

Chelsea boots or lug-sole boots with cropped or mid-length jackets.
Sleek ankle boots with blazers and midi skirts.
Polished loafers or heeled boots with a leather blazer for office outfits.
Tall boots with long coats for streamlined leg lines.

Accessories and hardware

Choose metal tones to suit the overall mood: warm brass for a vintage feel, cool silver for modern edge.
Thin leather belts worn over coats create instant definition and editorial proportion.
Scarves in cashmere or thick-knit merino add texture; tuck the end casually for movement.
Leather gloves and a simple structured bag keep the look cohesive; match leathers when possible for photos.

Care and maintenance, in plain steps

For everyday marks, use a soft cloth to wipe the surface after wearing.
Condition anointed leathers sparingly, every six to twelve months depending on wear, using a product recommended for that hide.
Treat suede with a suede brush and a protector formulated for nubuck, applied before the first wear when appropriate.
Store jackets on wide, shaped hangers in breathable garment bags or cotton covers to preserve form.
For deep cleaning or repairs, use a trusted professional leather cleaner.

Buying checklist

Shoulder alignment and arm mobility tested by lifting and reaching.
Sleeve length that allows for one knit layer without pulling.
Closure that sits flat and fastens smoothly, with hardware that operates well.
Lining that feels comfortable against knitwear and suggests quality.
Even stitching and tidy edge finishing around collars, cuffs and hems.
A leather sample handled in-store where possible, to check grain, weight and smell.
Return and repair policies noted, and an honest appraisal of price relative to construction.