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The leather jacket: A visual retrospective

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The leather jacket has always been the sartorial equivalent of a cool, older sibling. Wear it and suddenly, you embody that idealized version of yourself. You know the type: quick with a one-liner; equally nimble with a cold stare that could stifle any bully. This season, the leather jacket is being touted as the must-have wardrobe staple. Rick Owens, Chloe, and Proenza Schouler are all showing signature variations on the icon -- from bombers to fitted, classic motorcycle styles.

What you need to remember is that leather jackets, much like big brothers and sisters, vary in their cool factor. Don’t be squeamish about the trend just because you envision yourself looking faux fierce. A bomber, like this one from Chloe ($1,155; Netaporter.com), adds a contrast in shape to the tapered point of a pencil skirt.

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On the other hand, the classic black-leather style -- perhaps best modeled by Olivia Newton John in ‘Grease’ or Marianne Faithful from her 1968 movie, ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ -- need not be so hard and masculine. Over at shopbop.com, there’s a 1960s-inspired quilted version by Vince, priced at $595. Alexander McQueen also offers a quilted, fitted zip-up for $4,140 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Be sure to pair your new leather with a feminine touch, which could be as subtle as a pink or floral pocket square. That way, you won’t feel ridiculous when you round up the towheads and start up a minivan, rather than a Harley.

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