Rev Up Your Style: The Moto Jacket Looks You Never Saw Coming


Woman in burgundy leather biker jacket and white skirt

The Ney Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel biker jacket, Moda Operandi

Chrissy Teigen did it with a floor-length floral dress. Rihanna did it with baggy jeans and stilettos. Harry Styles did it with a green feather boa. What's the common denominator? The motorcycle jacket, fashion's perennial cool kid and the most unexpectedly versatile piece in your closet.

You may have thought you knew how to wear a moto jacket—and perhaps you've pigeonholed it as weekend-only wear—but we're about to shift your fashion gears entirely. Get ready to see this timeless topper in a whole new light as we break down five fresh ways to style your trusty biker buddy for any occasion, from brunch to the boardroom to date night and beyond. Buckle up!

Moto Layering 101: Your Crash Course in Jacket Styling

Rihanna in brown Savage X Fenty lingerie and oversized brown leather jacket

Moto jacket is one of a few pieces that you can meet both on the streets and in fashion magazines. Instagram/@badgalriri

Before we get into the specific looks, let's rev up on our moto layering basics. The key to an amazing motorcycle jacket outfit is creating a look that's more than the sum of its parts. You want to consider proportion (the jacket's cropped fit pairs well with longer layers), texture (smooth leather can offset chunky knits or airy chiffon), color (black goes with everything, but don't sleep on colorful motos too) and the overall vibe (is it romantic? edgy? laid-back?).

With those principles as your foundation, you can mix and match your moto with both classic companions and unexpected frenemies. Wear it under roomier coats, pair it with silky slip dresses, throw it on over your trustiest white t-shirt, dress it down with sweatpants, or use it to toughen up your most feminine florals. If the moto jacket is the lead singer in an outfit, here's how to build your own dream band.

Moto Meets Boho: The New Trend To Try Now

Sienna Miller in oversized black leather jacket, white midi dress and platform shoes at Paris Fashion Week

Sienna Miller isn't afraid to experiment with boho. Getty Images

One of the freshest ways to wear the moto jacket right now is by mixing it with flowing, free-spirited boho pieces. This moto-boho trend is all about juxtaposing the structured edge of a biker jacket with the easy breeziness of bohemian staples like floaty maxi dresses, embroidered tunics, and wide-leg pants.

To nail the look, start with a moto jacket in a goes-with-everything shade like black, olive green, or tan. Pair it with crocheted midi dresses, billowy peasant blouses, or high-waisted linen trousers. Mix in earthy textures like suede and fringe, and pile on the eclectic accessories, from woven leather belts to stacked bangles to turquoise pendant necklaces. The combination of rugged leather and whimsical, worldly separates strikes a pitch-perfect balance of hard and soft. Bonus: this pairing has an all-season appeal, so your moto can be your year-round style sidekick.

Pretty in Punk: The Moto Jacket Romance Revival

Hilary Duff wearing black leather jacket, floral midi dress and black ankle boots

Chrissy Teigen nails biker jacket and floral dress combo. Raymond Hall/GC Images

Ready for your own Chrissy Teigen moment? Tapping into the romantic side of the moto jacket is all about leaning into contrast and fluid silhouettes. The buttery soft edge of a well-worn moto is the perfect foil for all your flowy floral maxi dresses, paisley maxis, and even slinky silk slips.

Gigi Hadid in pink leather suit, pink biker jacket and pink pants

Gigi Hadid having her Barbie moment in millennial pink moto jacket and matching pants. Tal Rubin/GC Images

Keep the color palette soft and dreamy—a washed out leather jacket in pale blush or ivory evokes major ballerina-off-duty vibes when paired with other delicate neutrals and pastels. Add a pop of luxe with shiny satin fabrics and delicate lace trim. For accessories, look to metallics in muted tones and dainty layered chains. A slouchy suede hobo bag and a tangle of chain necklaces add just the right mix of ease and edge.

Too Cool for (Fashion) School: Prep Schooled by the Moto

Girl in black leather jacket, black pleated skirt and knee-high socks

Moto jacket and "good girl" outfit worn together — what can be better? FP

Want to give your moto jacket a major preppy overhaul? Rev up your rebellious side by pairing it with all your Ivy League favorites. We're talking cable knit sweaters, crisp collared shirts, tweedy trousers, and plaid skirts. The polished preppiness of these pieces makes for an unexpectedly cool contrast with a leather jacket's laid-back attitude.

For color palette, embrace the preppy classics like chambray blue, camel, hunter green, and winter white. Mix ribbed and cable knit sweaters under your moto for a cozy combo. Add a pop of print in the form of prim checks and plaids. Go for posh accessories like a structured top-handle bag, silk scarves, and penny loafers to seal the deal on your Fresh Prince of Bel Air-meets-Easy Rider aesthetic.

The Moto-Chill Factor: Laid-Back Luxury

Hailey Bieber in oversized leather jacket, gray crop top and shorts

Hailey Bieber adding some edginess to her relaxed sporty look. GICE

The fastest route to nailing effortless "Oh, this old thing?" energy is to pair your moto jacket with all your comfiest loungewear staples. Yep, we're talking joggers, hoodies, and leggings, all upgraded with an edgy twist. This look is all about balancing cozy with cool.

Build a tonal look by mixing heathered gray knits and black neoprene joggers with your go-to black moto jacket. On your feet, chunky dad sneakers or combat boots amp up the it-factor. If you really want to lean into the athleisure of it all, a haute hoodie layered under your leather jacket and paired with tapered track pants is instant sporty-meets-stylish perfection. Top it off with mirrored aviators and an on-trend belt bag for a look that's the definition of fashleisure.

More Is More: Eclectic Moto Glam

Sarah Jessica Parker in black leather jacket and pink maxi skirt

Sarah Jessica Parker attending an event in an evening gown, fitted biker jacket and leather gloves. Evan Agostini/AP Photo

When you want to seriously up the ante on after-dark allure, let your moto jacket be the magic ingredient in your glam cocktail. Mix it with animal prints, sequins, glittery metallics, and all your most extra going-out gear for a look that brings the party.

For an out-all-night vibe, shrug your moto on over a slinky leopard slip dress. The mix of wild print and classic leather is next-level chic. Or, go full-on rock star by pairing liquid leggings, a shimmery tank, and a studded moto style. Bring the bling with a glitzy rhinestone bag, layers of chainlink jewelry, and skyscraper heels. This moto-charged remix is guaranteed to turn heads.

Jessica Alba in grey suede jacket and white lace midi dress

Jessica Alba pairing lace dress and gray moto jacket. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Now that we've walked through five completely unique approaches to styling the humble motorcycle jacket, you're an expert in the art of the unexpected pairing. As you start shopping your own closet to give these moto mashups a spin, remember that the only real fashion rules are the ones you make yourself.

So go forth in your moto-layering adventures with the confidence that whether you're mixing biker chic with tulle and taffeta, playing with prep, or using your jacket to give sweatpants a kick, your motorcycle jacket has your back—with a major side of attitude. Now if you'll excuse us, we have our own closets to raid.