Stylish Ways for Men to Wear a Leather Jacket

The first leather motorcycle jacket designed and sold by Irving Schott in 1928 cost a mere USD 5.50.

Ruggedness, rebellion, bad boys, Grease; these are just some of the many words and images that jump into my head when I think of a leather jacket. Why? Well, personal associations are difficult to explain. But maybe, it's because I've always attributed the timeless appeal of the leather jacket to these few things.

From a time when they were worn to protect men from the unpredictable elements of nature to a period where they are worn more to create a style statement, the leather jacket has come a long way. And if you want to join in on the long history it has, then you need to know how to wear a leather jacket well.

For all those men out there who can't think of many stylish variations, here are 8 brilliant ways to wear a leather jacket.

A man wearing a white shirt with blue denims has always been a sight that has set the hearts of women aflutter. Add to this classic combination a leather jacket, and you have a look that will have women swooning.

Yes, I confess. I love a monochromatic look on men. There is something so inherently stylish and fashion-forward about the look that you simply can't take your eyes away. When wearing a leather jacket, I suggest teaming it with a black shirt and black trousers.

A leather jacket is a symbol of the tough guy, the (really) attractive bad boy, the one who knows how to not play by the rules. And this look does just that. Wear your jacket with a high-neck T-shirt or a turtleneck for just the right amount of swagger.

Can't leave school days behind? Don't blame you. Keep the boy in you alive by wearing your leather jacket with a cardigan, a shirt, and a tie. Wear it with a pair of jeans and protect your hands with a pair of matching gloves. Save this look for a really cold day, though.

Whoever said you can't play around with color and pattern when you are wearing a leather jacket!? Wear your brown (or any colored) jacket with a plaid shirt for a country-boy-gone-the-city-way look. Just leave the Stetson behind.

If your office doesn't demand a strict adherence to dress code but requires you to be formal, then this is the look you should opt for. A slim-fit shirt, a thin tie, and your faithful leather jacket. Do them a favor and give the women in your office a cautionary warning.

Want to ape the look of that model on the centerfold of your favorite magazine? Well, get ready to take it all the way. Wear your leather jacket on top of a shawl cardigan which is layered over a white tee. Ditch the jeans for a pair of trousers.

If you're going for easy casual, then this look will never fail you. Wear your leather jacket with a white tee and a pair of chinos. Give the look a little spunk by adding a patterned stole. There is absolutely no way you can go wrong with this look.

From the heartthrob of yesteryears Marlon Brando to the man who makes us sigh today, Ryan Gosling, the leather jacket has been a favorite with many celebrities. Join their ranks. Make the leather jacket a wardrobe staple.