Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Where To Find A Motorcycle Jacket

The classic motorcycle jacket can toughen up any look with its edgy side zip and classic leather. This season, as with the last fall season, motorcycle jackets are one of those staple items for when colder weather hits.

The style can be classic with shrunken jeans along with a T-shirt and sneakers or it can go well with a floral dress and tall boots. Not surprisingly, you don't have to be a punk rocker to pull off the look, especially with so many stores carrying their take on the '70s classic. Nowadays, you can find cuts especially for women that are narrow in the waist (rather than boxy). You can you also find more flattering colors such as soft grey or white as well as the look in cottons or faux leathers.

If you're not sure where to start on your hunt for a motorcycle jacket, here's a list of suggested retailers to get you on your way.

Faux: Express is selling a "(Minus the) Leather Motorcycle Jacket" at its stores. If you love the look of the classic, leather jacket, but don't want real leather, this could be the style for you. It comes in gray or black. I personally like the black. The gray borders on being near white and looks somewhat dated. Details on the jacket include zippers on the sleeves, a side zip and, interestingly, a removable fake fur collar. The only thing missing is the belt (and Express does sell a belted jacket, but it doesn't have the same collar or side zip as the motorcycle). Either jacket looks cool with dark denim and one of this season's other trends, the sparkly top, peaking out underneath. Plus, you will be amazed out how buttery soft the feel of this jacket is.

Where to Buy: www.express.com for $118 (belted jacket is $98)

Casual: A hoodie with all the style of a motorcycle jacket? Yes, it can be true. Forever 21 is selling a "Hooded Biker Jacket" made of 100 percent cotton. It has the same banded bottom and sleeves as a regular hooded sweater, but a side zip and placket collar like that of a motorcycle jacket. It also has the authentic zipper pockets and belt at the waist. This is a great idea for days where you want something soft and casual. It comes in dark grey or red. The dark grey would go with just about anything; the red is something to get if you like to turn heads (though I'm not sure if this would be in a good way).

Where to Buy: www.forever21.com for $22.80

Value: In its stores, Forever21 is selling the classic motorcycle jacket in grey, 100 percent cotton. It's a simple jacket with a full side zipper detailing, placket collar and belted waist in a structured, soft cotton. I haven't seen the style online yet, but I have seen it in some of the larger Forever 21 stores (e.g. the ones converted from old Mervyns or Gottschalks stores). They are selling the grey one for $24.80, which you can't beat. If you don't have a Forever 21 near you, they do sell a "Double Knit Biker Jacket" online. It has ribbing detail at the waistline with a full side zipper and exposed zipper pockets. They also have elbow patches and details at the sleeves.

Where to Buy: The grey jacket can be found at Forever 21 stores for $24.80; the black jacket can be found at www.forever21.com for $24.80

Denim: If you want a somewhat retro look, go for peroxide washed denim. The one from Mink Pink is just the right soft, light blue denim that would look good with a flowing dress or some refined trouser pants. Details include exposed zipper pockets and full side zip. There's a little bit of spandex too so that there's some stretch to this fitted jacket. Even though its a peroxide wash denim, it's not as scary as you would think. It has a really lightweight and soft look to it - there's nothing 80s about it.

Where to Buy: www.needsupply.com for $98

Fleece: American Eagle took a soft, fleece take on their "AE Soft Moto Jacket." Although this jacket is made of 100 percent cotton fleece, the cut and style is completely classic. The jacket has a diagonal zippered front and zipper pockets. It comes in both black and a grey plaid print. The plaid print is kind of cool. It's a dark charcoal grey so you avoid looking like you're wearing a blanket. It would look especially cool with grey skinny jeans and black ankle boots. Sizes in stock range from XXS to XXL.

Where to Buy: www.ae.com for $89.50

Brown Leather: If you're trying to veer away from the traditional black, Leather Motorcycle Jacket, brown is good for both fall and spring. It looks great with jeans, but can also be paired with skirts and dresses. American Eagle is selling a worn-in dark brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket that looks more chic than it does edgy. Pair this with flat leather riding boots for a pulled together look. It has zippered sleeves, zippered pockets and a side zip. The zippers are black so there's that little bit of black contrasting color. The bottom hem is a cotton ribbing for a slim fit.

Where to Buy: www.ae.com for $250

Anything But Black: Sashimi's faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket comes in teal, grey, navy and cognac. And the different colors are actually not as annoying or loud as you would think. The teal and the navy are actually muted and could be worn as a good neutral-colored jacket with anything. The fact that they are not the typical black motorcycle jacket, adds a little bit of interest. Because the colors are so understated, they would look great with something sparkly underneath. And even though its faux leather, it doesn't have that crinkly, plastic feel of most fakes.

Where to Buy: www.nordstrom.com for $68

Limited Edition: Normally, the white motorcycle jackets are either faux leather or leather and they look completely dated. Urban Outfitters' "Nom De Plume YaYa Moto Jacket" comes in dirty white, black and a coral color. The white is actually my favorite color for this cotton-polyester blend motorcycle jacket. It almost has a space-dyed look. It's soft and looks feathery and light. This would work perfectly with a soft cotton dress or skirt along with tights and very simple accessories. But if you're going to buy one, you had better hurry. It's one of Urban Outfitters' limited edition collections.

Where to Buy: www.urbanoutfitters.com for $68