Are Leather Jackets Business Casual?

Deciding whether or not a leather jacket is considered business casual can be tricky without some help. Are you going for a stylish office look, or do you plan to wear a leather jacket to a company event? We are also very curious about this question, have done plenty of research, and have the answer for you. Let's get into it.

When it comes to leather jackets being business casual, we say yes within reason. Keeping your leather jacket on the lighter and more fashionable side is a great business casual look. You can swap your blazer or cardigan for a lightweight leather jacket to keep you looking professional. We suggest also choosing a lighter color, so your jacket doesn't come across too severe.

As we dive into this post, we will share some of our favorite business casual leather jacket looks and tag some helpful related products. You don't have to give up your style in the office or at a company party; you have to refine it. With that said, let's get this post started!

What Qualifies As Business Casual?

Styling a "business casual" outfit is best done by keeping your look professional enough to wear to a meeting while also looking comfortable. From what we found, start with a nice pair of pants or skirt and pair it with a button-down or sweater. Your outfit can incorporate your style but needs to cover you up for the most part and not be too quirky. Choosing to wear a leather jacket over a buttoned blouse with a nice pair of khaki or jean pants is an excellent example of a business casual look.

What Is Considered "Too" Casual?

Keeping your look from becoming too casual is a slippery slope. A few clothing items we would recommend against would be:

• Ripped or torn jeans
• Low cut tops and dresses
• Sandals/flip flops
• Sports jerseys or merchandise

What Does A Leather Jacket Say About You?

Wearing a leather jacket can tell us a lot about someone's personality. Typically, those who wear leather jackets have a more punk-rock style and tend to be free-spirited. Incorporating your unique style into the clothing you wear is a great way to show the world exactly who you are before they even meet you. Just because you have a professional-level job does not mean you have to give up your one-of-a-kind personality.

What Color Leather Jacket Should I Buy?

Choosing the perfect color leather jacket to wear into the office will come down to your style needs. We recommend a light tan or brown leather jacket that won't look as severe as a jet-black style. Lighter colors tend to look more inviting versus dark, making them perfect for a business casual look. Even going with a darker brown tone over black will give your outfit an office-ready feel.

BLANKNYC Semi-Fitted Vegan Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Here is a light, semi-fitted vegan leather jacket from BLANKNYC that is appropriate for the office. This jacket is made with premium vegan leather and comes in a variety of colors.

View this business casual faux leather jacket on Amazon here.

GUESS Women's Faux Leather Jacket

Here is another great leather jacket option from GUESS. This faux leather jacket is lightweight and comes in a few different colors.

Check out this lightweight faux leather jacket on Amazon here.

How To Wear A Leather Jacket To The Office

When it comes to rocking a leather jacket in the office, less is more. Going with a softer palette throughout your outfit is going to look much better than a busy one. There are plenty of easy ways to accessorize your leather jacket look while remaining professional.

Similar Nude Shades

Here is a great way to style your leather jacket for the office using lighter nude tones. This outfit has a professional yet stylish look to it, which makes it a great idea. We also love the matching clutch that ties this look all together.

Faux Leather Oversize Foldover Clutch

Here is a nude-colored oversize clutch that will go perfectly with an outfit like this. This foldover clutch is made from high-quality faux leather and comes with a 21-inch chain that is detachable.

See this nude oversize clutch on Amazon here.

Bright Colored Jacket

Another way to style a leather jacket for the office would be a bright, fun option like this. Although we did advise against too much color earlier, this look does a great job of balancing the red with darker accessories and clothing. If you choose to wear a similar colored jacket to the office, stick with darker clothing and accessories.

Marycrafts Women's Work Office Business Pencil Skirt

Here is a knee-length pencil skirt from Marycraft that will go nicely with a statement leather jacket. This skirt is made with rayon, nylon, and spandex to give you a comfortable and movable feel.

Check out this business casual pencil skirt on Amazon here.

Trenchcoat Styling

Here is another office-friendly leather jacket idea that is perfect for anyone on the go. Wearing a simple pair of white jeans or pants with a leather trenchcoat is easy to accessorize without clashing colors. This outfit is great for anyone traveling to and from different locations and wants a fashion-forward look.

Gloria Vanderbilt Women's Amanda Classic High Rise Tapered Jean

Here we have a pair of high-rise tapered jeans from Gloria Vanderbilt that will go perfectly with a leather trenchcoat. These white jeans are made from 98% cotton, 2% elastane and are machine washable.

Follow this link to check them out on Amazon.

Can You Wear A Leather Jacket To An Interview?

Dressing well for an interview is a vital part of the process and should be taken seriously. With that said, if you want to wear a leather jacket to an interview, we suggest choosing a lightweight and neutral style. The last thing you want to happen is your outfit because you didn't get the job, so the simpler, the better. Wearing a simple blazer and pants is what we would recommend for a job interview due to the simplicity and professionalism that look tends to have.

Our Interview Outfit Recommendation

Here is a perfect interview outfit that isn't too uptight but also shows your professional side. Going with a simple jacket or blazer over a neutral top paired with pants is a great way to show up to your job interview. We recommend sticking with similar colors and avoiding anything too bright or brandy.

Andongnywell Women's Casual Button Blazer

Here is a business casual blazer from Andongnywell that is perfect for an interview. This jacket has a v-line design and promises to be comfortable and lightweight.

View this blazer jacket on Amazon here.

Can I Wear A Name Brand Jacket To Work?

Although it may seem enticing to wear a name-brand item to the office, we suggest keeping it simple. Depending on where you work, brands like Gucci or Louis Vuitton may appear out of place and make for an awkward social situation among coworkers. If you have a piece that is not as noticeable with its branding, that should be fine. The same goes for your jacket, as it should not have a huge label across the front or back.

Can I Wear A T-Shirt Under My Jacket?

Wearing a simple tee or top underneath your jacket is fine as long as it is plain. If you need to take off your jacket during the day, your t-shirt or top needs to look like it belongs in an office. We recommend a neutral-tone soft shirt or blouse to wear under your jacket to keep you comfortable and professional.

Amazon Essentials Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tunic

Here is a short-sleeve v-neck from Amazon Essentials that is great for layering underneath a jacket. This top is made with soft viscose and elastane to provide extra stretch and movement.

Check out this shirt on Amazon here.

Our Final Thoughts

When it comes to sporting a leather jacket in a business casual setting, we say go for it! Remembering to keep your outfit as professional as possible is very important whether you are going to an interview or a meeting at the office. We suggest choosing a lighter leather jacket, both in color and style, to give your look a business casual feel. Try to avoid wearing anything with noticeable branding, which can also be considered too casual or unprofessional. Regardless of where you work, remember to let your personality shine through everything you wear and do.

Need some more style-related advice? Check out these super helpful posts!

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