by Jennifer Smith June 17, 2024 7 min read

If you consider yourself fashion savvy, you must know how a strong outerwear game is a style move that earns you lots of admiring stares and complements. One of the pieces that is a must-have in women’s leather jackets collection is the cropped leather jacket. Why? Because when styled right, a cropped leather jacket gives an illusion of longer legs, a slim waist, and an overall flattering silhouette. 

But how do you rock this trendy jacket without feeling too exposed or missing the mark altogether? In this guide, we will show you how to style a cropped leather jacket for a look that's both on-trend and effortlessly you.

Key Highlights:

  • Picking the right cropped leather jacket according to your personal style.
  • Tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories that go well with a cropped leather jacket.
  • On-trend outfit ideas with a cropped leather jacket.

Get a Voguish Cropped Leather Jacket

From celebrities to the common girl, cropped leather jackets are loved by everyone. The jacket is a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe due to its versatility, whether you want to dress up or down. From Rihanna's edgy, studded versions to Gigi Hadid's oversized takes, cropped leather jackets have become a red carpet favorite. 

A cropped jacket, unlike longer ones, hits at your natural waistline, enhancing your curves. The flattering look it gives makes it a must-have choice for hourglass shaped bodies, rectangle shaped bodies, petite bodies and inverted triangle shaped bodies. You can also learn how to wear a plus sized leather jacket (cropped) for apple or pear shaped bodies. Even tall girls can rock it!

We suggest keeping a stylish black cropped leather jacket, which would be your go-to outerwear with all sorts of casual and dressy looks. You can also go for burgundy or brown cropped leather jackets, as they can also be highly versatile and appealing. 

While we are focusing on cropped jackets made of leather, we suggest adding a cropped denim jacket to your wardrobe as well. It has the ability to amp up your day-to-day looks, keeping the casual vibe intact. 

For a truly unique look, consider ordering custom cropped leather jackets from Leather Skin Shop. Choose your leather type, perfect color, hardware, and fit for a piece that reflects your individual style.  

Shirts and Tops to Wear With Cropped Leather Jackets

Certain styles of tops and shirts work well with a cropped leather jacket. For a casual chic look, you can wear a graphic tee, a solid colored tank top, or a halterneck top tucked inside your jeans, skirts, or leggings. If your jacket has a sleek look, you can add a cool counterpoint with printed tops or cable knit crop tops. 

Flowy tank tops, tunics or camis also pair well with cropped jackets, giving a feminine touch. You can tuck these in or keep the flowy look with slim fit or tapered bottoms. Other options are a turtleneck or long-sleeved tee underneath your cropped leather jacket that adds warmth and dimension to your outfit.

For an elevated everyday look, opt for silk blouses and button-downs. These take your look from casual to classy, and create perfect looks for brunch, work events, or a night out. In contrast, you can go for fitted knit sweaters and a plaid skirt with a cropped plus size leather jacket for a cool preppy look.  

Tucking it In: Define your waistline by tucking your shirt or top fully or doing a half-tuck. This creates a flattering silhouette and shows off the high-waisted fit of some cropped leather jackets.

Bottoms to Wear With a Cropped Leather Jacket

High waisted pants, capris, jeans and skirts make the perfect style match with cropped leather jackets. The high waisted bottoms create a visually elongating effect, making your legs appear longer and your waistline more defined. Here are some high-waisted options to pair with your cropped leather jacket:

Jeans: Skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans, or even trendy mom jeans all work wonders with the cropped look. Choose the wash that best suits your style and the occasion.

Skirts: High-waisted skirts, from minis to midis and even flowy maxis, can create a stunning contrast with the cropped leather jacket. Play with proportions for a balanced look. A shorter skirt might pair well with knee-high boots, while a maxi skirt can be rocked with sneakers for a more casual vibe.

Flare pants are another voguish option to create an effortlessly stylish look, or you can go for leather leggings for a nonchalant, cool look. A leather leggings and tucked-in fitted top pair works equally well with a cropped or an oversized leather jacket, perfect for your casual outings. 

Wearing a Cropped Jacket With a Dress

Take your dresses to the next level by layering them with an appealing cropped leather jacket. A bodycon or slip dress in a luxurious fabric like satin or silk adds a touch of glamour when contrasted with the cool edge of the leather jacket. A casual plaid dress or a floral blouson dress also makes a fashion statement with a cropped jacket. 

You can also pair a cute jumpsuit with a cropped jacket for a sophisticated, feminine look. 

Shoes to Wear With Cropped Jacket Outfits

When rounding off casual cropped leather jacket outfits, you can wear low top sneakers, converse sneakers, ankle boots, or loafers. Slingbacks can elevate a casual look with a cropped jacket, especially with wide leg trousers or you can add some edge with Chelsea boots. 

For dressed up looks, opt for heels, such as pumps, booties, block heeled or kitten heeled mules. These add instant sophistication to your evening wear or night out looks. Pointed flats are another polished yet comfortable option, adding a touch of class without sacrificing comfort.  

Accessorizing a Cropped Leather Jacket Outfit

Whether you want to show off your unique style, or complete the look in a certain way, accessories help you keep up with the latest trends. The right accessories can take your cropped leather jacket outfit from good to great. 

  • Scarves and Belts: You can amp up your cropped jacket outfit with a scarf tied loosely around your neck. Cinching your waist with a statement belt is also a great way to define your figure, and you can experiment with belts in different widths and buckle styles. 
  • Jewelry: Layered necklaces are highly trending, as well as stacked rings, portraying your flamboyant personality and adding energy to your look. You can make a strong visual statement with a bold piece of jewelry, such as a statement necklace. 
  • Bags: Tote bags look great with chic cropped jacket outfits, while a crossbody or clutch adds a touch of sophistication for dressier occasions.  
  • Hats: Berets, beanies, and fedoras are all affordable ways to bring up the style quotient of your cropped leather jacket outfit. 

Unique Outfit Ideas with a Cropped Leather Jacket

If you don’t want to risk a faux pass with your cropped leather jacket, here are some complete, no-fail outfit ideas. Style yourself in different ways with these stylist-approved outfit suggestions. 

Preppy with an Edge

To nail the preppy look with a cropped leather jacket, wear a white button down shirt and a high waisted plaid midi skirt in a tartan print. Layer a cropped brown leather blazer over this base for a stunning look. Knee high boots and a beret with perfectly accessorize the outfit. 

70s Chic

Give a unique spin to the quintessential 70’s look by teaming up a psychedelic print halter top or a flowy, floral blouse with dramatic sleeves. For bottomwear options, you can wear high-waisted wide leg pants. Platform sandals, a chunky necklace, and a floral print headband would round off the look with the perfect 70’s vibes. 

Modern Grunge

Slay the modern grunge look with a plain black tee, a sheer top, ripped and distressed blue skinny jeans with a raw hem. Layer a black cropped leather biker jacket. Complete this perfect outfit with combat boots, a chain belt, and a black beanie.

Sports Luxe

The sports luxe look is all the rage, with a heavy inclusion of cropped leather jackets that help with a sporty but luxurious look. Wear an electric blue fitted tank top, high-waisted wide leg track pants, and a cropped varsity jacket in a blue and black contrast. Wear chunky white trainers with this look, a baseball cap, and layered silver necklaces to round off the look. 

Baddie Outfit

If you are inspired by the baddie aesthetic that is all the rage on TikTok and Instagram, you must have seen these fashion savvy divas often sporting cropped leather jackets with their outfits. You too can do the same, simply by pairing a white fitted turtleneck and black leather pants. Layer a cropped Brando style biker jacket in black over the outfit. Wear heeled ankle boots and lots of stacked rings to complete this uber-chic look. 

Elegant Cropped Jacket Ensemble

While a cropped jacket looks casual and often laid back, you can try pairing it with a high neck slip dress. Sheer black tights with heeled booties and a delicate gold neckchain can complete this outfit in the most captivating manner. 

Bonus Styling Tips for Cropped Leather Jackets

  • Play with textures! Combine the smooth leather jacket with a flowy, feminine top or a chunky knit sweater for unexpected contrast.
  • Don't be afraid of color! Opt for a brightly colored leather jacket instead of a plain black leather jacket or a statement top for a unique look.
  • Think outside the box! Consider layering your leather jacket over a jumpsuit or a maxi dress for a fresh take.

Wrapping Up

The versatility of a cropped leather jacket is undeniable, as you can see from the abundant pairing options we have stated. You too can experiment with different cropped jacket outfits, and find your own unique style. If you have made up your mind to buy a cropped jacket, you can browse Leather Skin Shop’s cropped jacket collection. Furthermore, you can read more informative styling guides such as how to wear an oversized leather jacket.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog | Leather Skin Shop

Are Leather Jackets Still in Style or a Thing of the Past?
Are Leather Jackets Still in Style or a Thing of the Past?

by Jennifer Smith July 28, 2024 7 min read

Hailey Bieber just rocked a killer maternity look with a leather trench, and let's be honest, it was magnificent! This isn't the only time celebs and influencers have been slaying in leather lately. It seems the classic leather jacket is back with a vengeance, making anyone who considered ditching theirs think twice(Let's be real, it was never truly out!) Get ready to dust off those jackets because the leather jacket trend is not going anywhere anytime soon! 
Read More
How To Wear A Leather Jacket Over 40
How To Wear A Leather Jacket Over 40

by Jennifer Smith June 23, 2024 7 min read

Leather jackets are highly versatile, comfortable, and stylish, but admittingly one of those garments that people over 40 tend to wear less. The reasons for this are multiple, which we will discuss later. But the main purpose of this blog is to equip you with several style choices so that you can keep rocking a leather jacket even after you turn 40.  

Read More
How To Store A Leather Jacket
How To Store A Leather Jacket

by Jennifer Smith June 07, 2024 7 min read

You don’t get high-quality men’s or women’s leather jackets for cheap, so we highly recommend optimal care and proper storage for them. A little extra effort ensures your hard-earned money doesn’t go to waste. In this blog, you will learn how to store a leather jacket properly, along with tips and tricks to keep it in good shape for a long time.
Read More