The off-duty mainstay to wear with anything and everything!

Thanks to legends like Marlon Brando and James Dean, the biker jacket is your coats way cooler cousin. It is one of the most iconic pieces of clothing to ever exist and has shaped decades of fashionista style. To this day it is still the most common classic staple found in wardrobes across the globe.

New York entrepreneur Irving Schott designed the first true biker jacket in 1928 when he introduced the horizontal zip fastening. This stroke of genius was created to stop wind passing through the jacket when riding and the jacket from bunching when the rider sat. It was dubbed the “Perfecto” after Schott’s favourite cigar and retailed for $5.50 at Harley Davidson distributors.

Yes this timeless masterpiece makes appearances at Fashion Week time and time again but on the runways this year, designers turned the biker chic trend to a smoking hot level ten! From Balmain to Balenciaga to McQueen and Louis Vuitton, they were the ultimate in cool. And while everyone may not be able to afford thousands of dollars for a biker jacket, there are plenty of options for any budget.

Personally I can’t get enough of the ubiquitous leather topper and it is so obviously clear that it is a universal outerwear obsession. The best part about this trend is that it is so easy to wear! Whether you are dressing for day or night, sophisticated, preppy or tough, there’s a biker jacket to suit almost every look.

Pair yours with a fitted or frilly dress, a silk jumpsuit or un-tucked button down shirt. A lady like skirt practically begs for an edgy counterpart! Or if you are feeling edgy then channel your inner rock chic with an oversized t-shirt and skinny jeans for maximum impact! Just remember to keep it simple and don’t over accessorise. Your outfit will ooze elegance and look effortlessly cool and coordinated, fashionable and fun.

Last but not least, it’s all in the details. Too many and it will date, too little and it borders on boring. Zippers, stitching and hardware can make or break your jacket choice. Just make sure it’s classic and flattering.

Oh and who said it has to be black? If the noir hue feels a little harsh then step out of the black box with an unexpected colour like forest green or rich merlot. It can be even more eye catching and if styled correctly, just as versatile.

Beyond national borders the biker jacket it seems, has become a closet cure-all for those feeling either sartorially uninspired or in need of some rebel direction.

So if you haven’t already, go hell for leather! Xx Sirens