Style Tips: Motorcycle Jackets

At Mama’s A Rolling Stone, there are a few items that we believe are essential to every good closet and motorcycle jackets have always been number one on that list. We believe that the basic requirements of a closet essential are versatility and the ability to wear them all year round. From throwing your jacket over a sundress to getting cozy in winter, motorcycle jackets fulfill both of these requirements with ease.

STYLE TIP #1 / Pair your motorcycle jacket with casual jeans and tees for added impact:  Rachel Bilson’s style mantra has always been to mix high-end and low-end items, with a little vintage on the side. Here, Rachel adds her motorcycle jacket to an otherwise casual mix of black skinny jeans and a loose, white tee. Her vintage-inspired ankle booties add extra chic while her scarf adds a pop of color. We suggest pairing your jeans and tee with this Confetti Wrap Scarf ($88) by Love Quotes, Topshop’s Leather Mix Biker Jacket ($260) and Dolce Vita’s Elton Flat Ankle Boots ($165).

STYLE TIP #2 / Throw your motorcycle jacket over a bodysuit and mini skirt to avoid a skimpy look:  Rihanna’s outfit here is tame in comparison to some of her recent forays into fashion at Paris Fashion Week. Here she pairs a simple tank with a flared skirt and a pair of lace-up ankle booties. Throwing her motorcycle jacket over the outfit allows her to cover up the skimpier elements of the outfit without losing any edge. For a similar look, combine Free People’s Black Cotton Voile Ruffle Mini Skirt ($62) with Kimchi Blue’s Lace Bodysuit ($38).

STYLE TIP #3 / Go classic with an all-black outfit that easily encompasses your motorcycle jacket:  Although the Olsen twins have rocked nearly every style under the sun, it’s nice, once in a while, to see them go back to basics with a classic black outfit. Ashley has always been the more understated of the twins, usually letting her accessories do the talking. Here she uses an oversized bag and a pair of chunky leather boots to add edge to her outfit. We think Maxx New York’s Garbo Large Tote ($195) makes for a fashionable stand-in paired with Michael Antonio’s Odessa Knee High Boot ($74.95).

STYLE TIP #4 / Toughen up a feminine frock by adding an edgy leather jacket:  There is no doubt in our minds that Nicole Richie gets better with age (and motherhood, perhaps). Although Nicole started out under the tutelage of Rachel Zoe, since spreading her wings, she has really started to shine. Adding a cropped motorcycle jacket to a printed dress gives her an extra edge and tones down her bohemian styling. We like Forever21′s Cropped Faux Leather Jacket ($39.80) paired with Free People’s Flirty Halter Mini Dress ($49.95) in grey.

STYLE TIP #5 / Add punk elements to your motorcycle jacket with loads of pins:  Agyness Deyn is not your average model. The platinum blonde adds a little punk to her everyday style with punk leather and androgynous styling. Here, she goes for the leather duo by pairing her motorcycle jacket with skinny leather pants. A red kerchief around the neck and rainbow socks add bursts of color. Try Topshop’s Suede Panelled Skinny Trouser ($210) with Mossimo’s Retro Bandana ($9.99). Add a selection of pins to your motorcycle jacket, like this Plaid Flower Salon Clip ($4).

STYLE TIP #6 / Mix your motorcycle jacket with the 90s grunge revival by pairing it with plaid:  Our final Style Tip comes from Mischa Barton, a girl who knows how to work the layered look. Mischa deftly layers a white tee under a red plaid shirt under a motorcycle jacket, giving her an outfit that can be peeled on and off when the weather deems it necessary. This Relax Fit Plaid Shirt ($98) by Joe’s Jeans lends some grunge appeal to the outfit. Deena & Ozzy’s Slouchy Ankle Boot ($68) will complete the look.

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