Leather jackets, once reserved for the cool, ostensibly “bad” kids who chose to sit in the back of their high school classrooms, have gotten a re-brand. These days, seemingly every person owns one — and wears it to death this time of year, hence the fall epithet “leather weather.”
Eager to get in on the action, but unwilling to commit to a full-on leather moto for reasons financial and/or ethical? Thankfully, it’s 2017, we live in a wonderful, pluralistic world (although it may not seem it sometimes) and fashion is more democratic than ever. Just because you hold firm principles or stick to a strict outerwear budget doesn’t mean you have to wear a jacket that’s flimsy and depressingly ill-fitting or (cringe) makes an awful creaking noise when you move.
[ 10 Not-So-Classic Takes on Fall’s Must-Have Leather Jacket ]
These days, finding a quality vegan leather jacket — or faux leather or leather-look or vinyl or suede-effect or whatever you’d like to call it — is fairly easy, if you know where to look. Upscale brands like Stella McCartney, Shrimps and Vika Gazinskaya offer luxe, wear-forever options; Free People, ASOS and Vero Moda practically explode with affordable, reliably hip designs.
We’ve culled the best of both worlds in the slideshow above. Shop our picks of the best vegan leather jackets for fall today, sling ‘em jauntily over your shoulder tomorrow.
[ Next: 14 Vegan Boots You’d Never Guess Were Faux ]
Faux Leather Jackets
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Free People
Drapey Vegan Moto, $168 at Free People
That subtle draping gives the effect of authentic, soft and worn-in leather.
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Monki
Faux Leather Shearling Biker Jacket, $119 at ASOS
Shearling is a fall must-have.
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Express
(Minus The) Leather Double Peplum Jacket, $102.40 at Express
Moto-themed pieces are also upward-trending (thanks, Rihanna).
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Sara Battaglia
Flared-Hem Patent Faux-Leather Biker Coat, $1,935 at Matches Fashion
Use the belt to define your waist and accentuate that awesome flared hem.
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by the way.
Sloane Faux Leather Cropped Moto, $98 at Revolve
This vegan leather jacket looks especially great with high-waist jeans.
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Zara
Leather Effect Jacket, $69.90 at Zara
Emphasize that perfect red with black or neutral separates. Or if you're feeling especially daring, go tonal.
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Varsity Jacket, $60 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Complement this burgundy bomber with a mustard turtleneck.
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Nasty Gal
Bad Motor Moto Jacket, $68 at Nasty Gal
Windproof, fits layers underneath, doesn't OD on hardware and costs less than $100? We're sold.
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Shrimps
Patent Jacket With Faux Fur Collar, $505.80 at Stylebop
Don't delay — this street style favorite is selling fast.
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Mango
Faux Leather Zip Biker Jacket, $95 at ASOS
Pair this vegan leather jacket with a bold blue top.
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Levi's
Plus Size Faux-Leather Racer Jacket, $200 at Macy's
Complete with quilted panels and zipper details, perfect for layering with band shirts or mock necks
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Bershka
Faux Leather Long Line Biker Jacket, $79 at ASOS
The longline hem gives this faux leather jacket a decidedly 70s vibe. Play it up with check pants.
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Vero Moda
Leather Look Jacket, $45.15 at Vero Moda
Style as shown, with head-to-toe white.
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Urban Outfitters
Faux Fur Green Flight Jacket, $119 at Urban Outfitters
We like this unzipped and paired with a black boiler suit. (What can we say, we're suckers for a theme.)
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Avec Les Filles
Oversized Faux Sherpa Jacket, $169 at Urban Outfitters
The best Acne Velocite dupe we've seen yet.
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BLANKNYC
As You Wish Floral Embroidered Moto Jacket, $168 at Urban Outfitters
Stud details and delicate floral embroidery give this jacket a vintage, personalized feel.
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Mango
Suede Effect Jacket, $79.99 at Mango
Play with texture — style this one with silky pants and a mock neck top.
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Boohoo
Plus Leather Look Belted Jacket, $72 at ASOS
Wear unzipped and unclasped for a stylishly insouciant lewk.
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Vika Gazinskaya
Faux Leather Cropped Biker Jacket, $1,250 at Shopbop
We like this with a flowy floral dress that diminishes the hardness of its boxy cut and outsize epaulets.
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River Island
Faux Fur Collar Leather Look Biker Jacket, $103 at ASOS
Look on the bright side: If PETA protestors mistake your collar for the real thing, you'll only be out $103.
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Zara
Short Faux Leather Jacket, $69.90 at Zara
So 80s, so good.
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Free People
Halen Vegan Moto Jacket, $198 at Free People
Shrug this on over a classic jeans and T-shirt combo and you'll look instantly put-together.
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Uniqlo
Women Riders Jacket, $59.90 at Uniqlo
A perfect, slightly-longer-than-usual faux leather jacket that doesn't skimp on quality.