You could argue that every woman needs a faux leather jacket in her wardrobe. Also known as vegan leather, faux leather coats and jackets not only offer polish to an ensemble, but are edgy and cool. This means that if elements of your outfit are at risk of falling apart, your faux leather jacket will help keep it all together.
Faux leather jackets are the synthetic substitute for real leather jackets, except these days, few people even think about wearing real leather anymore. It’s faux all the way, for a variety of reasons! Firstly, faux leather involves zero real animal product, which is a bonus, plus it generally comes at a more affordable price point than genuine leather, and who isn’t balancing a budget these days? Faux leather also looks and feels much like the real thing, so you’re not missing out on anything when you opt for artificial leather jackets for women.
So now we’ve covered how great faux leather is, let’s explore some easy and stylish outfit ideas that will have you looking snazzy at any outing. We’ll also have a quick look at how to care for your vegan leather jacket, because that’s important too.
Popular Faux Leather Jacket Styles
Before we jump into the styling tips, let’s quickly remind ourselves of the popular faux leather jackets/coats you’ll likely encounter when shopping for fake leather jackets for women.
1. Biker Jackets
Want to rebel? Whether or not you actually do, you’ll look like a rebel if you wear a biker jacket. This classic style is well known for being worn by non-conformists, and looks edgy in any outfit. These babies usually have a hem that hits the waist, and may or may not be fitted. Often there are bold zips, metal buttons, and real and mock pockets. Faux leather biker jackets look at home with a pair of jeans, as well as with skirts and dresses.
2. Trench Coats
Trench coats offer a streamlined yet structured silhouette. A classic item of European film stars, the trench coat offers drama and sophistication, whilst having the practical benefits of being able to be worn in a range of seasons and at both casual and formal occasions.
3. Mid-Length Coats
A faux leather jacket that falls just below the hips, or to mid thigh, is a perfect all rounder. It is long enough to cover your hips, so you stay warm, but it doesn’t feel at all cumbersome. It also will work with a range of outfits. You can’t go wrong!
4. Long Coats
Long coats always look elegant, and are a great choice to wear with skirts and dresses, though they work well with pants too. They keep you warm to the knees, and make a striking statement. These styles suit professional environments, but are also a perfect choice for casual outings.
10 Ways to Style a Faux Leather Jacket or Coat
1. Casual Weekend Vibes: Faux Leather Biker Jacket, T-Shirt, Blue Jeans, Sneakers
We all know this classic street ensemble. Wear your faux leather biker jacket over a white t-shirt and with blue jeans. Add sneakers and you’ll not only look stylish, but will be ready to attack the day in comfort.
2. Brunchy Chic: Mid-Length Faux Leather Coat, Knit Dress & Ankle Boots
A mid-length faux leather jacket will always look stylish over a body-hugging knit dress. This is an especially great combination for the cold months. Add ankle boots and accessories to your taste!
3. Cute Date: Biker Jacket, Boho Dress, Heeled Sandals
The toughness of the biker style jacket contrasts nicely with the free-spirited and feminine vibes of a boho dress. Whether your boho dress is floral or has an abstract print, and whether it’s short, midi-length or a maxi, it will all work with a biker jacket. Add boots or strappy heels, depending on the temperature and your footwear preferences.
4. Professional Edge: Trench Coat, Wide-Leg Pants, Button Up Shirt
Update your corporate look with a faux leather trench coat layered over wide-leg women’s pants and a crisp shirt. Closed-toe heels or loafers will complete the look.
5. Winter Style: Long Coat, Turtleneck Jumper, Leggings
Be cosy and stylish in one hit! A vegan leather long coat over a chunky or smooth turtleneck women’s knit jumper will not only keep you feeling toasty, but will look on trend. The texture of the knit will offer a textural contrast to the smooth faux leather of the jacket. Add slim-fit pants or leggings, winter boots or chunky sneakers. Then layer up with all the winter accessories you desire!
6. Transitional Weather: Mid-Length Jacket, Midi Skirt, Light Knit Jumper
A midi skirt paired with a fine knit sweater and a faux leather jacket in mid-length will be a great outfit option for late autumn or early spring, when things are still a little cool, but you don’t need to rug up too much. The skirt will keep the look breezy, especially if it’s a flowy one, and the jacket will provide structure to the ensemble.
7. Casual Street Cool: Biker Jacket, Hoodie, Jogger Pants
Want to up your street cred? Try layering your biker jacket over a hoodie and jogger pants. Add chunky sneakers and a baseball cap and you’re suitably prepped for your coffee run.
8. Bar Hopping: Trench Coat, Leather Trousers, Glam Top
Create a sophisticated evening look with slim-fit faux leather pants, a glitzy evening top, and a faux leather trench coat. Add glam accessories and heels for a look that will draw heads.
9. Family Dinner Ready: Faux Leather Trench Coat, Blouse, Tailored Trousers
Strike the perfect balance between stylish and family-appropriate with a soft blouse tucked into tailored trousers, topped off with a sleek faux leather trench coat. This look is stylish, whilst understated—ideal for dinner with relatives. Add comfortable footwear and finish with minimal jewellery.
10. Summer Soiree: Lightweight Faux Leather Biker Jacket, Flowy Maxi Dress
Summer nights may still call for an outer layer, and a faux leather jacket can be a great option. Try contrasting the edginess of a biker jacket with the soft femininity of a flowy maxi dress. (Choose a light and breathable material for your maxi.) Wedge heels or sandals complete this chilled look.
Faux Leather Jackets Across the Seasons
- Autumn: When the leaves are falling, it’s nice to wear warm colours that match the scenery. Toffee, khaki and red will all emulate the autumn leaves. Layer with textured knits in neutral colours.
- Winter: Long vegan leather coats offer a dramatic look. Make sure your underlayers are cosy, and consider layering your coat over knit dresses and leggings.
- Spring: It’s time to brighten things up. Opt for pastel or light-toned faux leather with flowy boho or floral dresses and sneakers.
- Summer: Faux leather isn’t exactly breathable, so if you want to rock the leather look, opt for sleeveless faux leather pieces, like a faux leather vest trench. Reserve any vegan leather biker jackets for evening events, when the temperatures are mild. Faux leather jackets will look edgy against airy skirts or linen pants.
Caring for Faux Leather
Now that you know how to style your vegan leather jackets, you need to know how to make them last. Given they aren’t made of animal fur, they have some unique qualities that require special care.
1. Gentle cleaning
A faux leather jacket doesn’t need any harsh or vigorous treatment. If you have a stain on the outside of the jacket, wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. If you need to, use a very mild detergent mixed with cold water. Never use harsh cleaners, as faux leather may be made of polyester and/or polyurethane (PU), which can degrade when exposed to chemicals.
If the armpit area of the jacket could do with a wash, turn the jacket inside out and rinse the lining in cold water, (again with a mild detergent or soap). Then allow to air dry.
2. Store Properly
Keep your jacket in tip-top shape by hanging it on a padded hanger. This will help retain its shape, and will mean you aren’t tempted to iron it (that’s a no-no). Also avoid folding if you can. Vegan leather is not as forgiving as genuine leather in that sense, and it may crease or crack if you fold it.
3. Keep it Dry and Cool
Your faux leather jacket won’t do well if left in the harsh sun, so avoid direct sunlight. Also, faux leather can peel or crack when left in hot and humid areas, so again, protect it.
4. Moisturise
Whilst it doesn’t need to be a daily routine, occasionally using a faux leather conditioner can help to keep the surface of your jacket feeling supple. Make sure you do a small spot test first though, to check results!
5. Avoid Heat
As we hinted at earlier, ironing faux leather is prohibited! Also, don’t throw your faux leather jacket in the tumble dryer. If it has wrinkles, hang it in the bathroom when you shower and the steam will help reduce the wrinkles.
Faux Leather Jackets & Coats at Femme Connection
Get your fix of faux leather outerwear at Femme Connection. We have a range of vegan leather biker jackets, trench coats (including sleeveless vest styles), mid-length coats and long coats. Get a version of each so you’re prepared for any occasion!
A fan of colour? We have faux leather jackets and coats for women in a variety of colours, including toffee, khaki, ice blue, dusty pink, navy and red, as well as the obligatory black. So you can easily find a jacket hue to suit you!
Need other outerwear? We’ve got you sorted with not only vegan leather jackets, but also denim jackets, shackets and winter puffers. And if you prefer a fluffy jacket to a smooth faux leather jacket, we also stock a range of faux fur jackets for women. Our fake fur jacket range includes jackets that resemble real animal fur, as well as teddy jackets that aim to be soft and comfortable.