Six Ways to Style~{A Cognac Leather Jacket}

This is one of my favorite layering pieces in my closet! I am a tiny bit obsessed with cognac (the color!) right now too. I love it in belts, boots, and blazers! The one we are styling here has so many great details and embellishments and the perfect, tailored fit. I find myself throwing it over so many outfits.

 (This SAME ONE is on clearance right now at Target for $19.99! Bah! Go get it! )

Want a cognac leather jacket?

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1. Chambray Sure
There will be a future six ways post on this cream skinnies! I just love how simple this outfit is, yet so pulled together. Wearing a chambray shirt as your bottom layer is always a sure bet. Every time. The cognac jacket does so much for the overall look and feel of the outfit. I threw on orange flats for a pop of color.

Chambray: Kohls
Skinnies: Old Navy
Flats: Banana Republic

2. Mixin Prints
Polka-dots and stripes! (Check out our Print on Print posts for more tips on mixing prints.) The jacket is the perfect accent to this look. The black and white prints give detail while the jacket finishes it off. And of course...LEOPARD print shoes bring it all together. LOVE this look!

Sleeveless: Good Will!
Tank: Nordstrom Rack
Skinny jeans: Herberger's
Shoes: Target

3. Animal Instinct
Animal print is my new black. I used to be in this awful rut where I wore black nearly every day. It forced me to be on a strict "no black buying" shopping diet. However, I feel as though I now have an addiction to animal print because I buy it and wear it all the time. I adore it here under the cognac jacket. Oh well. This is a perfect going out look that looks comfy and chic at the same time.

Cardigan: Kohls
Tank: Old Navy
Skinnies: American Eagle
Flats: Von Maur, Born

4. Layered Love
For this look, I chose a lighter chambray shirt with a great striped sweater. I picked a orange statement necklace to add a pop of color. The nude sparkle shoes are the perfect way to complete it without going over the top.

Chambray: Charlotte Russe
Sweater: Gap
Necklace: Burlington Coat Factory
Skinny jeans: Herberger's
Shoes: Target

5. Say Yes to a Dress
This is another great example of how to stretch your wardrobe through several seasons. I used to classify this black dress as a strictly summer staple. However, when I was thinking about how to layer with my cognac jacket, it popped in my mind. The boot sox and matching cognac boots give it a perfect fall vibe. I added a little pop with the gold and turquoise necklace and suddenly had a fabulous fall look...from a summer dress. Say yes!

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft
Boot Socks: Target
Boots: Tilly's
Necklace: ancient!

6. Leather Squared
Can't get enough of Black and Brown! (Check out a previous posts on pairing these two neutrals.)The leggings are a faux leather and the combo with the jacket is amazing! The green necklace adds just enough to bring it all together.

Sleeveless: Charlotte Russe
Leggings: Forever 21
Necklace: Jo Ann Fabrics!
Shoes: The Buckle

Fashion Foundation: {Outer Layers}

Part three in our Fashion Foundation series! Check out our FF Tops and FF Bottoms posts too!

Layering is one of my favorite go-to fashion strategies. There is just something about an outer layer (or two!) that simply finishes off an outfit. The awesome thing about outer layers too is their versatility. A really good set of outer layer pieces can be mixed and matched to create dozens of outfits. We have linked examples of each piece this time--everything from Target and under 50 bucks! Whoo hoo! I cannot wait to show you at the end of our FF posts some outfits we have put together using only our FF pieces! Coming soon!

1. Blazers (Example)
Gone are the heavy shoulder padded blazers of the 80's folks. Today's blazers come in several cuts, lengths, and hues. I personally like my blazer to have a few darts in just the right places to give off slimming benefits. I cannot live without my boyfriend cut black blazer and often throw it over an outfit to give it that little extra BAM! I suggest owning a black blazer, a colored one that mixes well with your tops, and a blazer with a stripe. These three can be rotated beautifully--and add major options to your overall wardrobe.

2. Leather Jackets (Example)
These are not intended to act as weather related accessories but the beauty of them is that they DO! How great is it that they can provide warmth and style at the same time?! Look for leather jackets in neutral hues with feminine accents like ruffles or quilting. These accents keep the piece from looking too masculine. Leather jackets are perfect for layering over flowy tops or fitted shirts. Nail it big time by pairing a leather jacket over something super feminine like a lacey top.

3. and 4. Cardigans (Example) (Example)
I feel like such a crazy person when it comes to cardigans. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them for layering and have WAY too many. Granted I am a super sale shopper but my cardigan count is a bit out of control. I can't even type it here for fear that my husband with will read this and have an aneurysm. Anyway--cardigans are essential for layering purposes. We recommend a set of neutral cardigans, several pops of color, and for sure an animal print or two. Try and find cardigans with small details and embellishments such as sequins or lace. You will not regret having this foundation piece ever!

5. Jean Jacket (Example)
I wish I could say you could recycle your old denim jacket from days gone by but the answer is no. The denim jackets you can find now have so many things going for them. Find one that has a slightly  distressed tone and fitted shape. You can seriously throw this over dresses, flowy tops, fitted tops, anything. Work it in as a foundation piece to your outfits! (Side note--I use my chambray button up from the FF tops post just like a jean jacket but for warmer environments)

Are there other pieces that you HAVE TO have when it comes to outer layers? Share in the comments!

Next Fashion Foundation Post: Shoes!!