5 Steps to Getting the Biker Look
1. The Jacket
The right biker jacket is an essential item for this look.
Get the perfect biker jacket and the rest of the look will follow. How do you know your jacket is the right one? There are a few key things to look for.
First, the material. Leather is the most classic option, but you don't need to break the bank to get it. Try a second-hand or consignment shop, where you can find affordable, lightly used leather options.
If there's a bit of wear and tear on them, all the better. Part of the biker look is the rough and rugged feel that worn-in leather can provide.
If you don't find what you're looking for there, you can also try looking for faux leather options. Many great vegan types of leather are now being made, so even a new biker jacket can be very affordable.
Classic black leather or faux leather biker jackets will never go out of style. But feel free to change it up with a colored jacket. A rich tone like red, blue, or burgundy will go with almost everything, but will still stand out from the crowd.
Size is important, too. Many leather jackets come in fitted silhouettes, but for the most authentic look, you'll want your jacket to be slightly oversized. Try buying a size up from your usual, or even shopping in the men's section to get the look you want.
2. The Accessories
If you want to customize your jacket further, try adding some pins and patches that show your personality. From bands to beers to T.V. shows, you can find ones that reflect any interests you may have. The more, the better!
Accessories are a very inexpensive way to add biker style to your look. In addition to pins and patches, try jewelry and other accessories to get the biker look down.
Edgy chokers and bracelets featuring studs and spikes can add to the biker vibe. Silver metal evokes the chrome of a motorcycle, so don't be afraid to pile it on. Try jewelry with a chain motif, like a thick bracelet or necklace.
Don't forget to add cosmetics. Black nail polish and a deep red lip are the perfect accessories to a biker-inspired outfit. Mascara and black eyeliner will complete the biker look and add just the right amount of polish.
3. The Shoes
There are many great biker-inspired shoes to choose from. It all depends on what direction you want to take your look in.
If you want the most realistic biker look, try a boot with a design inspired by a motorcycle boot. The distinctive look of a thick sole, heavy straps and buckles, and a low chunky heel can't be mistaken.
Real motorcycle boots can be expensive, but if you don't need the real thing, there are many great boots that use the same style with a slightly lighter material or design.
If you want to add sexiness to the look, swap out the low-heeled boot for a stiletto. From a knee-high leather heeled boot to a sexy cage heel design, you can rock the attitude of a motorcycle look with added sass.
Embellishments like studs can dress up the perfect pair of heels or boots, or you can stick with a more simple, classic design. Black leather is always a good choice. However, a different color like deep red or even silver can give the same effect in a unique way.
4. The Pants
A biker-chic look gives you many options for pants.
If you want the most accurate look, try a motocross-inspired pant. These can come in denim, leather, or other material, but keep the design elements that you would see in a pair of genuine motocross pants.
You can also try a pair of classic jeans in a unique cut and wash. A light wash with some rips and tears gives the impression that you've put in hours on and around the bike -- even if you actually haven't.
A slightly oversized, boyfriend-style jean adds to the utilitarian look. Or, you can go vintage and try a sturdy pair of used Levis or Wranglers, for the most authentically worn look.
Black leather pants will always be in style, and with the new faux leather options, it's easy to find an affordable pair that works for you. When buying leather pants - especially faux leather - always buy them a little tighter than you want them, as they will stretch.
5. The Details
A great biker look is all about attitude, not just specific items. Get creative and look for unexpected ways to add a biker vibe to your look.
A leather skirt with an exposed zipper has elements of biker style in it. So does a moto-style leather vest with metal hardware.
You can customize any of your clothes with some biker style by adding DIY studs and spikes. Try this method to dress up an old pair of jeans or a boring jacket.
Don't forget to look for unique items, like an unexpected skull ring or a hardy leather bag with chrome-inspired hardware.
A vintage t-shirt with a rock band motif is a great way to complete the look. Many new shirts are made with a vintage look, or you can try an actual thrift store. For an extra edge, take a pair of scissors and cut the sleeves off yourself or add a few holes and frays.
Biker style has a long history that's grounded in both practicality and self-expression. Once you learn how to recognize biker style, you can start thinking about how to best express yourself with it.
With the right attitude and some key biker-inspired clothes and accessories, nailing the biker look is a cinch.