'90s Style Leather Bomber Jackets Are Back, Here's Why This One Is Actually Worth It

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Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.

There are certain fall staples that are pricey enough that it's deeply unreasonable for you to purchase one on a regular basis. For example? The leather jacket. You definitely don't need multiple. So for many years, I have stuck by my trusty Rick Owens draped leather jacket. But in late summer, as I was making my vision board, I found myself particularly drawn to '90s era pictures of say Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, and Jennifer Aniston in leather jackets of a different variety. Off I went looking for my perfect piece to fit the vision, and find it I did. Enter: the Banana Republic Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket.

I'm not normally one for oversized, and in general I have felt that bombers often don't work on me because of that, but this piece—the way it feels, the way it sits—changed my mind. Let's talk basics, shall we? First and perhaps most importantly, the leather is weighty and has this lovely grain, so it doesn't feel too precious, but more like something that will show the way that you've loved it over time. You just know a gorgeous patina awaits you. As for the oversized moniker, don't let that fool you. It's oversized but only oh-so slightly. I ordered an XS and it hits me just below the waist, and while there's room to layer under the piece, it doesn't swallow me whole or deprive me of my shape, nor does it make me look bulky. It really is perfect.

Obviously, right now it's not cold, but you can feel that chill in the air coming, and it's great to know that this piece is fully lined, so it is wearable when it's below 60 degrees. Some other details to love are the collar, which is the right size and proportion and adds structure to a piece that is more relaxed in fit. The zipper isn't obtrusive, either, which can be a niche pet peeve of mine.There are two exterior pockets that are roomy, but secure, and there's also an interior pocket where I know I'll stash my sunglasses. All in all, it's a winner.

These days, I'm wearing it with feminine dresses that are still airy and light (like a vintage 2001 era Prada dress that I snapped up) to both keep me warm in the perfect September temps, and add a bit of edge and contrast. But I know this is going to be a piece that I throw on with everything, whether I'm dashing out the door wearing my favorite pair of straight leg jeans (the Alex Mill Carla—the perfect fit for someone who has a butt and hips) and a tee, or a bit more dressed up for a night out. The ideas of how to wear it are limitless, all the more proving how worth it this piece is. And if I could end on anything, I would say that it has the feel of a piece that costs far more than $600. It may seem like leather jacket weather is a ways off, but it's going to sneak up on us sooner than you think. Run don't walk.

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