The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Where to Buy Real Leather Jackets on a Budget


Where to Buy Real Leather Jackets on a Budget

Some of you just aren't feeling the faux leather jackets this fall, so I've rounded up a list of some of the best places to shop for an affordable (though not cheap) genuine leather jacket. Most of them are still full price and cost between $200 and $300. Like I said, not cheap, but if it's real leather you want, here's where you can get it for less than, say, Shopbop, where designer leather jackets average around $700:

Where to Buy Real Leather Jackets on a Budget


  • Zara: On the plus side, Zara's leather jackets look borrowed from the runway. Downside: There aren't many locations in the U.S. and you can't shop online.


  • H&M: If luck is on your side, you can find real leather jackets at any one of H&M's many locations, also with a high-fashion vibe.


  • Topshop: This is where Topshop really shines, IMO, for those unique, hard-to-find pieces that no one else is making. Fierce leather jackets fall into this category, like the belted leather blazer above.


  • AE.com: I'm loving their brown leather bomber (see above). Though described as a moto jacket, I think it's very Amelia Earhart chic.


  • Urban Outfitters: Great selection of faux leather and a couple real leather gems to boot. Close proximity to many college campuses make UO a back-to-school shopper's paradise.


  • Victoria's Secret: Serves up styles to suit both your soft side and harder edge, like this luscious aviator jacket. Wait for their great sales and always use a promo code.


  • Asos.com: It's worth the wait and shipping cost when you can get a Balmain-inspired leather jacket like this one for under $200.


  • Spiegel: I've said it a million times: If you can look past the cheesy styling, you will be rewarded with designer-looking pieces at really low prices, including this ruched leather jacket.


  • Bebe: Designer-inspired shoes and clothing make Bebe an important resource for fashionistas on a budget. Where else can you find an of-the-moment leather military jacket that won't break the bank?


  • Club Monaco: How I wish we could shop this store online. But we can't, so visit a store near you (usually located at upscale malls) for an affordable, modern-classic leather jacket.


Personally, I'm loving my faux leather jacket from Forever 21. It wipes clean and doubles as a rain coat!

Some of you have also had luck at places like eBay, Nordstrom Rack or during clearance sales at department stores like Saks. Fashion blogger Wanderlusting just opened a store where she's selling some hot leather jackets for as little as $30.

Keep posting your leather-jacket success stories in the comments, these are going to be hot all season long!

Comments
you read my mind! I was just thinking yesterday how I really wanted a real leather jacket for the fall and I was hoping you would post something soon about them. Thanks!
#1 Monica on 2009-09-04 08:08 (Reply)
I desperately want that AE brown leather jacket--it's awesome! But with 5 leather jackets already and that I just bought a house, hopefully it'll stay available on the site for another month or so when I have some more cash! I must have.
#2 taylor (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 08:40 (Reply)
GREAT GREAT GREAT picks BB! That AE one is an amazing color! Love it. However, I can't see spending 250 on an American Eagle leather jacket. If it goes on sale mine all mine. I actually managed to score one from Express for 50! And its real leather, but it was before the trend when main stream. Love these picks though! Maybe I need to pick up a brown one too!

xoxo
J
#3 Talk Pretty To Me (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 08:42 (Reply)
You're so right about Spiegel - dreadful styling, but that site is a GOLDMINE! I'm drooling over the Levi's jacket ...
#4 Sally (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 08:48 (Reply)
good resources BB!!
#5 Real Style Real People (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 09:22 (Reply)
Gap also has some fabulous options available (in store) for about $300. :-) Love the post!
#6 Tiers of Joy (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 09:24 (Reply)
While not available everywhere I would also suggest Wilson's Leather Outlet stores. I have two great 'bike' style jackets from there; one was a closeout for $75 and the other was around $150. Love!
#7 Jen on 2009-09-04 09:34 (Reply)
Good call! That's where I got my infamous white leather jacket for something like $50.
#7.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-09-04 09:41 (Reply)
I work at Forever 21- recently we had a bunch of leather jackets (100% leather shell- poly something interior- but still 100% leather!) for $150. They were all in the sale section marked $99.99. BUT- they had been discounted further and not marked.. and when a girl came to check out about to pay $99 for it, it rang up at $9.99! She was so happy, and immediately after that customer I ran back to sale and grabbed one for myself! It's SO cute and for only ten dollars how can you go wrong?? If anyone sees sale leather jackets bring it up to the register it may be much less than you think!
#8 Aimee on 2009-09-04 10:42 (Reply)
HEY! Thanks for the plug, just noticed it now. I was gonna say I just bought a brand new leather jacket on Ebay for around $30. No kidding! I'll try and find the sellers name...it's actually a men's jacket, but it fits small and they said it's vintage but I don't see how it could be cuz it's not used AND they have tons of the same jacket. I'll try and find the Ebay seller...

There is a pic or two of me on my current blog post wearing it as well!!
#9 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 11:26 (Reply)
I would love to know who sold it to you! I saw your pics and I love it!
#9.1 Monica on 2009-09-05 10:35 (Reply)
I really like how you love your 'faux' leather coat! Now that's thinking with saving money in mind. Awesome.

And, as usual, thanks for the great information.
#10 discount clothing (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 12:26 (Reply)
You can also find some great leather jackets at thrift stores. I found a fantastic one that hit my waist, a motorcycle style jacket with asymmetrical zipper, in perfect condition, for $25. Just remember to have it professionally cleaned before wearing it out. lol.
#11 Joann on 2009-09-04 12:38 (Reply)
You just read my mind, I just posted about my new found obsession with leather this fall. leather skirts, leather gloves, leather jackets... leather pants might be pushing it but they are there too. and of course the problem that real leather is kind of expensive.
Thankyou so much for the tip off to american eagle!
#12 Erin (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 14:52 (Reply)
I'm loving that leather is making a comeback. Unlike Erin, I'm desparately looking for a place to get some decent leather pants. Leather jackets are everywhere and even leather shorts (!?!?!)
#13 Megan (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 22:03 (Reply)
I just got a gorgeous faux leather bomber from a hoochie store called Rainbow for $7. Now I just need the weather to get cooler. Can't wait to wear it on my NY trip!!
#14 Sher (Homepage) on 2009-09-04 22:36 (Reply)
Was in Neiman Marcus Last Call yesterday and they had several genuine leather jackets, and they were all marked down for Labor Day. Wish I could of bought them all! :-)
#15 Katie (Homepage) on 2009-09-05 14:31 (Reply)
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