Put away your trench coat: When it comes to autumn outerwear this season, it's all about leather jackets
Leather jackets have had a contemporary makeover, making them autumn's outerwear style of choice
I know that autumn outfit ideas are meant to revolve around the best trench coats, but honestly, I'm a little bit bored of the style staple, and I feel like I've seen fewer trenches, and more leather jackets this season, suggesting that when it comes to the latest autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026, there's a new outerwear favourite in town.
Leather has long been popular for cooler months. Especially when real, the fabric is breathable, elegant, and warm, making it a good choice for cooler climes. And if the thought of a biker jacket fills you with dread, you're in luck, as this season, leather jackets have been reimagined into more contemporary shapes, giving them further edge on timeless trenches.
Tougher, cooler, but just as versatile, this season, expect the leather bomber jacket to dominate this category alongside more tailored, elevated silhouettes. As with leather trousers, I have largely opted for real leather styles, as while they are more expensive, the longevity, the fit, the feel and the breathability mean these designs will last a lifetime. And the bomber shape, while very on-trend right now, is a retro silhouette that never goes out of style.
Despite the above, I'm starting with this very affordable £45 M&S buy, because leather is price, and the cost can mount up quickly. I love the trending bubble hem, paired with the directional bomber shape that means you can wear this design like a cardigan.
With a more tailored feel, this gorgeous chocolate leather design features a sharp collar and front patch pockets. In autumn/winter's biggest fashion colour trend for 2026 and is a great replacement in jeans and blazer outfits for a directional edge.
I absolutely love this design and was pleasantly surprised to see it was in leather too. The shawl collar adds a drama to the design, while the waisted style means it can be worn over skirts and dresses, as well as jeans and tailoring. A very cool and elegant choice.
This bomber jacket comes in multiple colourways, but the burgundy iteration feels perfectly on-trend for the weeks and months ahead. The slim fitting shape makes it ideal as a layering piece, even under a wool coat in cooler moments.
Almost a leather shirt, this black leather design is absolutely beautiful, and thanks to the slim fit shape, you can wear it over something as a jacket, or with just a camisole underneath as more of a shirt-style piece. A timeless buy you'll wear on repeat.
The ribbed detail makes this one of my favourites. Adding a cool, casual and preppy finish, this is an excellent choice for wearing with jeans and t-shirts in autumn and spring. The slightly oversized fit makes it ideal over knitwear too.
When it comes to autumn capsule wardrobes, your trench coat will always have a home, but as we head into cooler climes, it's worth considering adding a little more leather to your look.
Next to cashmere, it's one of fashion's most elegant and luxurious fabrics, and this hard wearing material really does get better with age, as it becomes more supple, takes on the creases and memories of everywhere.
Of course, when you are buying an investment piece, really think about the versatility. You'll want to max out that cost-per-wear and generally black or other neutrals are a good choice as they go with everything. If this isn't your first leather jacket though, don't be afraid to play with colour, for a fresh twist.
