What is the number one vintage item you need in your closet this fall? A cool leather jacket! Motorcycle jackets used to be synonymous with rebel style, rock and roll, and biker chics. Not anymore!

The new way to wear leather jackets is to mix them with softer pieces such as flirty dresses or dressed down blouses and pants. Check out Jessica Alba is her relaxed vintage jacket worn with plaid shirt and jeans. The trend is definitely a much more relaxed, effortless cool these days. These softer, more casual pieces take the ruggedness out of the jacket and make it a nice staple item.

So, what do you look for when shopping for the perfect leather jacket? Keep it simple. Stay away from hard core motorcycle gear with tons of zippers. The cleaner the lines the better. Look for simple zip ups, trench styles or blazer cuts. Colored leather can be great, but stay away from the patchwork kind that tend to look dated.

• Black 70’s trench style leather jacket by Wilson Leather. Buy it now for $225 from PoshVintage.com
• Burgundy 70’s blazer cut leather jacket by Wilsons Leather. Buy it now for  $175 from PoshVintage.com