Cheryl Shops

In last year's fall shopping guide, I wrote about motorcycle jackets rendered in fabrics other than leather; it ended up being a nice way to transition into the biker trend, which is still going strong. This season, the new take on the trend is the biker vest, and interpretations range from fitted and cropped to slouchy and midthigh-length. Since it's a vest and not a full-sleeved affair, I think this style is easier to pull off in leather than an entire jacket; you can layer it over everything from a basic T-shirt to a fun strapless party dress. It will also be a great transitional piece for spring, since motorcycle-inspired looks were all over the runways back in September. Because if there's anything worth investing in, it's a piece you can wear all year long.

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Of course, the inspiration for this post was (what else?) an Alexander Wang vest--this one, to be exact. The long, lean shape looks great over black skinny pants or jeans, and this style has great details, from the weathered look of the leather to the knit trim at the armholes.


Elise Overland's long moto vest has a similar shape, but it's a little more rock-and-roll, with quilting at the shoulders and a shimmery metallic finish. It's also more luxurious, strangely enough, due to its supersoft shearling lining.


Grai was recently name-dropped in a New York Times article about designers who have a Rick Owens-inspired aesthetic, and their Alabama leather vest is pretty much representative of this assertion. Still, the exaggerated collar and lightly crinkled texture are ultracool, and the price--while still a splurge--is much less than what a similar Owens style would cost.


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See by Chloe's hooded leather vest is a little more motocross than motorcycle, but I like that it's more sporty than biker. It's also on sale for 50% off, which is a nice surprise.


This Maje Goteborg suede vest is both blue and suede, which give it a softer, more wearable look (you know, if black leather is a bit too biker for you).


William Rast's runway show last spring was a slightly trashy, but very cool affair, complete with fringe, acid wash, and studs. I questioned whether any of the runway looks would actually make it to the stores but, lo and behold, here's a leather biker vest from the very show.


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This moto vest from Wet Seal is a cotton blend, but with its weathered, washed finish, it looks like you wore it while riding through the desert on your Harley.


This faux leather biker vest from New York & Company is pretty classic in terms of its shape, and I am continually surprised by innovations in faux leather--this one looks like the real thing to me. It's also, at $35, a great bargain, especially if the motorcycle look is one that you're not totally sure about trying out.


I'm also amazed by how this Forever 21 vest (also faux leather) got its weathered look; in person, it might be a bit more obvious, but from the photograph, I'm amazed that it's not leather. I like the belt on this one too--it gives it a chic finish.