Just to confuse things...another K/R moto jacket to consider!

My post on "releasing my inner badass" from the other day

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....osition-24

got lots of thumbs up from YLFers who liked my DKNY leather moto jacket find, and I was all set to keep it when.........this faux leather moto jacket from Express arrived and started me second guessing. This one is cheaper (not real leather) with fabric insets at the sides and arms. It fits a little snug, but I do like its slim look with the dresses--plus the sleeves are more "scrunchable."

Hmmmm. Initially, I was aiming to emulate Angie's cool moto jacket + dress look and was a little disappointed that the DKNY jacket wasn't cropped/fitted enough to carry that look off. Then, with everyone's encouragement, I started to like the more bulky look of the traditional moto jacket. Now, I'm not sure what to think. Part of me says go with the traditional pure leather DKNY jacket because it's more classic, but another part of me says go for the cheaper Express jacket just for fun and for wearing with dresses.

Photos #1-3 - Faux leather/fabric Express jacket
Photos #4-6 - DKNY leather moto jacket

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14 years ago

Anonymous

Are you sure your pics are in the right order? I really like 1-3, but it seems much slimmer and not bulky at all! I love the sleeves and the smaller collar. The jacket in 4-6 looks bigger, with longer, looser sleeves and the collar seems a bit to large to be in proportion with your slim self. So I vote for the first one, whichever one that is!

nancylee

Veteran

Ay! Claire, you're right! I did label them wrong initially. They are correct now. (Express is #1-3 and DKNY is #4-6)

rae

(website)

HM, that is tough! I like that the DKNY hardware is less shiny, but I've always been on Team Fitted Jacket and ultimately prefer the Express version. The real leather hangs a *teensy* bit better than the faux leather when the jacket is worn open, but I don't think it's a big enough difference to pull ahead for the win.

In any case, I love seeing the tough jackets with the dresses!

Dang it, I like the fit on the Express better but I love the fact that the DKNY is leather. This is going to sound crazy but are you able to size down on the DKNY? That looks like lambskin and that type of leather stretches out like no other, I think you are supposed to buy the jacket so snug, you can barely zip it up. I'm hopeful others will chime in.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I prefer the look and fit of the Express jacket, actually. Very nice

Tanya

The Express jacket fits you better, so I vote for that one.

sarah

Oh, I'm torn. That Express jacket fits you so well - just look at #3! But the other jacket would be more of a style adventure for you, I feel...which one feels best to you?

Kim

I like the fit of #1 on you and since it's cheaper I'd say start with that. If you find you are wearing it A LOT, (cause it's a style departure for you right) then I'd start keeping my eye out for a REAL leather one (in a similar style and cut as the pleather) that I could wear for years to come. If you find you are NOT wearing it alot, it's a cheaper closet orphan...LOL

Barbara

nancylee, LOL about "releasing your inner badass". Love it.

The fitted versions look absolutely slamming on you!

My own Michael Kors moto jacket, which I giddily purchased at TJMaxx months ago, is so snug it fits like a second skin. Definitely badass. Especially while driving a red, italian convertible.....

catgirl

Another vote for the fit on the Express jacket. And saving $ is totally bada$$!

Sylvie

I have the exact same express "leather" jacket. The one thing that bugs me about it is that it's for looks only and doesn't keep me warm. The wind blows right through the side fabric.

Not sure if that would bother you or not.

Thanks for weighing in everyone....lots of wisdom and good observations here.

Rae, I hear you on the shininess of the hardware and the "hang" of the Express jacket, ...they bother me a little, too...but not enough to be a dealbreaker, like you said.

Sarah, I know, I know! This is my dilemma. The Express jacket is more flattering, but the DKNY would really push my style boundaries.

Una, saving $$ is indeed badass!

Kim, wise advice on going with the cheaper, more flattering jacket now....then going for a more long-term purchase down the road if it turns out to be a wardrobe staple.

Sylvie, I think what I'm looking for is a more stylish (rather than warm) jacket, so the thinness won't be a problem. I have plenty of coats for warmth, including a lovely cognac leather scuba jacket.

Thank you all for your opinions. It's really helped me focus in on exactly what I'm seeking in this moto jacket adventure. Right now, I am leaning toward keeping the Express jacket. Like so many of you said (including Angie), the fit is so much slimmer and more flattering that I just feel more attractive in it. And a slim, fun jacket that I can wear over dresses is really what I was looking for.

ironkurtin

This is just me, but I like the DKNY one. I like the way the weight plays off your slim frame - it looks just the right amount of witty-punky and slightly tough to me. The Express one is just too... genteel. Like the rock'n'roll was taken out of it.

Aida

Hmm that's a tough one, and tough to articulate what I'm thinking too for that matter. I agree with IK. The Express one seems more form so it comes across as more "fashion", and the DKNY seems more function so it comes across as more "cool/accidental rock-n-roll". Both good vibes, but a little different. I would say that if you're looking for something to play with the more classic side of your Euro-chic style go with the Express, and if you are looking to add something more urban/RATE then go with the DKNY.

Suz

As usual, Aida nails it!!

I'd only add that if expense is an issue, the Express would be a really great way to play with the look while you regroup and consider buying a real leather moto. I did this quite by accident with a sort of cropped moto-like trench this fall (it cost me $9.00 and is made of plastic - eek!) but I turned out to LOVE the style and now I am on the lookout for the real thing. In the meantime I got a surprising amount of wear out of the fake jacket and it kept me dry - a real bonus.

Diana

I think the Express is more conventionally flattering and more in tune with your style; however, the DKNY has a funkier vibe and is more badass, if you want to play with extending your style boundaries a bit.

For me, pleather would be a dealbreaker though...

anne

I'd go with the Express one. FWIW I had a pleather jacket that lasted about 4 years. Not bad for $50.

Deborah

I love the fist one. The fit is perfect and if you are planning on wearing with the dresses you are wearing in the photos it's perfect. The second one is too bulky. It would be great if you are going for a rock chic vibe but....

Kiwichik

Much as I liked how you looked in your original post the Express jacket looks even more fab than the DKNY jscket - make PETA happy & go faux.

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