Biker Jackets Are Trendy, But They Won't Be In Forever - Here Are Timeless Alternatives

The moto trend of 2023 brought with it an influx of edgy fashion choices that allowed us to channel our inner Thelmas and Louises. The biker jacket in particular, characterized by its leather material — either real or faux — and its puffy sleeves and body, returned to the status of wardrobe staple, as it tends to do every few years. But the cycle inevitably means that the biker jacket will eventually fall out of favor, even if it comes back to us down the track. So if you're looking to build a capsule wardrobe that you can rely on regardless of current trends, or you want to invest in pieces with classic silhouettes that will never date, there are plenty of other outerwear styles to consider instead.

Timeless garments tend to come in muted or neutral colors. They can adapt to a range of outfits and be worn again and again, usually without detection. They don't make a statement, the way biker jackets might, but they bring a sense of refinement to the ensemble. While you don't have to throw out your moto-inspired pieces, future-you will be thankful if you add a trenchcoat or blazer to your closet, too. They might not star on the runway, but these pieces have the real staying power.

A blazer is a staple of the quiet luxury look (and even works for stealth wealth, too). The masculine structure exudes confidence, while still flattering all body types. Throw it on with a pair of jeans for brunch with friends or pair it with wide-legged pants for an office-ready look. While an oversized blazer works particularly well as an outerwear piece, you'll want to get the sleeves tailored if they hang below your fingers. Oversized doesn't mean sloppy!

Overcoats can be expensive when they're made out of high-quality fabrics, but since they're must-have winter pieces, the investment is worth it. Again, a neutral color will ensure you don't get sick of your overcoat since you'll probably be throwing it over all your outfits, whether they're formal or not; black, brown, and beige should be you go-to shades. Drape it over your shoulders to really embody that old-money aesthetic. 

Though they're strictly casual outerwear, denim jackets are still versatile because you can wear them for most of the year (and even in winter if you don't live in a cold climate). Different tones of denim tend to suit different people, so definitely take your time trialing different jackets here to find your perfect match. While light-wash denim is typically better for the summer, dark-wash tends to suit colder weather. And if the goal is to invest in a timeless piece, resist the urge to buy a distressed denim jacket, no matter how cool it looks. 

No matter how much this world advances, a classic trenchcoat will never go out of style. You'll really get bang for your buck with this piece because you can wear it year after year to a range of occasions, both day and night. Burberry trenchcoats with the signature plaid lining are about as iconic as you can get, but even options from lower-end brands will have you looking quietly luxe. 

The simple but effective outerwear garment we all need is the trusty lightweight cardigan. Great for fending off the breeze in summer and layering in winter, and basically essential in the shoulder seasons, a cardigan adds a preppy touch to your outfit without being overwhelming. And when the trends call for it, you can even wear this piece all on its own, taking the look from academia to sexy. Though wool and cashmere cardigans feel like a dream on the skin, go for a lightweight cotton option to get the most wear out of it through the year.