In London and NY, the Coolest Dressers are Wearing Peplum Leather Jackets

I always find the change of season is one of the trickiest times to dress for. As temperatures fluctuate, and last season’s wardrobe feels a little tired, I find myself low on inspiration. Luckily, these transitional moments often coincide with fashion month, serving up a much-needed dose of styling ideas. Kicking off the stylish season, New York Fashion Week wrapped up this week, bringing with it an influx of new-season silhouettes. The most compelling of which I’d begun to spot on London’s most stylish, too. Taking last year’s leather bomber jackets out of rotation, the chicest dressers keep reaching for leather peplum jackets instead.

New York Fashion Week Attendee wears a peplum leather jacket with a calf-length skirt and knee-high boots.

An unexpected breakout trend, the peplum leather jacket was a favourite amongst New York Fashion Week’s best-dressed attendees. Unlike previous leather shapes, this style introduces a more interesting silhouette: a relaxed, slightly oversized cut that cinches at the waist with an elasticated band or belt, before flaring out again and hitting at the hip.

New York Fashion Week Attendee wears a peplum leather jacket with black trousers and a brown bag.

While New Yorkers embraced the trend en masse last week, I also spotted Charli XCX debuting her own peplum jacket at the London premiere of The Moment. Paired with thigh-high boots, she crafted a sleek silhouette that felt distinctly 2026.

Charli XCX wears a leather peplum jacket with thigh-high boot in London.

If you’re looking to invest in a chic outerwear piece this spring, your search ends here. Keep reading to discover the best leather peplum jackets to shop now.