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The 2010s were a legendary time in fashion. From color blocking and chunkier than chunky sneakers to the boom of retail designer collaborations, it’s a time when the burgeoning popularity of street style blogs and the birth of Instagram brought about a serious transformation in the fashion world. But one trend that stands out from the era’s maximalism as a counterculture protagonist is Indie Sleaze, the party-heavy aesthetic that counted bold black eyeliner, American Apparel leotards, and Lana del Rey’s Born to Die as its main pillars.
Yet, the aesthetic’s biggest fashion staple was something that might actually be considered a classic: the moto jacket. Images of Indie Sleaze icons like Alexa Chung are still sartorial goals for both millennials and Gen Z alike. And thankfully, with the return of Indie Sleaze aesthetics, the moto jacket is making a comeback. But not just as people remember it: Over the past two years, the moto jacket has gotten increasingly literal, thanks to the rise of the bikercore aesthetic (Rosalía’s Motomami may have a lot to do with that), as well as the booming popularity of racing sports. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Charli XCX have all sported the must-have moto jacket, from cropped biking-ready numbers to retro-looking versions.
To gather inspiration for the fast-growing trend, here are 10 celebrity moto jacket looks that are easy to replicate.
Charli XCX
Bikecore but make it Brat! The singer sported a leather cropped mono jacket with gray washed-out wide-leg jeans. She kept the accessories minimal to let the denim and leather textures shine.
Emily Ratajkowski
With today’s Y2K craze, it’s easy to create a flashback-worthy outfit via a moto jacket. Take Emily Ratajkowski’s look, for example, in which she paired the black cropped jacket with cargo pants, gas station sunglasses, and Timberland boots. Someone get her a Motorola Razr!
Demi Moore
Who says a moto jacket is not red carpet-ready? Demi Moore wore a black cropped moto jacket over a black gown for the San Francisco Film Festival.
Pharrell Williams
With the boom of country aesthetics, it follows that moto jackets are also going West. Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams sported a fringe moto jacket, paired with light blue denim, that’s easy to wear on your next Western road trip.
Paris Hilton
Sure, racing might not be everyone’s talent, but dressing for it can be. A retro-looking striped moto jacket is just what Paris Hilton needed to make this simple black top and pants outfit go the distance.
Kendall Jenner
The moto jacket trend might seem like it’s only a fit for the edgiest crowd. But Kendall Jenner shows that a white T-shirt and blue jeans are all you need to pull off the biker-ready look.
Kim Kardashian
Vroom-vroom! Kim Kardashian’s take on the moto jacket is quite literal. White the mogul paired hers with black leather leggings, this type of jacket would also bode well with wide-leg jeans or a midi skirt.
Jennifer Lopez
While moto jackets typically come in leather, a denim one can be just as fashionable. Jennifer Lopez’s all-denim look is made edgier with a super-cropped denim moto jacket. Just imagine this over a simple T-shirt and jeans combo—sublime.
Zendaya
The cropped moto jacket is certainly the most popular style. But Zendaya’s version shows that a maxi leather coat can go Indie Sleaze easily. Just add a lacy slip and sheer tights for maximum Tumblr-era styling.
Rachel Zegler
To make the moto jacket trend go glam, all you need is a few classic staples. Rachel Zegler’s look, for example, pairs two edgy pieces—the denim dress and moto jacket—with more ladylike staples like a top handle bag and black pumps.