So you're thinking about buying a new leather jacket? There's no denying the fact that leather jackets are stylish, comfortable and durable -- a unique combination that's not found in other jackets and outwear. Whether you are a man or woman, you can rest assured knowing that this classic garment will enhance your appearance. Perhaps this is why leather jackets consistently rank as being one of the most popular types of jackets year after year. But there's a right way and a wrong way to wear a leather jacket. Unfortunately, many newcomers fail to coordinate their leather jacket with the right garments and accessories, resulting in a lackluster appearance. If you're struggling to achieve a stylish look with your leather jacket, keep reading for some helpful tips. We're going to reveal some of the best things to wear with a leather jacket, as well as things that you shouldn't wear. Familiarizing yourself with these simple fashion rules will allow you to create a stylish look, regardless of the the season or occasion.

Don't Wear a Brown Leather Jacket with Black Clothes... or Vise-Versa

The golden rule of fashion 101 is to not mix brown and black. If you are wearing a brown leather jacket, for instance, do not wear black pants, shoes or a shirt. While this may seem harmless enough, mixing brown and black is a serious fashion faux-pas that should be avoided at all costs. Brown and black clash with one another, so wearing them together in the same outfit creates a messy, unflattering appearance. The bottom line is that you should avoid wearing black with a brown leather jacket, and avoid wearing brown with a black leather jacket. Following this rule will go a long ways in creating a stylish appearance.

Don't Mix Real and Fake Leather

Another fashion faux-pas you should avoid is mixing real and fake leather. A genuine leather jacket has a certain texture and stylish look that's not available in fake/faux leather. With that said, some people may wear faux leather pants or shirts with a genuine leather jacket. Why is this a problem? Well, faux leather lacks the attractive characteristics of the real thing, which in turn has a negative impact on the wearer's appearance. If you have a genuine leather leather, only wear it with other genuine leather garments.

Don't Wear a Leather Jacket with a Sweater

Let me rephrase that: you can wear a leather jacket with a light sweater, such as a cardigan. For larger, heavier/thicker sweaters, however, it's best to avoid wearing them with a leather jacket. You want to keep the layers underneath your leather jacket thin; otherwise, it creates a puffy, unflattering look. When choosing shirts and garments to wear underneath a leather jacket, stick with the thinner and lighter articles for optimal style and comfort. Trust me, you'll be glad you chose these lighter garments when the mid-day summer sun rolls around and you're wearing a leather jacket.

Do Wear a Leather Jacket with Boots

Leather jackets and boots go together like peas in a pod. As shown in the photo above, it's a classic choice that looks great on people of all body types. And don't assume that you can only wear this combination during the winter. On the contrary, boots and a leather jacket are an excellent combination for all seasons. Just remember to choose boots that match, or at least flow cohesively, with your leather jacket. If you really want to enhance your outfit, choose a pair of boots in the same color as your leather jacket. For a brown leather jacket, for instance, it's best to stick with brown boots. Leather jackets are available in dozens of different colors, however, so feel free to customize your appearance. You can even wear red boots with a red leather jacket.

Pants or Shorts

One of the great things about leather jackets is their versatility. You can wear them with jeans, slacks, trousers or even shorts. So, don't limit yourself to only wearing shorts with your leather jacket. The summer season is here, so try sporting shorts with this classic form of outerwear. As with shoes/boots, however, you should choose shorts that match your leather jacket. Far too many people overlook this rule, assuming that all colors and styles of shorts will work. It's only later when they realize this isn't the case, and that wearing certain colored shorts actually clashes with their leather jacket. You can prevent this from happening by carefully choosing shorts that match your leather jacket.

Wear it with Layers

You can make a leather jacket look even more stylish by wearing it with layers. Instead of just wearing a single t-shirt underneath, for instance, try wearing several layers like a t-shirt and button-up shirt. As stated earlier, however, you need to keep your layers thin for maximum appeal and comfort. Wearing too many thick layers with a leather jacket creates a puffy look. This is easily avoided, however, by opting for thinner, lighter layers with your leather jacket. And if you get too hot, you can always remove one or more of these layers for instant coolness. There's no easier way to cool off during the summer than by stripping away a layer or two.

Accessorize Your Leather Jacket

The right accessories will go a long ways in completing your leather jacket outfit. While there's no rule stating that you must wear accessories with a leather jacket, doing so will enhance your appearance while drawing more attention to your jacket. Some accessories to consider include a leather bracelet, wristwatch, necklace, earrings and/or rings. Feel free to experiment with different accessories to see what works and what doesn't. It may take some trial and error, but you'll eventually find the perfect combination for your outfit. These are just a few style tips to keep in mind when sporting a leather jacket. For more leather jacket news, tips and fashion advice, follow our blog here at LeatherCult. We bring you the latest news in the world of fashion, focusing primarily on leather.