The biker chic look was one of Second Time Around’s favorite fall trends. We love it not only for its new and distinctive silhouette, but also for its ability to make the wearer feel different. Toss on a pair of skinnies, a motorcycle boot and a black leather jacket and you instantly feel tough, bad-ass and ready to conquer the world. It was for these reasons that we were relieved to see that the look is back for Spring 2010.

Balmain 2010

Of course, the look has been translated in new and different ways. Instead of just the basic black; leather jackets in pale grays, nudes and even shades of white were seen on the Spring 2010 runways. Furthermore, leather was used to make everything from t-shirts to skirts and even to shorts, allowing these elements to be used both within and outside of the trend.

The two designers that explored this trend to the fullest were Christophe Decarnin of Balmain and Nicholas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga.

Balmain was all about the attitude of the trend. Their collection was full of slinky, second-skin leather pants, ripped denim, barely-there dresses in shiny leather or gold lame, olive fatigues and shredded boyfriend tees. Decarnin definitely knows how to dress a woman like a bad-ass – and a sexy one at that.

Balenciaga 2010

Balenciaga’s collection was more about the sport element of the trend. Perhaps the best way to describe it is to say that while Decarnin’s woman would ride a Harley, Ghesquiere’s woman would ride a Ducati. Models stomped the runway in

textured leather skinny pants, hooded, strong-shouldered leather vests, tanks and dresses with vivid racing stripes and decorative zippers and sandals cum boots with lace-up ankle covers. It was a colorful and Spring-time biker chic if ever we saw one.

So, rest assured that your leather jacket and motorcycle boots will still be in demand come the spring. Simply consider adding a neon-striped tank or shredded tee under it. Or if you haven’t invested in a jacket yet, try a pale grey one (this color will take you into next winter if the trend continues past the spring) or a leather vest.

Need help building the full outfit or don’t want to spend a fortune trying the look out? Head into your local Second Time Around for some fabulous fashion advice and apparel and accessories at prices that won’t break the bank!  

~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second TIme Around