Leather jackets are the final word in cool. Every era has put its particular spin on the leather jacket. New styles are born, but the old one's don't die; they just make room at the top. This is why an old leather jacket is never out of style, it simply becomes 'retro.'

In the 1940s, the ideal leather coat was the 'bomber jacket.' Worn by movie stars like Jimmy Stewart, it defined heroism. In the '50s, the leather jacket became a cultural icon anew worn over the slouching shoulders of Marlon Brando in The Wild One.

In the '60s, it became synonymous with beatnik culture. In the '70s, it was worn by the Fonz to tribute '50s wardrobe, but was also being worn in real life on the streets of New York City by members of the Black Panthers. In the '80s, the bomber jacket was bogarted by punk stars like the Ramones. It is an enduring symbol of hipster cool.

Long versions of the leather coat remain ever-cool as well. Popular contemporary television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series Angel raise the black leather duster coat to nearly a post-modern neo-goth icon. If you're looking to create your own timeless urban legend, stick with neutrals. Black, brown, ivory, and white leather always look good and always look in style. For a splurge or a signature style, you can also find leather coats in a wide variety of colors as well as styles, from pink to peacock blue to rich reds.