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Black leather jackets in a variety of styles, from left to right, Tichina Arnold wears one over a modern blouse, Tisha Campbell wears a moto jacket, Soledad O'Brien wears a moto jacket, Octavia Spencer wears a bomber jacket, and Chandra Wilson wears a long jacket.

Leave behind the Little black dress. If there's one staple piece every woman over 50 wants to own, it's the classic black leather jacket. Take it off the hanger, throw it over your shoulders, and you'll be like Joan Jett, Deborah Harry, Foxy Brown, and Sandy from Grease , all rolled into one. In other words: stronger on the inside, but much more comfortable on the outside. Whether your style is classic, edgy, or a little modern, there's a leather jacket to suit your body type, style, and budget. With some celebrity inspiration, here's what to look for:

1. Find a black leather jacket that you feel comfortable in

Biker-inspired black leather jacket styles are the main options, but there are other alternatives and hybrids that modify the style. For example, some biker jackets don't have a belt or zippers. Here are your best options (as shown above):

• The biker jacket (a motorcycle-style jacket) is waist-length, belted, with a diagonal zipper and a flared collar.
• The moto (racer) style jacket is sleeker, more fitted, with a straight front zipper and a banded collar.
• The bomber (or aviator) style jacket zips up the front, but has elastic at the waist and wrists, and has a softer, windbreaker-like fit.
• The blazer jacket is well-fitting, but made of leather, fitted at the waist and hips, and falls below the hips.
• The belted blazer is long, defines the waist, but covers the hips.

2. Real or synthetic?

This is a question of conscience, price, and practicality. If owning a leather jacket is on your wish list, but the cost or guilt over cows and lambs prevents you, try a faux leather one, which is also much more affordable. Of course, ethics aside, you might be able to find a classic (or “vintage”) leather jacket online, but faux leather (sometimes called “vegan”) is now so authentic in appearance that you’ll have to look twice at the price and the label. Faux leather—a fabric that’s usually a blend of polyurethane and rayon or viscose—doesn’t harm animals or cost much, and, unlike real leather, many are water-repellent.

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Cindy Crawford wears a classic black leather biker jacket over a striped sailor tee and distressed jeans. Sharon Stone wears a moto jacket over a long V-neck sweater and jeans. Frances Fisher in May also wore a moto jacket over a bright yellow floral dress, demonstrating the all-season versatility of the leather jacket.

3. Aim for maximum versatility

The most useful black leather jackets are those that work for all seasons, for year-round wear, and for day or night. Don't settle for just one style. You can wear your black leather jacket over a T-shirt or summer dress to an air-conditioned theater or restaurant; layer it over a long sweater, tank top, and jeans; over a fitted dress; under a raincoat; pair it with tights and a hoodie; or try it under a winter coat or trench coat for style and warmth.

4. Get a midweight jacket

Some black leather jackets, especially real leather biker jackets, are stiff and slow to break in when new, as are dark-wash, 100% cotton jeans with no stretch. Who has the time or patience for that? Instead, look for soft jackets that fit your body from day one. The texture varies from A faded, tanned, or grained finish, or a smooth finish. If you're buying online, it can be difficult to distinguish from photos and descriptions alone, so check the return policy. Real and synthetic leather soften naturally and wrinkle with age, scratch, and wear with use... but that's part of their charm and gives the jackets their character.

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Andie MacDowell wears a moto jacket over a navy silk blouse, fitted black pants, and flats. Lesli Linka Glatter (executive producer of Homeland) also wears a zip-up moto jacket (no belts or anything else) over a black dress. Nancy Grace wears a black leather blazer, black blouse, and black pants.

5. Be a perfectionist with the fit

All leather tends to give a little and adjust to your body's contours; they even get better with age. The jacket's shoulders should align where yours do, without bulky shoulder pads that make you look like a quarterback. The armholes should sit at the highest point of your shoulder, and the sleeves should fit snugly against your arms. Check the fit with and without layers. You should be able to wear the jacket open or closed over a lightweight blouse or midweight sweater and not feel too loose or too tight. Cross your arms, raise them over your head, or try it with a shoulder bag. FYI: Asymmetrical zippers are flattering for a larger bust. Just make sure the zipper glides up and down smoothly and doesn't catch on the lining. (This goes for all zippered styles.)

6. How fashionable should you be?

Some of us have a personal style with more shine and sparkle. Find a balance. An extra dose of studs on the lapels or a belt call for a simple jacket, like Tia Carrere's. Too many decals, fringed embellishments, and decorative hearts, angels, or dragons can take away from a leather jacket—real or faux—and limit its versatility. Unless you're a true leather jacket, A fashionista like Susan Sarandon or a rock star, save the sparkle for a scarf and jewelry.

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Tia Carrere wears a cropped (zipperless) moto jacket with matte gold studs over a fitted black dress. Susan Sarandon wears a hand-painted floral moto jacket and accessories. Pearlena Igbokwe wears a black leather blazer over a jumpsuit. Nia Vardalos wears a loose black blouse, black moto jacket, pants, and pointed heels.

7. Wear the black leather jacket with all black

For a more innovative effect, stick to a head-to-toe monochromatic look. A black leather jacket adds a sophisticated, urban, sensual, or mysterious touch to a black T-shirt with jeans, a pencil skirt with pointed heels, or wide-legged pants with ankle boots. You can't go wrong.

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Rita Wilson (with husband Tom Hanks) wears a classic black leather biker jacket over a black tulle skirt and heels. Niecy Nash in a shiny black leather biker jacket with a bright yellow skirt and bustier. Michelle Yeoh in a biker/moto hybrid (center zipper, no belt) over a form-fitting black dress with lace details.

8. Let's solve the problem of what to wear to go out at night

Layering a black leather jacket over an elegant dress or evening pants, such as velvet jeans or fitted trousers, with a sparkly top makes any shawl or cardigan look positively retro. Throw it over your shoulders during cocktails or dinner to keep you warm on chilly nights.

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Regina Taylor in a black leather blazer over a blue fitted dress, black tights, and knee-high black leather boots. Mary Steenburgen in a black leather biker jacket over a red patterned silk blouse and black jeans. Christine Lahti also in a biker-style jacket with a coral scarf, black pencil skirt, black tights, and ankle boots.

9. Leave room for self-expression

The leather jacket has an innate elegance and a rugged reputation, but it can also add a feminine touch. Don't be afraid to add a pop of color with a silk blouse or neck scarf, or pair it with fabrics like lace or velvet, or with your favorite fitted knits and floral or playful dresses.

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Katie Couric in a black leather biker jacket, fitted skirt, and heels, and a polka dot scarf for a chic and feminine touch. Isabelle Huppert in a fitted black leather blazer over a white turtleneck blouse and black pants.

10. Take her to the job

The black leather jacket is a power piece, now worn by CEOs, lawyers, and women working in the most demanding companies. You don't need anything else to make yourself stand out; neither dark nail polish, high heels, nor a designer handbag will better convey your message. It's a style that gives you the attitude you need when you want a promotion, to make your voice heard in a meeting, or to have a serious discussion. I would go with a classic black leather blazer or a fitted biker jacket. Both are fashionable and authoritative, and will mix well with other classic pieces in your wardrobe.