[Effie_drine]

You have saved and saved and you are finally ready to buy the hot leather jacket you've always wanted. But how do you know if it will outlast the next year. The answer: Look for something timeless but cool. You should probably go for something simple. Try not to get caught up in a look that seems particularly of the season. Big fur collars may seem amazing to you this year, but chances are that in two or three years, you're going to be wishing that you went for the plain black jacket.

In figuring out what you want, it might help to also consider what is going to look good on you. Basically, there are a few types of jackets (with a million variations on a theme.) There is the biker jacket -- tough, cool, tight. This look is good if your body is well proportioned and if you're on the slim side. There's the trench coat or modified trench style, which is good for almost anyone other than very petite women. And there's the blazer -- traditional, classic but fun -- a good look for almost everyone.

Whatever you choose, just remember you want to be able to wear it for a long, long time. So make sure you find something you can live with. And one more thing -- it's a leather jacket, and just by virtue of its being leather, it already makes a statement. Leather jackets will always be cool.