What do James Dean, the Hell's Angels, and Danny Zuko, John Travolta's character in Grease, have in common?

Pokerun Outlaw 2.0 Leather Jacket, motorcycle-superstore.com, $310.99

Only the fact that all are identified with wearing quite possibly the most iconic fashion staple of all time -- the leather jacket. It's a rare blend of practical and cool, which is rare in fashion (after all, we live in a world where "fashion over function" is an accepted creed). Besides its counter-cultural and urban rebel connotations (association with John Travolta notwithstanding), the leather jacket is also versatile, warm and comfortable. Furthermore, it isn't strictly masculine anymore either. With the right cut and tailoring, a leather jacket can look badass and feminine, flattering a woman's body. There are drawbacks, however: if you subscribe to a vegan lifestyle or are simply a big fan of cows, you probably aren't excited to earn your cool points by wearing the tanned flesh of a dead ungulate on your back. Not to mention the fact that leather is expensive. A good, premium leather jacket will set you back hundreds of dollars.

Which brings me to my major premise: pleather, long considered an inferior product by fashion purists, is more than acceptable as a substitute for leather. That leather jacket that would have cost you around $200 is probably available for $20 at your local mall in faux leather. The artificial substitute may not be as high quality or keep you warm the way the real thing does, but to compensate, at least pleather comes in all the crazy, bright shades of the rainbow -- yes, some of us do consider this a plus.

Blue faux leather jacket, alliexpress.com, $48.90

This fall, mixing a fierce leather item with some soft, feminine accessories can make for a sleek and polished look. In particular, Lauren Conrad always pulls off leather pants without looking too aggressive. At a red carpet event, she pairs intense leather leggings with a soft polka dotted blouse and a gorgeous blue leather satchel. This mix of feminine items with the leather can be easily imitated for everyday ensembles.

Courtesy: Pavlyn Boutique Fashion Blog

Although Lauren rocked leather pants on the red carpet, she wears them for everyday outfits as well. Leather leggings look especially cute tucked into boots with an oversized sweater for football tailgates or lunch with friends.

But don’t be afraid to dress it up and match tall heels with leather leggings and a dressy top for a night out on the town! Leather leggings or pants make for such a versatile item in any wardrobe because it can be a part of a casual outfit or make an outfit elegant and formal if paired with dressier accessories. Below, Victoria Beckham dresses up leather pants with a leather blazer and pumps.

Courtesy: Style Bistro

Although leather can be extremely expensive, pleather or faux leather leggings can look identical and be significantly cheaper. So don’t hesitate! Go ahead and add this must have fall item to your wardrobe… this celeb look is easy to replicate.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who literally spends most of the year eagerly awaiting the autumn months, right? Maybe I’m jumping the gun just a little bit, but I feel like fall is right around the corner. I can’t help but get excited thinking about breaking out all my cooler-weather essentials.

My most essential fall fashion choice is basically anything in brown leather, particularly accessories. Actually, now that I think about it, brown leather accessories are pretty prominent in my wardrobe year-round, so even though this particular trend reminds me of the cooler weather, there’s not reason you can’t rock it when the temperature is climbing.

This summer, I’ve actually been obsessed with this brown leather hair bow that I bought from American Apparel.

Leather Bow Clip in Chipmunk, americanapparel.com, $16

Confession: I’m actually obsessed with all bows in general, but maybe there will be more on that in another post. My bow obsession was kicked into overdrive the second I laid eyes on this brown leather one. I've been wearing it so much I've actually started to feel incomplete without it.

I couldn’t talk about accessories without mentioning the most obvious and necessary accessory: a purse. The brown leather purse I’ve been wearing lately is from Urban Outfitters.

Deena & Ozzy, Urban Outfitters

I’m a huge fan of the smaller cross-body bags that have been trending lately, but I was drawn to this purse because it has a long cross-body strap and is actually pretty huge. I normally associate the smaller style satchels with warmer weather -- it must be something about the heat and not wanting to carry more items around than absolutely necessary. I think bigger bags seem more appropriate for cold weather.

Another obvious staple is a pair of brown leather boots. I have a knee-high pair of brown leather riding boots as well as a pair of ankle-high “granny boots” that I got for $8 on eBay!

eBay

I can’t even explain to you how much wear I get out of these ankle-high boots. They’re great with jeans, obviously, but they also add a really interesting flair to my dresses. I like to make my summery sundresses last into the fall by wearing them with these “granny boots” and a denim jacket.

Speaking of jackets, when the temperature drops, my roomie breaks out this awesome brown leather jacket by Guess.

Guess

This jacket always looks awesome whether she dresses it up or down, with jeans or with dresses.

So there you go! These are my favorite personal items in brown leather that help me transition my summer wardrobe into fall and continue to last through the colder months.

Leather has been popping up in all kinds of places in the fashion world recently. Leather leggings, pants, and shorts are strutting down sidewalks. Leather accents in skirts and dresses are bouncing around at parties. Let's not forget about all the leather jewelry that has suddenly been showing up everywhere. This is a fashion trend that anyone and everyone can follow. You can take it as far as you want or as little as you want. It's a great and easy way to make you channel that sexy rock and roll chick inside of you.

Over the Knee Stretch Faux Leather Panel Leggings sold by LeilanniLand, Etsy, $60

Studded Faux Leather Vest, Forever 21, $24.80

Alice + Olivia Top Leather Bustier, Bloomingdale's, $396

If you're not really feeling wearing too much leather or maybe you just need the perfect hardcore and rocking jewelry to match your outfit, check out the Chain Game collection at nicolechun.chloeandisabel.com! Here's just a tease at what's waiting for you there.

Rocker Chick Chain + Spike Bib Necklace, Chloe + Isabel, $135

Rocker Chic Spike Shower Earrings, Chloe+Isabel, $32

Braided Metal + Leather Bracelet, Chloe+Isabel, $48

Ever want to hop on a Harley and ride like the wind? Well, maybe not but you can still rock a leather jacket without partaking in this thrill-seeking behavior. If the motorcycle jacket conflicts with your feminine style, you can opt for a collarless and fitted style with quilted detailing.

The quilted leather reminds me of the famous and oh so lust-worthy Chanel handbag. The leather’s rock-and-roll feel mixed with ladylike quilting is a brilliant combination. In this case, opposites certainly attract.

Bottom left: McQ Alexander McQueen Quilted Scuba Leather Jacket, mywardrobe.com, $2,365; Chanel Classic 2.55 Quilted Patent Leather Medium Flap Shoulder Handbag, $3,695,fashionphile.com; Top right: Jessica Biel, people.com; Bottom right: Rachel Bilson, yournextjacket.com

When my sister was home for break, I noticed a chic grey leather jacket with classic quilting on the shoulders. So what was my next action? I swiped it right from her wardrobe and never took it off. I came to realize that not only was this a gorgeous piece, but it was extremely versatile. Because of the fitted silhouette that hit right above my waist and the quilted detailing, I was able to mix it with softer pieces.

Courtesy: people.com

Courtesy: people.com

I often layered the quilted leather jacket over silk tanks and feminine dresses. It was also perfect for a night out because I could cover up without having to use the coat check or obnoxiously carrying a wool coat. The day before she left for school, I had no other choice but to steal it. Just kidding! Instead, I did the responsible thing and bought my very own quilted faux leather jacket. It was one of the smartest purchases I have ever made.

Courtesy: elle.com

The adaptability of this must-have piece makes it comparable to a blazer. However, this trend allows you to pull out your inner rocker and easily participate in the leather craze. The quilted leather jacket is also a great substitution for the blazer because it allows you to successfully and effortlessly mix menswear inspired clothing with feminine pieces.

Celebrities such as Gwen Stefanie, Pippa Middleton, and Emma Roberts have been seen rocking this trend. These style icons would not steer you wrong!

Collarless Quilted Leather Biker with Ribbed Sleeves, asos.com, $214.86

PU Collarless Quilted Biker Jacket, asos.com, $89.53

Textured Leatherette Jacket, forever21.com, $34.80