The biker vest: a must have for the best dressed

from left to right: Karl for Net-a-Porter two-tone leather vest, Karl for Net-a-Porter denim vest, Iro black leather vest

Take it or leave it, I'll give you a little piece of advice. The biker vest is way underrated, and will add the punch of playfulness to any simple outfit you may be sporting. In denim or leather, you'll look so rad in it no matter the weather. And as for us New Yorkers (who dress like we're better than everyone else--just kidding--seriously though how cool is that sign?), February has been quite kind to us (let's not jinx it), so why not take advantage and use it to keep us warm enough under our coats? 

If you're burning to find out why motorcycle vests are so ubiquitously popular, check this out: they allow motorcyclists to show their club affiliations with patches and other accessories, often sewn and worn on these vests to display their association with a particular biker club. Given motorcycle jackets are very often too warm during hot summer months and restrict movement when layered with other clothing for warmth during cooler months, vests are worn in order to lessen the amount of layers on bikers' arms and help with movement, while still allowing motorcyclists to display their patches while riding. 

So what will it be? Do you have a favorite vest among those I've chosen above? What's your take on the look?