Structured faux leather jacket with puffed shoulders. Pairs perfectly with dresses, jeans, or something in between.
Isla Ray
Sharing small things that bring joy
🧥 Full Review: Faux Leather Jacket with Puff Sleeves
Hey, it’s Isla — and today I want to talk about this jacket that made me feel 20% cooler the moment I put it on. You know that feeling when you try something on and instantly get a little posture boost? That’s what this jacket did for me.
It’s structured, sharp, but still playful. And yes, it’s from AliExpress — which made me a little nervous at first, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. Here's my honest, no-fluff review.
✨ First Glance: Style Meets Drama
I found this jacket while looking for something to throw over dresses without going full biker chic. I liked the balance — the faux leather is sleek, but the puffed sleeves add just enough drama to keep it feminine and fun. It felt like something you’d wear to an art gallery and then out for pasta afterward. Casual, but with attitude.
When it arrived, I was honestly surprised at how neat it looked right out of the package. The material didn’t have that super plastic shine some faux leather has. It looked matte and structured — not stiff, just put-together.
🧵 Fit & Fabric
I ordered it in a size small (my usual), and it fits like it was made for me. Not tight, not boxy — just enough room to wear a cami or blouse underneath. The cut is cropped, hitting right around the waist, which works really well with high-waisted anything — skirts, pants, dresses.
The faux leather itself? Not too thick, not too flimsy. It holds its shape, especially in the sleeves, and adds structure without feeling heavy. The inside is lined with a soft fabric that doesn’t cling or get too warm. I wore it both indoors and outdoors, and it felt comfortable in both.
And yes, the sleeves are really puffed — in a fun, "fashion-forward" kind of way, not a costume-y one.
🧡 How I’ve Been Wearing It
Here’s where it gets fun. This jacket turned out to be one of those pieces that goes with more than I expected.
Over a mini dress (like in the photo) — for that “I’m going out but not freezing” look.
With high-waisted jeans and a lace cami — date night ready.
Buttoned up with wide-leg trousers — surprisingly polished.
Even with a basic tee and joggers — adds just enough structure to feel like an actual outfit.
It’s one of those rare pieces that dresses up casual looks without making you feel overdressed.
🧺 Quality & Details
I always check seams and stitching first — habit. This one passed the test. No loose threads, no weird seams pulling or misaligned panels. The zipper works smoothly and hasn’t snagged on anything yet.
The puffed sleeves are sewn with soft internal pleats so they hold their shape even after wearing for a few hours. And the shoulders have a bit of structure, but not in a stiff shoulder-pad way — more like a gentle lift that keeps the silhouette crisp.
The only tiny downside: it has no pockets. Would I have loved a hidden one inside? Sure. But I can live with that. (Just don’t expect to stash your phone anywhere but your bag.)
🧼 Care Notes
So far, I’ve only needed to wipe it down once with a damp cloth — super easy. I haven’t tried washing it (and probably won’t), but the tag suggests spot cleaning only. Makes sense for faux leather.
Also, it didn’t have any weird smell straight out of the packaging — just a light, new-item scent that faded quickly.
💭 Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect to love this jacket as much as I do. I thought I’d wear it once or twice, maybe for photos — but it’s actually found a spot in regular rotation. It’s one of those pieces that makes you feel a little more styled without needing to try hard.
If you like mixing soft and edgy, or just want something different than your usual cardigan or denim jacket, this is a fun one to play with. I’m definitely keeping it in my wardrobe for those “I have nothing to wear but want to look cute” days.
Thanks for reading and hanging out with me on this little style detour. I’ll be back soon with something softer, or maybe shinier — depending on what arrives in my next parcel.
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Isla 🌿