I want a jacket that's sharp enough to wear to somewhat formal occasions, a little badass, and that doesn't look out of place in a casual setting. I had been using a leather bomber jacket for this purpose, but it's about time to get a new one (this one is starting to get a bit raggedy). The bomber jacket took care of the requirements fairly well. I could wear it to house parties, to clubs over a dress shirt, and I didn't feel like I was drawing unwanted attention in shitty neighborhoods. My only problem is that I have this nagging feeling that I look a bit shady in it.

It was shaped like this, but a nicer, lamb leather texture and without those horizontal pocket flaps:
http://www.myleatheroutlet.com/mens%20leather%20biker%20jackets/1106%20lg.jpg

So...basically I'm looking for something that feels less "intimidating". What type of style should I try?

I don't see that as massivly intimidating, although I suppose as a garment leather jacket's are the most associated with shady types. You could try brown leather?

If you live in the Bay Area, California Bear and [goddamnit I forget the name, starts with a "P" I think] are both having sales. They sell nice stuff.

What looks good on one person, won't look good on another. I was thinking black when I first walked in, but it didn't look good on me. Just go into a good store and try on everything.

Leather jackets are brilliant. There tough, hard-wearing, will last years. There acceptable in a variety of occassions as you say, Casual/Clubbing etc. They'll keep the rain out when going to a club, and you can keep it on inside, and it will still look fine. I don't particularly like the style you're wearing, I tend to go for more of a 'biker' jacket.

Like this (http://xml.riverisland.com/flash/content.php)
Men > Jackets/Leathers > Leathers > Page 2 > Second jacket from the left
If anyone cares to look.

I'm under the impression that you shouldn't take a leather jacket out in the rain because it will lead to discoloration over time. Then again, I bought a brown one. Black looked like crap on me.

get a golden bear suede jacket, some jeans and sneakers, and be the black jerry seinfeld

How about a leather blazer? Or at least a leather jacket with buttons instead of a zipper? I think anything with a zipper is not "sharp" enough for semi-formal settings.

http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~lopresti/Courses/2006-07/CSE097/Images/i-robot-10.jpg

Good point, though I don't want anything as long as what he's wearing in that movie.

I kind of like the brown jacket that this guy is wearing (the first guy you see): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmBK8UDUQeY

Any idea what that style is called?

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Three-Button-Lambskin-Leather-Blazer/dp/B000XYYS6U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1218939779&sr=1-1


?????

^^^
My god, I love that black one advertised next to your one down the bottem. That is close to my ideal cut. Your one looks nice as well though.

I think i'm going to get a Brown leather jacket now, too. There swav.