Army surplus combat boots- around $10. Maybe a surplus jacket too?

I'm a fan of denim vests if it's not too hot out.

Best prices try here...
http://www.leatherup.com/c/Mens-motorcycle-jackets/sortby_price/2/102.html

My daughter is a big fan of her Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket.  It's a mesh jacket for summer, but turns into a more solid one for cool or cold days.

It's a better summer jacket than my vented Olympia.

Yes, I have a Joe Rocket armored mesh jacket for hot weather. For cooler weather I have a very thick River Road all leather jacket with a zip out liner for even colder weather.

DO NOT pinch pennies when buying gear that may save your hide, if not your life. Look for sales, winter sales, closeout sales, on-line sales. I got my RR jacket at 50% off from a shop that was going out of business.                          

I will not say which is the best brand or model because I ride overseas,
BUT
here's my personal experience:

1) My winter jacker is HD kevlar-reinforced cordura, with armor pads for the elbows and shoulders; the pads pull-out. Said jacket also has a removable fleece vest for winter riding (it gets 25°F and below in January...) with its own pockets, so I can wear it as an independent item.

2) My summer jacket is a mesh-type with all-around armor pads AND a spinal pad as well - pity the spinal pad is just styrofoam (foam rubber?) because it makes me sweat a lot and doesn't look like it'll do much good if I land flat on my back... still, it's there...

3) I also have a leather jacket, 1960's cool café racer style, nice side zipper to keep the wind out BUT NO ARMOR PADS   so I bought it but never used it...

4) I also have a jeans jacket for summer riding, which I stopped using after I bought the mesh jacket.

Whichever jacket I use, I ALWAYS USE GLOVES  AND A FULL FACE HELMET !!! (FLIP UP)

Remember :

Your kneecaps are your bumpers,

Your arms are your side-impact bars,

You will land on your CHIN, hands, elbows and head, as you try to protect your belly, or on your back, so that's where you will need protection.

I have never ridden into a deer or moose but I have had a few close calls with other four legged critters such as scooter riders, bicycle riders and moms pushing shopping carts or driving and looking over the rear seat...
...so take care !

A good first leather jacket is the one you choose to wear.

You may also try some Pawn Shops.  They usually have some good used higher quality leather riding gear at reasonable prices and you can usually haggle with them too.  I would look for one with a zip-out liner vest for use on those colder days.  Just my 2-cents....