Essential Autumn Jackets
No wardrobe is complete without a selection of jackets. These are the best in the shops now.
It amazes me when I do a wardrobe edit and see there are no jackets to speak of. This is comething that is often completely overlooked but it’s one of the most important pieces to have in your capsule wardrobe.
Think about it, say you are wearing a pair of jeans, a simple tee shirt and a pair of converse or ankle boots. Overall that’s a pretty basic and dull outfit. Add a stylish jacket and BOOM, you’ve got an interesting outfit with minimum effort. You now look pulled together simply by adding this one item. I’d also suggest adding some accessories like a few layered necklaces, some earring and a nice bag but I don’t want to go off-piste here. This week’s blog is all about jackets - the ultimate Autumn layering piece and an absolute wardrobe essential.
My favourite jackets right now
A military style jacket
This Mint Velvet black jacket looks super smart with jeans or wide-leg trousers. It’s a thick jersey material so super comfy to wear ad warm enough for now.
2. A shacket. Anyone who has been following my blog or listening to my podcast knows how much I love a shacket. The word makes me laugh as it’s slightly ridiculous. A shacket is a hybrid between a jacket and a shirt and perfect for this time of year when it’s still pretty mild.
This style won’t be for the more classic dresses among you! I like wearing a shacket thrown over my jeans together with my Chelsea boots. If you like to dress like me, in a more casual/edgy way, then a shacket is a great addition to your wardrobe. This one by Isabel Marant Etoile is gorgeous. If you shop via their app you get 15% off.
It’s pricey so find cheaper options at H&M or ASOS.
3. The classic blazer - oversized or fitted?
Oversized or fitted, long or short, find your perfect style and this will be an absolute wardrobe staple. By adding a sprinkling of tailoring to any wardrobe you instantly elevate it. Blazer’s are no longer stuffy or formal, quite the opposite. We dress in a more hybrid way nowadays - blazer’s can be paired with jeans or tulle skirts, thrown over dresses or worn more traditionally with tailored trousers.
The choice of blazer out there is vast. I quite fancy a boucle/tweed style right now as I find that suits my style more than a plain one. Think about if you like plain neutral colours or prefer a traditional tweed or dogtooth? Are you a bit preppy or do you prefer a black fitted blazer? Maybe a blazer in a block red would give you that pep in your step? If you are stuck knowing this, it helps to do a Pinterest board and pin blazers you like, then you can see what appeals to your natural style.
Right now, the more trendy among us is wearing oversized blazers with everything including cycling shorts (not for me!). However if you are petite, 5ft 3” or under and have large boobs then an oversized, double-breasted cut won’t be flattering on your frame. It’s better to choose a cut of blazer that flatters you than look like a fashion victim in my book. A little case in point, Julianne Moore wore an oversized blazer to the Venice film festival this year. She always looks amazing but I didn’t feel this looked great on her.
Julianne Moore in oversized tailoring
You might disagree and be all over the oversized look? My point here is a blazer is one of the best Autumn jackets you could add so find one you love and enjoy the instant outfit it will create for you.
4. Next up is one of my favourites, a cropped boucle jacket/cardigan. These can be so robust in cardigan form that they count as a jacket in my book. If you are someone who feels a bit ‘trussed-up’ in tailoring or like it doesn’t really suit your lifestyle then one of these could be the answer.
Inspired by Chanel (say no more!) these classy jackets add style to your wardrobe. Everywhere from Mango to well, Chanel, have these at the moment and add interest and often a splash of colour to an otherwise basic outfit.
As these are often collarless, I like them with a high-neck blouse like a pussy bow. They also look good with a slight scoop/round neckline plain top underneath. A simple silk tee would do it. I wear mine with a normal cotton tee and my straight-cut Levi 501 jeans. Also great with tailored trousers - AND they look good with a full skirt. Now I think about it, these are great for pear-shaped figures when worn with a full skirt. Me&Em do a great selection.
Like the unexpected styling of this boucle jacket with a hoodie.
This is the cardigan version. A bit softer but still robust enough to be a jacket in my book.
Here’s me on Instagram this week wearing my BA&SH cropped boucle cardigan with a slip skirt and DM’s
5. A mac or trench
No Autumn specific jacket run down, or Spring for that matter is complete without including a trench coat. Something to bear in mind is that a raincoat is a wardrobe essential to keep dry in the rain but wear one that is simply practical it can kill a look. If you are going to a meeting, an interview or maybe on a date then ditch the practical style raincoat and go for a trench instead. This blog is about creating stylish outfits using jackets and a mac/trench is great for that.
Go for a classic Burberry or copy like Petite in Paris blogger.
Or go all out in a teracotta leather trench. On the High street you can find red ones, mustard, green, khaki, checked - take your pick!
6. The leather jacket
Oh how I love a leather jacket. In summer it’s too hot for one of these but right now is a great time to get lots of wear out of one. I like a classic biker but if it’s too zippy/hard for you then choose one with less zips and hardware - I don’t mean to sound patronising here, just saying there are less ‘bikery’ biker jackets out there. Suede is also an option as that is softer. I like All Saints for suede and leather biker jackets.
Biker jackets complete outfits and add edge to pretty dresses. A really handy piece.
Love this unusual forest green suede biker jacket. One of my personal shopping clients bought it last week.
7. A khaki jacket
Some might argue that this is in the category of a shacket and I guess it is. However this specific style of jacket deserves a category of its own. A wardrobe staple of mine for many years, this suits just about everyone and smartens up your weekend look in an instant. I like the Anine Bing and Rag & Bone versions but HUSH & John Lewis have more affordable versions. Honestly, this style of jacket is iconic and a wardrobe classic.
These are SO versatile. See how Fashion Jackson has styled her Anine Bing khaki jacket here, with trainers, with Chanel block heels and with white jeans and loafers. 👌🏻
Hope you enjoyed my selection and have a few ideas to update your style this Autumn. If you lack time and would love some help with your wardrobe get in touch! I’d love to help and I can work in-person or online if you are outside the UK to help you transform your style. I will source a perfect selection of outfits that fit your body shape, style and lifestyle too.
Get in touch here today and I’ll come back to you with more details.