When investing in a jacket, it’s best to go for versatility over bells and whistles. A muted colour or classic print, and a simple shape, is a good strategy. That way, the jacket will go with most of what you wear, without you having to think too much about it in the morning.
Finding the right fit is crucial: make sure it mirrors how you tend to wear your other clothes. So if you like them to be close-fitting, think the same silhouette with the jacket. Or, if you tend to wear oversized, a bigger fit will work better for you.
A vintage jacket is an easy way to make a statement without too much of a financial commitment. If you don’t like the buttons, change them: a cheap and easy way to update something that feels staid.
Find a design that fits in with a more directional trend – a 1950s check, say, or something retro – and it will do the heavy lifting, style-wise. And you will be able to wear the plainest of outfits underneath as a result.
Lauren Cochrane
Quick Guide
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Buy
Prince of Wales check, £310, by YMC, from matchesfashion.com
Pair this jacket with a black rollneck and off-white jeans for an easy evening look.
Deadstock fabric, £215, basicrights.com
This medium-weight jacket is perfect for autumn and made from end-of-line or “deadstock” fabric. Complement with checked trousers and a printed tee.
Corduroy point-collar jacket, £195, TOA.ST
Wear this with a taupe knit and oatmeal jeans, and maybe a fisherman beanie for a cosy vibe.
Rent
Varsity, from £54.21 for four days, by Bape x Russell College, from selfridges.com
Embrace Americana by wearing this with a white tee and blue denim.
Waxed cotton, £9 per day, by Belstaff Racemaster, from mywardrobehq.com
Layer this water- and wind-repellent jacket over a jumper.
Workwear, five-item monthly deal, £79, by KnowledgeCotton Apparel, from thedevout.com
Wear this linen jacket with wide-leg utility trousers and chunky boots.
Thrift
Adjustable waist utility jacket, £44, by Tommy Hilfiger, from blue17.co.uk
For country chic, wear with neutral chinos and an argyle or cable jumper.
Bomber, £88, by YSL, from truevintage.com
Channel Saint-Laurent and style this with slim black jeans and a black T-shirt for evenings.
Anorak, £175, by Givenchy, from cudoni.com
For a splash of colour, wear this colour-blocked anorak with black trousers and red-highlighted trainers.
