Nebesite 2-in-1 jackets available at curated-crowd.com
They say that within the first 7 seconds of meeting someone your first impressions are drawn. So, for at least 6 months of the year (and that is a modest calculation), what outerwear you choose to wear is arguably one of the first things someone will see on you, making what jacket you choose a pretty important investment don’t you think?
However, at this time of year, purchasing a heavy coat that isn’t a mega steal in the sale doesn’t seem very attractive, which is why I’m turning my attention to more lightweight and transeasonal jackets that will work hard in my wardrobe over the next few months. Let’s face it, living in the UK means that milder days don’t usually kick in until April time, and even when they do, mornings are still pretty chilly, so padded jackets, shearling trims and woollen fabrics are still very much needed.
If I’m making a purchase at this time of year, I do so with the upcoming season in mind; I like to make sure the piece in question is something that I will continue to wear as the year progresses. With that in mind, I headed out to try on some of the best jackets available in stores right now, and whittled it down to my favourite 10 to wear this season and beyond.
Style Notes: Arguably one of the It jackets of the season, this oversized woollen blazer by MatchesFashion.com’s own label Raey has been photographed on every influencer worth her salt. The super-sized silhouette is incredibly flattering, and the muted houndstooth adds a nice touch of print and colour but is neutral enough to work over an all-black look like mine or over blue jeans and a white tee.
I would layer mine under a relaxed coat or puffer whilst its still sub-zero temperatures but it would also make a great everyday coverup as the days get warmer.
Style Notes: I first came across Ukrainian label Nebesite on Instagram when the Curated Crowd’s posts started to pop up in my feed. The site is a marketplace for under-the-radar designers from around the world so if you’re looking for something unique, then check it out. I’m partial to a puffer when it’s cold and love discovering ones that have interesting details or that are in a colour other than black. Voluminous shoulders and nipped-in waists tend to be the silhouette I go for with puffer jackets, as it brings a more polished element to the look.
Nebesite is a relatively new brand so it’s jackets are currently one size only but I love that the sleeves are detachable making it very versatile as the weather moves back into double digits in the coming months. Plus, how amazing is this gorgeous spring green hue?
Style Notes: Vegan label Nanushka has become a go-to for wearable coverups with a twist. Their faux-leather blazers are always a sell-out and are normally available in scrumptious shades of butterscotch and creamy white, but this season the eye-catching mix of lilac and chocolate brown on this faux shearling jacket has made it one of the most sought-after pieces from the brand. If I’m honest it didn’t photograph that well but the I can vouch for it when I say the boxy shape is perfect for adding a bit of edge to floral dresses or layered with oversized sweatshirts and leggings.
The lilac collar and cuffs are a simple way to add some colour into your wardrobe as we move towards spring.
Style Notes: If, like me, you get nostalgic thinking about iconic looks from the nineties or the noughties and wish you could buy them again, then rejoice, because you can! The Shoreditch Ski Club have basically re-made all your favourite coverups. Think wide faux-fur collar, cropped nylon jackets or khaki bombers minus the unflattering waistband and neon orange lining that has been replaced with a dusky pink lining and A-line shape. This is 90s fashion with a super chic twist.
I absolutely love this jacket. It has a swing back and is cut shorter at the front, so it’s perfect for layering over dresses or high-waisted trousers and skirts.
Style Notes: Denim is one trend you won’t be able to avoid this coming season. From the high street to the catwalk, you’ll see it on everything from corsets to skirts, and bags to knee-high boots. If you’re looking to buy into a piece that will have longevity in your wardrobe, a standout denim jacket like this studded number from Maje will do just that. You could easily go for a double denim look and layer it over jeans or pair it with a slip dress and trainers for a more casual take.
If this version is out of your price range you will find lots of alternatives on the High Street.
Style Notes: Stand Studio is one of my go-to brands for leather and faux-fur outerwear at a reasonably accessible price point. This faux-shearling jacket is incredibly lightweight and just what I am looking for in a transeasonal piece for this time of year.
Cream is a nice alternative to black to kickstart your wardrobe for Spring.
Style Notes: One of the key jacket styles for spring is a motocross jacket. Some of us may already be scouring second-hand shops for the real deal, however Danish label Ganni has of course already jumped on the trend and designed a sleeker more streamlined version themselves.
You can even get the matching padded mini skirt to complete the look.
Style Notes: We all need easy, throw-on pieces in our wardrobe that blend seamlessly into our go-to, everyday outfits, which is why this wool jacket from Arket is such a great buy.
It’s perfect layered up over chunky knits whilst its still chilly, but will also work really well over lighter tees and shirts as we move into spring.
Style Notes: Designer Roksanda is known for her voluminous silhouettes and vibrant colour palettes so it’s no surprise that this trapeze coat from her collaboration with British label Barbour Heritage ticks both boxes.
I’m always on the hunt for unique outerwear that is under the £500 mark and even though it is bright and gold, this is a timeless transeasonal piece that you will pull out for years to come.
Style Notes: I couldn’t possibly do a jacket roundup and not include the Totême shearling jacket that has been filling our instagram feeds over the last few seasons. It’s an investment, but this jacket will keep you warm in the winter and yet isn’t too hot for those slightly milder days.
Ok, this is definitely a purchase not to be taken lightly. But if you’re looking to invest then this jacket is sure to work hard in your wardrobe for years to come.
