We talk a lot about timeless wardrobe essentials—pieces that could comfortably live in your closet for a decade or longer. While many items fall into this elite category—camel coats, biker jackets, exquisite tailoring and a little black dress, to name but a few—none feel quite so classic as a bouclé jacket.
First conceptualised by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel way back in the 1950s, the bouclé jacket drew inspiration from menswear tailoring—something that informed many of Chanel’s designs at the time. Its signatures include a boxy silhouette, contrast trims and, yes, a bouclé fabrication, something that has endured and become synonymous with the French fashion house ever since.
Today, the bouclé jacket is indicative of power dressing; this, I believe, is the core of its appeal. For people who want to convey a sense of prowess with the outfits they wear, it’s easy to understand why the bouclé jacket appears in their ensembles, be they quintessential French girls (Chanel bags and all) or devoted minimalists.
To show just how versatile this staple can be, I’ve collated seven outfits that perfectly showcase how to style a bouclé jacket. Scroll on to see them.
Style Notes: Like many other outfits, jeans present an excellent jumping-off point. Worn with a bouclé jacket, even your most-worn denim will feel incredibly polished. For French-styling flair, add a pair of ballet flats.
Maje has some of the sleekest bouclé jackets regardless of the season.
Tapered and barrel-leg jeans are making a major comeback.
Modern ballet flats now involve square toes.
Style Notes: For a directional take, try pairing a refined bouclé jacket with two of the season’s trending items—in this instance, a bra top and loose-fitting leather trousers.
A gorgeous (and totally timely) colour.
I really rate Skims undergarments.
These M&S trousers sold out incredibly fast last year, so I can expect the same outcome this time around.
Style Notes: I enjoy it when people match the length of their dresses to that of their outerwear, be it short or long. Here, I love the combination of a longline bouclé jacket and an on-trend minidress. Then, of course, you could finish the look with one of the most in-demand designer bags of the moment.
You can’t go wrong with bouclé in black and white.
ICYMI, ’00s-style tube dresses are back.
I keep seeing this bag on the arms of London’s most stylish dwellers.
Style Notes: Never has tucking your jeans into your knee-high boots 1) been so prevalent as is it is now or 2) looked so chic. You can practically double the chicness levels by incorporating a bouclé jacket into your outfit, too.
Try pairing this cream bouclé jacket with a white slip skirt for a gorgeous evening look.
Skinny jeans still have a place in your wardrobe (especially where knee-boot outfits are concerned).
The boots that are currently following me around on IG.
Style Notes: As the preppy trend continues to dominate the style agenda, I’m constantly looking for fresh ways to channel it as a grown-up. My most recent inspiration comes in the form of this bouclé jacket, Oxford shirt, and miniskirt get up.
The perfect high-street find.
I ordered this shirt last month and have already gotten so much wear out of it.
This will look the stylish part with sheer black tights.
Style Notes: If you’re looking for an effortless but incredibly easy outfit you can rely upon for casual dinners and drinks by candlelight, call off the search. Think of the bouclé jacket as the new “nice top” to your jeans, and add some fabulous shoes.
Pink bouclé? It’s clearly a thing.
These classic jeans come in an extended size range.
My dream high heels.
Style Notes: I’ll always advocate investing in matching sets when your budget allows and both pieces feel worth it in their own right. Where there’s a bouclé jacket, a cute co-ordinating skirt or shorts is never far behind. Break your two-piece up with jersey basics for a simple dressing solution.
Phase Eight is a trove of terrific bouclé pieces.
The t-shirt all of our editors own (and regularly recommend).
