When a fashion trend manages to span more than a decade, you know it’s something to take note of. But over 60 years? That’s on another level. Coco Chanel created the first iteration of her iconic bouclé jacket back in the 1950s. Inspired by menswear tailoring, it featured the signature contrasting trim, boxy fit and logo buttons, and to this day, it remains a firm favourite in the fashion hall of fame.
Traditionally, the bouclé jacket has been associated with a certain Upper East Side matriarch persona (Bunny from Sex and the City springs to mind), but in recent years, a younger crowd have embraced its sophisticated charms and introduced a fresh take on the classic silhouette. There will always be a place for the famed matchy-matchy twinset pairing, but I’ve loved seeing how fashion fanatics have turned the trend on its head with distressed denim, leggings and even a cheeky jogging bottom or two.
As you can imagine, there is a huge variety when it comes to price point, and you can happily nab a jacket for £35 from H&M or take the plunge with a vintage Chanel from Vestiaire Collective for a cool £2000. But don’t worry—there are plenty of options to be found in the middle ground from brands such as Me + Em, Mango and & Other Stories. You can even find vintage iterations on sites like Etsy and Depop where you might even find a designer-quality piece at a lower price point.
This autumn, I plan on balancing out the bouclé’s traditional polish with a white tee, slouchy jeans and my favourite vintage cowboy boots. But I’m certain you’ll see plenty of fashion lovers opting in for the runway trend of a full tweed skirt suit. Versatile, classic and chic, this really is a jacket to get on board with. Scroll down to see and shop my edit of the 25 best designer, high-street and vintage bouclé jackets to suit every budget, and I’ve added more outfit inspo below as well.
Mango’s tweed jackets come in a range of colorus and inclusive extended sizes as well.
This is a really expensive-looking high street style.
If it’s not Chanel, make it Saint Laurent.
I love this less traditional style.
For the girls who like their bouclé to be cute with a capital C.
See how every retailer is styling them with jeans? Take note!
The v-neck is Chic (yes, with a capital C).
I love this with relaxed blue jeans.
This is now in the sale—not to be missed.
Mango is really delivering on this trend.
The OG.
Me+Em have a couple of options on sale right now.
I’m normally a classicist but I love this bold pink option to wear with denim.
This can be paired with a matching mini skirt.
No one will guess this is from M&S.
A simple version that will go with so many outfits.
Balmain is also known for its luxurious bouclé jackets.
Look closely and this neat little jacket is embellished with tiny sequins.
Both cropped and longer-line silhouettes are trending.
Gucci’s twist on a classic.
The cropped sleeves and body makes this perfect for petites.
A little power-shoulder moment from Zara here.
Red is a très French colour to opt for.
This style from H&M also comes in a monochrome weave.
Burberry’s classic checks are never not in fashion these days.
Emanuelle’s military-inspired bouclé jacket is perfect for a night-out ensemble with jeans and boots.
Yatri’s jacket is high street, but you’d never know it from looking at it.
I love the monochrome appeal of this ’80s-inspired tweed-jacket outfit.
I have worn this affordable H&M version so much since I bought it a year ago.
For a more traditional spin, make like Bettina and add a matching bouclé skirt to your jacket.
