Broadly speaking, clothes can be divided into two categories: ‘trend’ and ‘timeless‘. While it’s worth noting that not all timeless pieces are flawless investments and not all trends are throw-away, the fact remains that some styles just seem to remain consistent over the decades (think trench coats and white tees), while others are rooted in a particular place and time. However, every now and then, an item of clothing will bravely make a bid for the ‘timeless fashion’ accolade, and transition over to the other side. One item that has managed this shift? The shacket.
Part jacket, part shirt, it was back in 2018 that fashion editors were announcing the birth of the ‘shacket’, the latest in a long line of fashion hybrids that have been fabricated over the years (RIP the skort). The first iterations were the perfect addition to a summer capsule, coming in cotton and denim fabrics and oversized, clean-lined silhouettes. Fast forward to 2021, and defying all expectations, the shacket is still here and has continually adapted to the changing seasons.
The rise-and-rise of the shacket shows no sign of slowing down, and I personally have worn one every season over the last 12 months: a boxy denim iteration from Sezane during the summer and a cosy wool style from Warehouse over the winter. If that doesn’t qualify for ‘year-round capsule’ status, then I don’t know what does. For 2021, the shacket’s silhouette remains suitably oversized, but there have been a few tweaks, such as styles in soft leather, fuzzy boucle and the odd pop of colour and print.
We predict & Other Stories’ wool-blend overshirt will be a winner, thanks to its selection of spring-ready shades, but we also have our eye on H&M’s zebra print shacket, which will make any pair of jeans look 10 times more interesting. This is one jacket purchase you will not regret investing in. Scroll down to see and shop our edit of the best 2021 shackets.
