(The Shopping List)

I’m Swapping My Blazers For This Chic Jacket Trend

It makes every outfit more ladylike.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: Jan. 9, 2024

(Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

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At the start of the new year, I always have an itch to refresh my wardrobe, to bid adieu to fading trends as I swap in whatever up-and-coming styles will define fashion for the next twelve months. For example: While my trusty blazers have been a faithful standby for some time now, this season, I see them taking a backseat as I embrace a rising silhouette that serves a similar function — the lady jacket. Now don’t get me wrong. A menswear-inspired topper is enduringly timeless, and effortlessly upgrades everything I own, from sweats to denim to LBDs. Yet classic lady jackets, which are having a long overdue resurgence, are well-positioned as perfect (and, dare I say, more compelling?) alternatives to my standard issue blazer.

Perhaps best epitomized by iconic Chanel tweed suits, the lady jacket exudes an undeniable French-girl chic. And as opposed to a longline boyish cut, the fit is more refined and feminine with its collarless, boxy, and cropped shape. It’s also remarkably versatile. It serves the same function as my blazers do, acting as an elegant layering piece — and, as a bonus, it stands on its own as a chic structured top when I button the front. It’s an easy staple to grab without thinking twice and hasn’t failed to upgrade any look I pair it with yet.

Join me in my obsession ahead, where I’ve gathered the designs I’m adding to my closet in 2024.

Nili Lotan

Romy Cropped Jacket

$1,050

A classic black option is essential to every collection, so don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on something special (like this Nili Lotan pick) as it’ll be something you wear forever.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Collarless Boucle Jacket

$160

$54.97

I’m a sucker for a little white jacket. If you ask me, it’s just as versatile as black, and can be worn with all the same outfits. The best part about this off-white design is that you’d never guess it was from Abercrombie & Fitch — it looks about 10 times more expensive than it actually is.

ba&sh

Bill Long-Sleeve Cardigan

$425

$189.99

For an everyday essential, I love a cardigan iteration of the lady jacket. ba&sh makes a few different styles in some beautiful colors, like a pastel blue and cherry red, but I’m opting for this lavender and pastel yellow color combination — it’ll work in my wardrobe all year.

Mango

Tweed Jacket With Jewel Buttons

$130

Finding a gorgeous piece at an affordable price point at Mango feels like discovering gold. In particular, the neutral hue on this taupe lady jacket — along with the classic tweed material — makes it look extraordinarily elegant.

Self-Portrait

Cropped Embellished Metallic Bouclé-Tweed Jacket

$410

$246

This sweet red topper offers an extra touch of femininity with its crystal embellishments, bow details, and dipped square neckline. It’s both flirty and festive, and a piece I expect to receive many compliments on.

rag & bone

Cora Featherweight Denim Jacket

$325

It may still be winter, but I’m already thinking about warmer days ahead and, of course, what I’ll wear for them. This denim pick from rag & bone is so modern and fun — a more relaxed take on the trend, and will look amazing when the temperatures climb.

Reformation

Terra Jacket

$298

The lady jacket traditionally is a cropped cut that sits right at your pant hemline, but this pick from Reformation has a cool update: a V-split at the bottom button, which creates a peplum effect. I’d pair it with a high-waisted pant and a belt for a peek-a-boo moment, or a black miniskirt and knee-high boots.

Fwrd Renew

Chanel Tweed Jacket

$5,100

Unfortunately, this gorgeous vintage Chanel splurge is not in my budget, but a girl can dream! It’s the most perfect pink and white tweed style that feels both retro and yet modern at the same time. Whoever does score this find is a lucky lady!

Veronica Beard

Ceres Tweed Jacket

$648

Between the power shoulders and bouclé, this one is giving serious Hilary Banks vibes.

While this one is so cute with the matching skirt (both pieces are on super-on sale, FYI), it’s also the ultimate match for a pair of faded straight-leg jeans.

This article was originally published on Jan. 9, 2024