This Classic French Jacket Style Is Back Again for Another Spring

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.

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(Image credit: @coco_floflo)

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.

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

As you can imagine, there is a huge variety when it comes to price point, and you can happily nab a jacket for £40 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 Sandro, M&S 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. 

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(Image credit: @shloka)

This spring, 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. 

Shop My Bouclé Jacket Edit

Bouclé Jacket Outfit Inspiration:

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Emanuelle's military-inspired bouclé jacket is perfect for a night-out ensemble with jeans and boots.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style up the perfect outfit by wearing your bouclé jacket with a matching skirt.

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(Image credit: @y.a.t.r.i)

Yatri's jacket is high street, but you'd never know it from looking at it. 

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(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

This long-line bouclé jacket will keep you warm as we head into winter.

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(Image credit: @savinachow)

I love the monochrome appeal of this '80s-inspired tweed-jacket outfit.

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(Image credit: @ariabibari)

So French, so classic.

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

I have worn this affordable H&M version so much since I bought it a year ago. 

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

For a more traditional spin, make like Bettina and add a matching bouclé skirt to your jacket.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: 6 Small Trends French Women Are Updating Their 2024 Outfits With

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.