If I won the EuroMillions (and I am counting on it in my life plan), as well as a house in the South of France, one of the key pieces I'd buy immediately would be a Chanel jacket. It's one of those classic buys that will never go out of style and makes any outfit, including a white tee and jeans, look effortlessly chic.
Sadly, I don't have a spare £12k hidden down the back of the sofa right now, but in happier news, the high street is serving up some fabulous Chanel-esque jackets for pre-autumn that look a lot like the real thing. It's being called the 'the Blazy effect' after new Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy sparked a rush for the fashion house's reinvented classics. M&S, Zara, H&M and more have all gone crazy for Blazy in their new-season drops with lashings of boucle, round gold buttons and cropped cuts.
So, in lieu of winning the lottery, these are the Chanel-inspired jackets we're shopping now on the high street – perfect for slightly cooler mornings and days in air-conditioned offices now, and made for autumn layering later.
Sometimes you scroll through Zara's new-in section and it makes zero sense; and sometimes you find absolute gems. This textured blazer is definitely in the latter category and looks not unlike the Chanel jacket Margot Robbie wore in the brand's recent ad campaign – for over 12 thousand pounds less. The fringing on the pockets and sleeves is so Chanel; be quick with this one though, as the fashion editors are snapping it up as I write.
H&M is another one that can surprise you for both quality and affordability, and these knitted boucle jacket looks way more expensive than its price tag. Style with jeans and sandals now or tailored black trousers and ballet pumps when it gets cooler.
For something simpler and more Chanel adjacent, this is a fabulous boucle jacket for evening from Whistles. It would look so chic with tailored black trousers and a kitten heel. Very Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
This is a great alternative to the classic denim jacket this summer and, again, Zara has nailed it with the frayed collar and sleeves, the pretty buttons and the great cut. Pair with your bermuda shorts for hot days or pop over a pretty sundress.
It's the colourway that drew us to Boden's new-in jacket, but we stayed for the cut – slightly cropped with a gently puffed shoulder, this would look great with wide-leg trousers. A really versatile piece.
M&S Tweed Textured Collared Jacket with Wool
M&S Tweed Textured Collared Jacket with Wool
M&S's take is more for cooler days as it's heavier and made with wool. So one to buy now and save for later, but it's sure to be a staple when temperatures drop. It's good quality for the price and also comes in ivory.
Hobbs' knitted jacket is a great layering piece. With a two-tone weave and navy pockets and collar, it's a chic piece to wear now with jeans or tailored navy or grey trousers, then simply add your winter coat when things get a little cooler. So chic.
