If you've found yourself wondering exactly what jacket to wear this autumn that's a just right combination of laid back, stylish and genuinely practical, hello! We all have.
We’re talking the Holy Grail of everyday jackets here. One you can wear all the time, over dresses, over indigo jeans and a jumper, with a smart shirt and midi-skirt - or sleek cargos - paired with smart shoes, or even sturdy rainproof ankle boots, and just know you’ll look very considered.
We’re all looking for that jacket, and I think I’ve found it, at, of all places, Next! This faux suede four pocket cinched jacket in rich chocolate brown has utility and style is baked into its seams.
It's showerproof, has four generous patch pockets and a very on-trend funnel neck. And it's just roomy enough to throw easily over a Henley knit or crisp shirt; use the drawstring waist as a styling tool, and you're golden.
Make no mistake, this is a jacket you would have skimmed past in the shops a year ago, but now, thanks to Victoria Beckham and her daughter Harper re-wearing the £130 sellout utility jacket from Beckham x Gap range, its useful stylishness has been reignited.
In fact, this is the kind of utility jacket style you might already own. It could be hanging, forgotten, at the back of your coat cupboard, overlooked since the last time utility jackets had a fashion moment.
But this one, in dark chocolate brown is, in my opinion a worthy and affordable candidate to become a replacement or a new addition, and one you will be able to wear all autumn and for many more to come.
