When it’s cold outside and warm inside you need a chic jacket to layer under your coat that will give you instant polish once you get to the office. This is that jacket.
Historically called a Mandarin collar, or Nehru collared jacket, more recently this style has been renamed as what it is: a “standing collar” jacket. But the collar is not the whole story.
The main event here is the elegant form-fitting style which hugs the body, is festooned with tiny buttons and features a gently curved hemline. All in all this jacket is the more feminine version of a blazer and just as useful.
This style of jacket is so fashionable now, in fact, that it may even usurp the blazer in the months to come. Why? Unlike a roomy blazer, this is designed to create streamlined effect on the body.
By simply adding one to your everyday style, the pulled-in silhouette will refresh your straight-leg or flared jeans, tailored trousers, swishy skirt, or velvety cords, giving your favourite outfits a new and refined-looking spin.
This precision-cut body-hugging version is by Primark, and made with 100% polyester, which is reflected in its £28 price tag. If you’re on a budget and serious about choosing chic pieces you will wear with multiple outfits for years, £28 on this jacket might be the best money you’ll ever spend for cost-per-wear.
Primark has also created a more sustainable 100% cotton frogged button detail shirt, which offers the same pared-back styling in a more casual design, at £18, and there are also matching 100% cotton jeans, also £18.
If you’re considering adding a form-fitting jacket to your wardrobe - and it would be a smart move as they are that useful - we've found two more worthy of your attention made using natural or recycled fabrics.
Form-Fitting Jacket: Basic, Better Best
If Primark's well-designed polyester jacket is a basic option, for a similar jacket with 60% recycled wool, look to Mango's Houndstooth jacket. For a jacket that can take you on a night out, Massimo Dutti's velvet silk and viscose velvet jacket is hard to beat.
60% Recycled Wool Fitted Houndstooth Jacket
60% Recycled Wool Fitted Houndstooth Jacket
Silk and Viscose Blend Velvet Collarless Form-Fitting Jacket
