Everybody’s Wearing A Statement Jacket

Spring may be on the horizon, but current temperatures in the UK are destroying our desire to shed warming winter layers altogether – for now. So how to embrace the optimism of the upcoming season while staying well protected from the elements? Enter the statement jacket.

In pretty pastel shades and altogether brighter colorways, these jackets – spotted by the PORTER fashion team on the backs of countless fashion insiders throughout the London shows – perfectly telegraph an elegant exuberance, even when the sky is gray. From sumptuously buttery leather iterations rendered in color-blocked monochrome, or else quilted, patchworked or crafted from tweed, these tactile, textured jackets provide a slick reprieve from the padding of a puffer or the weight of a winter coat. With their lighter texture and shorter length, they’re an ideal choice to transition your wardrobe into spring, too.

As seen on the pavements of the British capital, the statement jacket is also an easy way to add polish to understated or off-duty outfits. Whether worn atop crew-neck sweaters or paired with neutral-toned pants, this outer layer commands attention – leaving you free to simply shrug on and go, without the need for further accessorizing.

For an urban take on the quintessential bomber jacket, look no further then Sacai: designer Chitose Abe seamlessly meshes her signature architectural silhouettes and contrasting textures to propose a rendition that is anything but classic. With its inverted pleat at the back, it’s ideal slipped on over chunky knits but will feel just as fresh layered with white cotton dresses come spring. Isabel Marant, meanwhile, proposes an ’80s-inspired version of a fleece jacket that is cool both on and off the slopes.

For something statement-making, look to Bottega Veneta and Valentino – their retro floral iterations, woven with metallic threads, are ideal for after dark. And cult Scandinavian brand Remain Birger Christensen offers a take that is perfect for minimalists. Crafted from a quilted leather, this stone-hued jacket, with its oversized pockets, proves that neutrals can be bold, too, especially when worn with a head-to-toe tonal look – an ideal outfit for weekend days spent gallery-hopping in the city. But no matter where you’re heading, there’s a statement jacket to suit every mood – and brighten every day.