Wardrobe Icon: The Lady Jacket

Stacie Flinner Erdem Green Floral Dress Me + Em Lady Jacket green boucle-1.jpg

Enduring Fashion of Lady Jackets

In the world of fashion, some pieces stand the test of time better than others and the lady jacket is one of those enduring staples. Often rendered in a nubby tweed or bouclé, this year the lady jacket is having a moment and it’s popping up in fabrications ranging from crochet sweater versions to luxurious woolen weaves outside of blazers. The lady jacket transcends the traditional boundaries of style with its versatility, timelessness, and innovative designs.

A piece for any occasion

This cropped and feminine jacket is a versatile layering piece that can be styled up or down to work for a myriad of occasions.

Lady Jacket picks and how to style them

I picked up this green boucle jacket (a few sizes available here for less!) from Me + Em while in London earlier this summer, and love the military-inspired styling of the olive hue and gold buttons. It looks equally fantastic thrown over my shoulders as a layering piece with a green floral dress or paired with a simple white top and denim for an off-duty look when other blazers might work. Or take J.Crew’s Long Sleeves Frances Lady Jacket as another example. It’s soft-brown hue and quality craftsmanship take inspiration from it’s Chanel predecessors, but with a relaxed vibe suitable for everyday. If you’re looking for a cozier take on this classic piece, I love the lady jacket styling of this cardigan sweater (I own it in a blue and white stripe) and recommend taking your normal size in the sweater if you plan to wear over a shell/bare arms, or sizing up if you want it as a layering piece over a blouse.

A wardrobe investment that stands the test of time

As a longtime fan of the lady jacket style (also seen here, here and here!) I think this is one piece that every wardrobe needs. It's a versatile option for a lot of looks where blazers won't work, and is a much better option than sherpa jackets or bomber jackets for a feminine look. Scroll down for a roundup of my favorite jackets at different price points from around the web! Scroll down for a roundup of my favorite jackets at different price points from around the web!

Lady Jackets Roundup

This green boucle jacket (a few sizes available here for less!) from Me + Em is going to be a favorite all autumn, and I can’t wait to wear it over this slip dress in camel for a date night out.
I just ordered this camel jacket and plan to wear it over an all white look now, then pair with richer chocolate hues later.
If you aren’t a fan of shorter jackets this classic black and white number is just the thing to give you the look with a longer length. (Only a few left for early access and it’s on sale for under $70!)
I love the fun, candy colored tweed and lapel on this jacket. Wear it to the office over a navy top and trousers, or with a mustard sweater, jeans and tassel loafers for a more casual look.
This salt and pepper tweed jacket with camel leather trim is a DREAM if you are looking for a major investment piece.
I love the preppy look of this red jacket, best paired with high waisted jeans.
This black jacket has minimal styling perfect for a modern city look. Would be so cute over a black turtleneck and plaid mini skirt with tights and boots.
The sweater version of a lady jacket is a such a versatile piece. Pop over a dress like I did here, or I love the idea of buttoning this short sleeved version over a slip dress. (There are even mini lady jackets for little girls – so cute!)