Transitional trends: The chic knitted jacket

Is it a jacket or a cardigan? Whichever, the knitted jacket has been popping up in the new collections of all of the big clothing retailers, just ready for spring. More structured and firm textured than your regular cardigan, it has useful pockets and a boxy, slightly cropped shape. It’s reminiscent of the iconic Chanel bouclé jacket or, as it’s sometimes known in the US, the ‘lady jacket’, but a softer, cosier, more wearable version.

The knitted jacket is a really useful and versatile piece of clothing because it goes with everything, and can be easily dressed up or down. Wear it with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual look, or with wide leg trousers, a skirt, or a dress for a more formal or dressed up style. It’s one of those great garments that you can just throw on with minimum effort, and immediately elevate your look.

Below I’ve put together my 5 favourite high street versions. 

My 5 favourites

1. Sezane, Betty Cardigan

I’ve listed the Sezane, Betty Cardigan first because this is the fashionista cult favourite. Made with soft merino wool, it has chunky buttons, patch pockets with flaps on the chest and a neat shirt style collar. It comes in about 20 different colours, including Breton stripes and leopard and in a huge range of sizes. Sezane is a French brand known for its style and quality, and this gorgeous cardigan really encapsulates that.

2. M&S, Cotton Blend Textured Knitted Jacket

3. Boden, Holly Knitted Jacket

Boden’s version of the boxy knitted jacket comes in six bright and striped colours. So, if you like your clothes colourful, this may be the version for you. It has gold toned buttons, a boxy cropped cut and is 100% cotton and machine washable.

4. John Lewis, Knit Jacket

5. H&M, Textured-knit cardigan

This jacket has a lot of similarities to the M&S version, but there’s a bit more detail and texture to it. Again, it’s a short cardigan jacket in a textured knit. It has a round neckline and metal buttons down the front. On this one, the welt pockets on the chest and front are fake. It comes in the 3 colours as shown.

How to wear it

These jackets are so versatile. You can wear them tucked in at the waistband or French tucked. You can button them up all the way, leave them open or part button them. Personally I usually prefer to leave the top and bottom buttons open and just button them across the chest. A silk scarf at the neck gives a French twist and a pair of statement earrings can add drama. The possibilities are endless

Here are a few styling ideas: –

Style it with wide leg trousers or jeans

Dressing down but elevating the look

Here, the M&S jacket is styled with classic wide leg jeans, a t-shirt and trainers.

Dressing up with statement accessories

The Sezane Betty Cardigan is styled here with wide leg pleated trousers, flat pointed loafers and statement earings.

Wear it French tucked with a skirt

In this picture Sezane have styled the Betty cardigan with a pleated midi skirt and boots. Note how the cardigan has been French tucked into the the skirt adding interest at the waist.

Wear it with a silk scarf or pretty blouse

The look of your knitted jacket can be easily changed up with the addition of accessories or layering. A silk scarf adds a French touch and a lacy collar adds interest and texture.

Conclusion

The knitted jacket really is the most wearable, versatile and stylish of garments and you can buy a quality version for a very reasonable price. It’s therefore a great piece to transition your wardrobe between seasons.

Thank you so much for reading my post. I hope it was helpful and if you have any comments don’t hesitate to post them in the comments box below.

Sian. x

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