The Elegant Jacket Trend Loved by French Women and Minimalists Alike

We talk a lot about timeless wardrobe essentials—pieces that could comfortably live in your closet for a decade or longer. While many items fall into this elite category—camel coats, biker jackets, exquisite tailoring and a little black dress, to name but a few—none feel quite as classic as a bouclé jacket.

First conceptualised by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel way back in the 1950s, the bouclé jacket drew inspiration from menswear tailoring—something that informed many of Chanel's designs at the time. Its signatures include a boxy silhouette, contrast trims and, yes, a bouclé fabrication, something that has endured and become synonymous with the French fashion house ever since.

Today, the bouclé jacket is indicative of power dressing; this, I believe, is the core of its appeal. For people who want to convey a sense of prowess with the outfits they wear, it's easy to understand why the bouclé jacket appears in their ensembles, be they quintessential French girls (Chanel bags and all) or devoted minimalists.

To show just how versatile this staple can be, I've collated seven outfits that perfectly showcase how to style a bouclé jacket. Scroll on to see them.

1. Bouclé Jacket + Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Like many other outfits, jeans present an excellent jumping-off point. Worn with a bouclé jacket, even your most-worn denim will feel incredibly polished. For French-styling flair, add a pair of ballet flats. 

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2. Bouclé Jacket + Crop Top + Leather Trousers

Style Notes: For a directional take, try pairing a refined bouclé jacket with two of the season's trending items—in this instance, a bralette and loose-fitting trousers. 

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3. Bouclé Jacket + Dress + Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: This is an outfit that could work for so many occasions, and hits the perfect note between sophisticated and cool. You could also dress this down by swapping the heels for low-top white trainers.

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4. Bouclé Jacket + Skinny Jeans + Knee Boots

Style Notes: Wide-leg jeans may be top of mind, but skinnies are continuing to hold their own. Never has tucking your jeans into your knee-high boots been so chic, and you can practically double the chicness levels by incorporating a bouclé jacket into your outfit, too. 

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5. Bouclé Jacket + Oxford Shirt + Matching Skirt

Style Notes: As the preppy trend continues to dominate the style agenda, I'm constantly looking for fresh ways to channel it as a grown-up. My most recent inspiration comes in the form of this bouclé jacket, Oxford shirt and miniskirt get up.

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6. Bouclé Jacket + Blue Jeans + Sparkly Shoes

Style Notes: If you're looking for an effortless but incredibly easy outfit you can rely upon for casual dinners and drinks by candlelight, call off the search. Think of the bouclé jacket as the new "nice top" to your jeans, and add some fabulous shoes. 

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7. Bouclé Set

Style Notes: I'll always advocate for investing in matching sets when your budget allows, and both pieces feel worth it in their own right. Where there's a bouclé jacket, a cute co-ordinating skirt or shorts are never far behind. Break up your two-piece with jersey basics for a simple dressing solution and add tights if it's chilly out.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.