We've reached that point in the year where knowing what coat to wear is, honestly, a minefield. We're not in peak puffer season just yet but a light denim jacket isn't cutting - especially if you're like me, who contends with dog walks and the school run on the daily. So if you're shopping for outerwear that will take you from A to B, while offering some flexibility, may we introduce the gilet.
A gilet, also known as a vest in the US, is a lightweight but cosy choice and built for layering. Versatile? Yes, and can even be dressed up, if a fur gilet or worn over dresses and long sleeve tees - fleece gilets or padded gilets work best for that.
- The fleece gilet: Teddy Sports Gilet, £32 at H&M
- The navy gilet: M&S Thermowarmth™ Hooded Puffer Gilet, £35
- The long gilet: Women's Insulated Long Gilet, £90 at Lands' End
- The white gilet: Reversible Borg Gilet, £46 at Next
- The padded gilet: The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Gilet, £250
We love a chic navy gilet, or other classic hues likes black or winter white gilets. A fleece or borg fabric will keep out the cold, while a slimline style or puffer gilet will add a touch of the sports luxe to your closet. You can even find heated gilets, if you're someone who feels the cold, but they're of the less stylish disposition.
Royals and celebrities wearing gilets
Royals and celebrities love them too. Princess Kate loves a luxury quilted gilet for outdoor playdates and casual engagements. She prefers a khaki or brown-hue, as worn in 2021 on a royal visit to Scotland.
A-List stars like Hailey Bieber choose a gilet as an evening jacket; she perfectly demonstrates how cool it can look over a smart dress, adding a laidback luxe look.
How to wear a gilet
Layering over jeans and trousers is a given, but we're into the aesthetic of gilets over dresses too. Try wearing over a denim jacket, shearling coat or a snuggly sweatshirt. We love the look of wearing a bright gilet with black, or even matching your gilet to your outfit - one colour for all. And if a padded gilet isn't for you, don't dismiss a quilted, faux fur or borg gilet.
Yes, they're practical too and don't think you can't just throw one on with leggings and a hoodie. You can, and honestly they look pretty chic when you do that too.
How we chose the best gilets
- Price: We've searched high and low for gilets to match all budgets, from £29.50 for a high street gilet to £575 for a designer buy.
- Variety: Not all gilets are made equal. The puffer style is the most traditional but don't dismiss the lighter weight teddy or fleece gilets, or the luxe-looking faux-fur sleeveless vests.
- Practicality: Where possible, we've chosen gilets with practical elements like pockets and waterproof materials.
- Trusted brands: All of the labels we've chosen are trusted brands the HELLO! team swear by; we've not tried on all of the products but the brands are some of our favourites, so quality should be high.
If you've never considered adding a gilet to your wardrobe, let us convince you with our edit of the best – and most stylish - from quilted vests to faux shearling pieces and long gilets too…