We've reached that point in the year where knowing what coat to wear is, honestly, a minefield. We're out of peak puffer season but a light denim jacket isn't cutting it - 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 during this transitional period, 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 classic padded gilet: M&S Packaway Lightly Padded Gilet, £39.50 / $69.99
- The black gilet: John Lewis Quilted Black Gilet, £75
- The leopard gilet: Next Leopard Cotton Padded Gilet, £38
- The long gilet: Women's Insulated Long Gilet, from £37 at Lands' End
- The borg gilet: Sezane Balthazar Gilet, £130 / $170
We love a chic navy gilet, or other classic hues likes black or 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 plus denim is cute for spring. Look to Pascale Banks, below, for spring inspo.
© Pascale Banks / InstagramYes, 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. I love a leopard quilted jacket with a collar for wearing right now, so chic and cute!
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…
1/8
M&S Packaway Puffer Gilet
- Sizes available: UK 6 - 24
- Colours available: Black and khaki
"I love the contemporary vibes of this puffer gilet, and black is about as classic as they come."
M&S have really thought about what makes a cosy gilet with this version. It has the brand's Stormwear™ technology to protect you from light showers and handily, packs away into a bag for easy storage.
The featherdown makes it warm without being boiling, and has a funnel neck and pockets.
2/8
Next Leopard Padded Gilet
Sizes available: XS - Large
Colours available: Leopard or embroidered
"The classic gilet reimagined in leopard print."
This leopard Next gilet is an absolute steal at £38. Lightly padded, it's not just chic and practical too. I love this look layered over a denim shirt or hoodie.
3/8
Lands' End Long Gilet
- Sizes available: UK 10 - 20
- Colours available: Black, Green, Burgundy and Camel
"Packed with the lightweight warmth of natural down, this Lands' End gilet has a cool quilting pattern and longer length."
Available in multiple colours, this gilet is a classic quilted buy with natural down to keep you warm. The longer length and hood are ideal for chilly spring mornings.
4/8
Sezane Borg Gilet
- Sizes available: UK 6 - 18
- Colours available: Cream
"I love this gilet for the practical yet stylish element - its fleecy, almost borg and one to layer over a cream knit for style kudos."
Made from a soft imitation sheepskin fur, this is snuggly and stylish with its minimal shape and tortoiseshell buttons with brown piping.
5/8
John Lewis Quilted Water Repellant Gilet
- Sizes available: UK 8 - 20
- Colours available: Black
"John Lewis has created this stunning gilet, quilted for light insulation and styled with a contrasting collar and five-button placket."
Layer this John Lewis gilet over dresses or jeans and a tee to elevate your look. It's a great piece for everyday, and being water repellant makes it practical for those spring showers too.
6/8
The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Gilet
- Sizes available: XS - 3XL
- Colours available: Green and black, all black
"When is a gilet even better? When it's packable! The North Face have the monopoly on cool gilets and this retro-inspired vest is my favourite."
Breathable, waterproof and packable, The North Face gilet combines style and practicality with their retro gilet.
7/8
Uniqlo PUFFERTECH Compact Vest
- Sizes available: XXS - XLL
- Colours available: Six colours
"Uniqlo's gilet is a little cooler than the others with its round collar and quilting. I love the range of colours too."
Filled with hollow fiber padding, Uniqlo's gilet is made for providing extra warmth - and its packable too. Genius!
8/8
M&S Denim Gilet
- Sizes available: XS - L
- Colours available: Denim blue
"This sleeveless denim version of a gilet is giving 70s vibes - would look amazing with floral dresses and suede boots."
This M&S denim quilted gilet features a belt, v-neckline and two pockets.
