A common style trick over the last 12 months has been to throw a tailored blazer over a tracksuit for a impromptu Zoom meeting, or to pop a smart layer over loungewear when nipping outside for essentials. Now that there's more opportunity to embrace elegant dressing codes, an elevating women's jacket should be the top item on your shopping list. Here we present the brands for bolstering your smarter spring mood, whether you're easing back into office life or simply sitting en plein air.
Lanvin: Hit the right buttons
Jacket, £3,105, by Lanvin. Shoes, £595, by Jimmy Choo. Necklace, £1,760, by Kloto. ‘CHIII’ chair (throughout), £3,750, by Hans J Wegner, for Carl Hansen & Søn
Lockdown has made us more aware of life's smaller details. Lanvin's elegant double-breasted jacket accentuates the body with eye-catching mother-and-daughter motif buttons.
Paul Smith: Hot under the collar
Jacket, £595, by Paul Smith. Rouge Allure Velvet Le Lion de Chanel limited-edition lipstick in Rouge Fauve, £33, by Chanel.
Months at home put you in a more relaxed state of mind? Layer up in a sleek textured shirt, as demonstrated by Paul Smith's luxurious leather design, which also features a handy front pocket.
Max Mara: Coffee-break colours
Jacket, £895; top, £225; skirt, £325, all by Max Mara. Shoes, £660, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Earrings, price on request, by Chopard
The chicest way to celebrate your first coffee outdoors? Complement your cappuccino with your clothing, courtesy of Max Mara's smart, organically hued blazer. This silhouettes scores office-worthy style points, even if you're only sitting in the park.
Petar Petrov: In good sport
Jacket, £2,763, by Petar Petrov, Trousers, £450, by Marni. Shoes, £600, by Acne Studios. Bracelet, £855, by Tom Wood
If you're unsure you'll ever separate yourself from sports-inspired comfort, Petar Petrov has the ease-fuelled answer. The Viennese brand's sleeveless leather anorak speaks of luxurious yet laid-back style.
Paco Rabanne: All dressed up
Jacket, £1,210, by Paco Rabanne. Shoes, £595, by Jimmy Choo. Necklace, £395, by Rejina Pyo
Glam has been perilously low on our style radar. Keen to inject some going-out inspired chic into your wardrobe? We suggest sporting Paco Rabanne's double-breasted coat as a mini dress.
Louis Vuitton: Buckle up
Jacket, price on request; trousers, £1,000, both by Louis Vuitton. Necklace, £295, by Rejina Pyo
Bring some belted bite to your blazer with Louis Vuitton's waist-cinching buckled jacket. This silhouette has a futuristic, deconstructed silhouette, a fitting way to embrace today's new world.
Chanel: Stay in touch
Jacket, £10,790; skirt, £4325; cuff, £1,260, all by Chanel
RELATED STORY
Jacket, £1,950; shirt, £1,450; trousers, £950, all by Fendi. Photography: Alexandre Guirkinger. Fashion: Benoit Martinego. Originally featured in the May 2021 issue of Wallpaper* (W*265)
With social distancing limiting our sense of touch, tactile fabrications take on a new importance. Chanel's bouclé jacket revels in the maison's signature fabric, accentuated with beaded embellishments.
Boss: The palette cleanser
Jacket, £1,600, by Boss. Earring, £6,550, by Sophie Bille Brahe
Spring calls for palette-cleansing colours. Draw attention in optic white silhouettes, like Boss' minimalist duster coat. The simplest way to avoid grass stains? Carry a picnic blanket when embarking on a sit-down sortie.
Gucci: An exotic escape
Jacket, £3,170, by Gucci. Necklace, £770, by All Blues
If an exotic escape feels like something of a pipe dream, let tropical prints and motifs take your fancy instead. For spring, Gucci's casual button-up jacket shows an affnity for the eye-catching pattern of snake skin.
Hermès: Make it minimal
Jacket, £7,400, by Hermès. Shoes, £660, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Earrings, £8,340, by Chaumet
Look to Hermès for an incredibly elevated take on 1990s minimalism. Sometimes pared-back silhouettes have the most power, as demonstrated by this zip-up leather coat, which is conceived in the finest of fabrications.
Peter Do: Utilitarian attention
Apron, £2,160; trousers, £1,907, both by Peter Do. Shoes, £600, by Acne Studios. Earrings, £10,925, by Sophie Bille Brahe. Bracelet, £855, by Tom Wood
For the more adventurous of dressers, consider the apron your new take on outerwear. Peter Do's version is sumptuous in its tactile finish, and should be worn to reveal a flash of flesh.
Bottega Veneta: Craft flair
Jacket, £2325, by Bottega Veneta. Necklace, £525, by Tom Wood
A hand-crafted finish will draw attention, whether you're sitting outside on a terrace or sauntering through a city street. Bottega Veneta's denim jacket features a delicately crocheted hooded detail, fusing sportswear with sophistication.
INFORMATION
A version of this article first appeared in the April 2021 issue of Wallpaper* (W*264) – available to download here