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9 best women’s shackets: From check to leather styles

Get ready to find your new favourite throw-on-and-go staple 

Eva Waite-Taylor
Thursday 10 December 2020 11:08 EST
A shacket is thicker than shirt and lighter than a jacket
A shacket is thicker than shirt and lighter than a jacket (The Independent)

The fashion world is no stranger to sartorial hybrids: coatigan (coat and cardigan), skort (skirt and shorts), jeggings (jeans and leggings), and so many more.

The latest in the line is the love child of a jacket and a shirt, the shacket; a recent throw-on-and-go favourite.

Fantastically marrying fashion and functionality, it’s thicker than a shirt, lighter than a jacket, tends to run slightly oversized and has a boxy fit. It provides a great way to be ready for Britain’s unpredictable weather.

Alternatively, button it all the way up for a full-on shirt effect. When spring comes, you’ll be able to throw it over your favourite white T-shirt for minimal effort with maximal style points.

No matter how you choose to style it, it’s a failsafe way to look on trend. High street brands have been making the most of the shacket trend this season, with plenty of pocket-friendly options from the likes of H&M and Zara. You really are spoiled for choice. 

As these are designed to be the middle ground between a jacket and a shirt, the price is slightly higher than the latter to reflect the slightly warmer nature.

In order to make the cut, these needed to score high on fit, cut and versatility. As the most versatile outerwear option, these are the shackets to be investing in now.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Nasty Gal checkin’ you out faux wool oversized jacket

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This ticks all the boxes – an oversized fit, pointed collar and a checked wool design. Owing to the colourway, this would work well with almost everything in your wardrobe, making it a versatile choice. Wear from day to night – throw on over jeans and a white T-shirt for an off-duty look, and style over a black satin slip for the perfect evening attire.

  1.  £35 from Nasty Gal
Prices may vary
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Urban Outfitters UO solid shirt jacket

urban outfitters shacket .jpg

While the brand stocks a broad range of shackets, it’s this light grey number that initially caught our eye. The relaxed fit and colour meant there was nothing in our wardrobes we didn’t wear this with – throwing it over everything from jeans and a nice top, to joggers (a firm favourite in our loungewear review) and a basic tee.

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Warehouse faux leather shirt

Warrehouse .jpg

This shacket has been all over our Instagram feed, and we can see why. The oversized boxy style combined with the material of the season –leather – makes this a hero item that will work hard in your wardrobe. It’ll provide the perfect winter update and it’s versatile too – wear with jeans and a black polo neck or throw on over a black mini skirt and a white tee. 

  1.  £41 from Warehouse
Prices may vary
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Hush lakey cargo jacket

Hush shacket .jpg

Featuring large pockets and in a khaki colourway, this shacket offers the perfect way to tap into the utilitarian trend. The longline cut makes for an oversized fit and the fabric is weighty enough to wear with a thin jumper underneath and forgo a coat on warmer winter days. A versatile piece, we’ll be wearing this all year round. 

  1.  £89 from Hush
Prices may vary
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La Redoute checked boyfriend shacket

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We love the autumnal hues of this Nineties-inspired shacket. The casual, loose cut makes it slightly oversized, but still shorter than some. Our favourite way to style is over a black polo neck and leather trousers  (which featured in our round-up of the best leather clothing) with a pair of plain white trainers.

  1.  £48 from La Redoute
Prices may vary
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& Other Stories oversized wool blend workwear shirt

other stories shacket .jpg

Made from a wool blend (60 per cent) this is one of the most expensive shackets featured in our round-up, but provides a little extra warmth. In terms of fit, this runs large to create an oversized fit. We loved the workwear pockets, and the fact the oatmeal colourway worked well with everything in our wardrobe. If you’re after something slightly more autumnal, the dark burgundy colour also took our eye.

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Na-kd belted jacket

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The joy of a shacket is that it can either be worned belted or open and undone – this one can do both. Featuring a classic collar, buttoned cuffs and a removable belt, it certainly ticks the boxes. It’s a longer line cut than some, and also comes in a cream and grey and white check.

  1.  £72 from Na-kd
Prices may vary
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Neon Rose oversized tweed shacket

Neon rose shacket .jpg

This longline number features functional pockets (which is always a win) and buttoned fastening. The tweed style offers a slightly different take on the trend and it has a metallic thread throughout, which adds a touch of sparkle, but might not be for everyone. It’s warm, and would look bang on trend when worn with a pair of high-waisted jeans, a white T-shirt and chunky boots.

  1.  £45 from Neon Rose
Prices may vary
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Per Una checked relaxed shacket

m&s shacket .jpg

We were pleasantly surprised by this Per Una number. Owing to its relaxed and longline design, we’d advise sizing down if you prefer something more fitted. The twill fabric will make a soft and cosy addition to your wardrobe, and will keep you warm when the weather really starts to get cold. A great versatile option.

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The verdict: Women’s shackets

Each and every one ticked the boxes of fitting right, providing warmth and proving to be a versatile addition to the outerwear wardrobe. But it’s the Nasty Gal checkin' you out faux wool oversized jacket that proved the most easy to wear. 

Embrace the colder months and invest in one of the best women’s cashmere jumpers

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