The allure of Parisian chic is timeless, and nothing embodies it better than the iconic bouclé and tweed jacket. In this article, we explore the history of this iconic fashion staple pioneered by Chanel and provide tips on how to achieve the quintessential Parisian chic look. Curated with discerning tastes in mind, this article unveils the five best bouclé and tweed jackets to invest in, each promising to infuse your wardrobe with a blend of sophistication and effortless style that is distinctively Parisian. So whether you’re a longtime devotee of this classic style or a newcomer eager to embrace its timeless appeal, read on to discover how you can achieve timeless elegance with my edit of the best bouclé and tweed jackets.
L’Héritage Chanel
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel introduced her first tweed suits in the 1920s, inspired by the ease and comfort of menswear, specifically the clothes of her then-lover, the Duke of Westminster. At a time when women were still corseted and confined, Chanel’s designs were nothing short of revolutionary. “In suits that make them feel at ease,” Chanel remarked, “but that still emphasize femininity.”
The initial versions of Chanel’s tweed garments were groundbreaking but simple. However, upon reopening her couture house in 1954, her designs met with skepticism, especially in contrast to the prevalent “new look” silhouette created by Christian Dior. Interestingly, it was American women who first embraced Chanel’s liberating designs, driving demand for her modern, comfortable suits and jackets. These iconic pieces were meticulously crafted: the jacket’s boxy structure and slimly cut sleeves were engineered for comfort and freedom of movement, while its intricate lining and carefully selected embellishments—jewel-like buttons, braided trims, and interior chain detailing—served both practical and aesthetic functions. “The inside should match the outside,” Chanel proclaimed, encapsulating her philosophy of total design.
Nowadays, Virginie Viard’s interpretation comes with a more audacious flair. Her jackets introduce novel elements like feathering, satin edges, and press studs, marking the first time buttons have been radically reimagined on this Chanel staple. This evolution retains the jacket’s classic timelessness but with added contemporary nuances—fringes, hip-hugging peplums, and a decidedly “more is more” styling approach—that resonate with today’s fashion-forward clientele.
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5 Chic Bouclé & Tweed Jackets to Add to Your Wardrobe
This jacket is undeniably a French wardrobe staple. It combines the quintessential elements of French-girl fashion—elegance, effortlessness, and a dash of irreverence. Brands beyond Chanel have produced their own iterations of this iconic garment, adding a contemporary twist to what has long been a key piece in the French style lexicon.
To help you navigate the myriad options available, I have carefully curated a list of five chic bouclé and tweed jackets to invest in this season. This selection encapsulates a range of styles and prices, ensuring you’ll find the perfect piece to complement your unique style. Each of these jackets promises to add an effortlessly sophisticated touch to your ensembles that is quintessentially Parisian.
- Ba&sh Meredith Jacket—made with cotton and wool, I find this jacket très chic with its golden buttons.
- Sandro Cropped Tweed Jacket—I absolutely love this gorgeous cropped ecru jacket with beaded trims. To wear with matching tweed trousers.
- J.Crew Tweed lady jacket—one of my favorites! Made with wool-blend fabric.
- Rosaé Paris Le Hippolyte —woven from the most luxurious French and upcycled tweeds, you’ll notice the Made in France buttons decorated with a coat of arms for that very couture “à la française” vibe.
- Sandro Tweed Jacket —I love this chic jacket. I have it on my shopping list for months!
How to Style the Bouclé Jacket the Parisian Way
When it comes to styling, the Parisian approach is invariably chic yet understated. To achieve a Parisian chic-décontracté look, it’s important to balance out the traditional polished look of bouclé with modern elements. One way to do this is by pairing your tweed jacket with jeans, whether they’re tapered, cropped, wide, straight-leg, or even distressed—one of my favorite denim this season is Massimo Dutti’s wide-leg high-waist jeans. This will help you achieve a more contemporary, balanced look.
Regarding footwear, there are many options available. Ballet flats, Mary Janes, and loafers are just a couple of examples—mine are Tod’s Gemma Pesante loafers. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I recommend Sézane’s Amy loafers. Always wear socks with your loafers, whether they’re white, navy blue, or black. Alternatively, you could opt for classic ankle boots. This season, I am particularly fond of two-tone souliers and have invested in these beautiful Carel Estime leather boots.
For a très chic fall Parisian outfit, you can pair a bouclé jacket with a turtleneck sweater underneath. Chloé’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection showcases a white boucle jacket paired with a black or navy blue turtleneck —my favorite turtleneck sweater is this Sandro Roll Neck Wool Sweater I have in size XS.
Finally, for those who wish to fully embrace the fabric’s potential, a coordinated ensemble—comprising a matching skirt, pants, shorts, and jacket—offers a contemporary twist on classic elegance. This look is particularly effective when accented with understated accessories, allowing the tweed’s intricate weave to stand in the spotlight. This season, I have this gorgeous Sandro Cropped Tweed Jacket with matching tweed trousers on my wishlist.
