How To Wear A Suede Shearling Jacket – According To A Stylist

At this time of year, outerwear is everything. I am not a morning person, so when I’m getting dressed (usually on a dark morning) stylish comfort is the order of the day. In the evening, I like to up the ante, putting on my highest heels and vamping up the glam. But on the average day, my style has to be functional – effortlessness is always the goal. Anything too strict, fussy or impractical just doesn't work for me anymore. It was when I had a late-night look on the NET-A-PORTER sale that I stumbled across a camel, belted shearling jacket by LVIR. There are fun buys and then there are investment pieces. I knew this one was an absolute keeper.

Puffers have had so much airtime lately, so I’d started looking for an alternative to keep me wrapped up in style for the rest of the season. This luxurious jacket is fantastic – it has all the warmth of a puffer but without the sporty vibe. It also feels less dressy and bulky than a faux fur coat. Plus, camel is one of the most useful shades to have in your wardrobe – I can't think of a single colour it doesn't work with, and it feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. I also love the oversized silhouette – it transforms it from a standard shearling coat into something more fashion forward. And I’m obsessed with the wide, darted sleeves, which are on trend but also practical for wearing over chunky knits. Finally, the belt makes it feel like a bit like a luxe cardigan. Cinching something in at the waist also turns it into more of a statement and gives it a more feminine shape.

This kind of jacket is definitely an investment buy and you’ll be hard pressed to find the same look or quality on the high street. But when I say this kind of jacket can be worn with anything, I mean it. Go down the modern minimalist route and wear it over an all-black look – a rollneck and leather pants are ideal. Alternatively, take it in a Ralph Lauren direction and wear with double denim or give it a country twist with tweed skirts and fairisle jumpers. Winter whites look fresh and expensive with it, while tonally dressing in camel head-to-toe will bring out the luxurious texture of the jacket. I love it worn with an oversized printed dress or simple loungewear for a chic Scandi look. I'd even wear it with a long satin slip dress for the evening.

There are plenty of tan suede jackets out there this season – just beware that a belted cardigan-style will be harder to come by. When you’re on the hunt, follow these rules: first, volume is everything. To keep things modern, look for sloping shoulders and a sense of ease – this is not a moment for fitted tailoring, so track down exaggerated shapes with a feminine twist. You don't want to end up with a carbon copy of a flying jacket or to look too much like a market trader. Where possible, go for cropped and wide – Ralph Lauren and Isabel Marant both do this well, while Ulla Johnson's Robbie jacket has pretty, diagonal buttons and a sumptuous hood for practicality. If you're looking for more of a coat, find a longer-length cocoon shape with details like turned-up sleeves, chic buttons or a shearling trim. Your best options are Giuliva Heritage, The Kooples and Mother. Finally, Nili Lotan – a brand full of wearable classics – has nailed the 70s vibe with a selection of styles named after the Beatles.

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