How To Style: The Gilet
By Rachel Tooley | January 28, 2020The sports luxe trend is one currently taking over the fashion industry; the mixture of smart and sporty gives you a versatile look that could be worn just about anywhere. A key part of the sports luxe wardrobe would be the gilet (or bodywarmer) which you can layer up throughout the colder months and seasonal transitional periods. However, this trend is just one of those that you could incorporate a bodywarmer into, being a timeless yet contemporary essential.Â
Gilets are extremely versatile, yet can be difficult to style without looking like you’re going hiking… So, we’re here to give you some tips and recommendations on how to wear a gilet and which ones you should be wearing this season. Bodywarmers come in a variety of silhouettes, whether you like a slim fit or quilted design, wool or nylon, bright or neutral colours, a huge range of menswear brands are now offering a range of bold, staple pieces to choose from.Â
If you’re going for a pop of colour…
We would recommend the Moncler Grenoble Blue Egginer Gilet, £650 at Brother2Brother.
Wearing a pop of colour with a muted outfit is a great way to achieve a balance between tones. Mixing neutral tones with a colour of your choice is key, to stop your outfit from the dreaded colour clash. This gilet is perfect for making a statement and finishing a look, without being too garish. Featuring a down filled lining and a nylon outer shell, it’s a great lightweight addition your wardrobe, still guaranteed to keep you warm in the colder months. You can wear it alone or layered underneath a jacket, we would suggest pairing it with an overcoat such as the Filson Mackinaw Cruiser Jacket (£385 at Stuarts London), with some matching dark navy or black trousers, to get the best mixture of tone and texture.Â
If you’re going for a smarter look…
We would recommend the None Of The Above x Far Afield Whistler Gilet, Reduced from £85 to £34 at Stuarts London.
Thinner, lightweight gilets compliment a blazer and trouser combo, without looking overdressed. This corduroy gilet adds additional texture into an outfit, whilst being slim fitted and sophisticated. By layering a gilet with an oversized blazer, and trousers, the whole combination is softened as to what would be an otherwise sharper looking outfit. Layering allows you to dress stylishly smart without looking like you’re wearing a suit, as it prevents each piece from blending into each other. To add extra dynamic to such an ensemble, choose slightly mismatching trousers to the blazer for extra texture. We would wear this piece with the Circolo 1901 Anthracite Blazer (now £174.50 at Repertoire Fashion), and Calvin Klein Alloy Wool Trousers (Now £47.60 at Stuarts London).
If you’re going for everyday casual…
We would recommend the Barbour Beacon Lagg Fleece Gilet, Reduced from £99.95 to £59.97 at Brown Bag Clothing.
Fleece is currently a really on trend fabric for both men and women, it can break up elements of an outfit and add more zest into a simple fit. This relaxed fleece gilet is the perfect addition to a casual outfit, it can be layered up or worn alone over a sweatshirt or hoodie. Whether it’s a day out with the family or braving the cold to go and watch the match, you could pair it with a pair of loose fit trousers or jeans such as these Universal Works Twill Fatigue Pants in olive (£125 at The Hip Store) and a beanie hat to complete the ultimate cosy casual look.Â
Check out our other style guide on how to wear bold patterns and prints here, or keep your eyes peeled for more ‘How To Wear’ guides in the weeks to come.