Cool Parisians and Their Grandmothers Swear By This Timeless Jacket Style
If there's one thing that I can't say no to, it's a simple Lady Jacket. Popularized in the '60s by oversize gold buttons, bouclé and tweed detailing, and sharp, cropped silhouettes, the retro outwear style was the jacket of choice for both It girls and high-society women alike. With famous wearers like Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, these jackets have seen a huge surge in popularity recently, especially among the stylish Paris set.
Even though the timeless silhouette was once only associated with older stylish women, modern twists like slouchy cardigan iterations and minimal buttons have kept the jacket style feeling fresh over the years. Below, shop out the Parisian uniform of choice along with some other jaw-dropping Lady Jackets, bouclé jackets, and tweed jackets French women have been wearing for decades.
How to style: Pair your jacket with a simple miniskirt, vintage-style jewelry, and knee-high boots for a classic Parisian take on this decades-old classic.
Shop more jackets:
How to style: Opt for wide-leg jeans, slingbacks, a white tee, and a statement scarf.
How to style: Pair your knitted jacket of choice with a maxi skirt and sleek clogs.
How to style: A neutral jacket, color-blocked tee, and longline skirt are a fun way to incorporate a different look to the traditional jacket.
How to style: Baggy jeans, a chic jacket, and understated sunnies are the perfect way to reference the '90s.
How to style: A cropped white jacket, sleek black trousers, and ballet flats are an ideal date-night outfit.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Copenhagen Fashion Week, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the re-branding of jorts, or, jean shorts for the uninitiated. At Who What Wear, Ana crafts sharp, irreverent features that speak to a digital-first generation, bringing her signature wit and unapologetic tone to long-form fashion and beauty content. If it’s smart, snarky, and a little unexpected, you'll probably find her name on it.
-
Everything at Zara Right Now Has Me Unwell—25 Items I Swear Will Sell Out
My shopping cart is full.
By Michelle Scanga
-
The "So Wrong It's Right" Way to Wear Sporty Jackets in 2025
Give it a try.
By Eliza Huber
-
5 Affordable Outerwear Trends Fashion People Are Wearing in 2025
Including trench coats buttoned to the top.
By Ana Escalante
-
I Styled 5Replica Store Outfits for Under $400 to Wear in 2025
Easy and elevated looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I Just Scanned All the New Arrivals From Zara, Shopbop, and Ref—These Are the 30 I'd Buy
Very 2025.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Fashion People in London Are Pinning This Anti-Designer Bag as the Must-Have Accessory of 2025
You'll never guess who makes it.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
It'll Be a Miracle If These New H&M Shoes Are Still in Stock When You Press Add to Cart
They'll go fast.
By Eliza Huber
-
This Dated Denim Trend Is on Its Way Back—Here's How French Women Are Already Wearing It
Five outfit combos we're copying.
By Michelle Scanga