I've always struggled to find tailored jackets for my shape, this boucle jacket has revolutionised how I style my summer outfits

If you're looking for the jacket that can do it all, this Parisian chic piece is the one to invest in

Rivkie Baum wearing a Mango white boucle jacket in two different ways
(Image credit: Rivkie Baum)

Outerwear at the end of spring, early summer period can be tricky, coats are away, but it's not quite warm enough to shed jackets altogether, it's a bit of a fashion no man's land. Enter the boucle jacket. A polished piece of apparel that will dress up any item of clothing and offer just enough warmth to be both practical and stylish.

Drawing inspiration from classic Chanel suiting, a boucle jacket always looks luxe, making anything you pair it with feel that little bit more expensive. Thanks to Chanel's fashion prowess, this designer-inspired piece has become something of a wardrobe staple, ensuring you can get great iterations at affordable price points.

This gorgeous Mango tweed jacket with contrasting trims is an absolute hero of a summer capsule wardrobe, so much so, I couldn't stop myself snapping this up on a recent shopping trip. I'd long wanted to add more jackets and tailoring to my outfits, but had struggled to find great cuts on the high street, so I was thrilled at how well this fit across my shoulders. As a size 18, I opted for Mango's XXL, and I was completely sold the second I put it on.

Wearable all year, I think a boucle jacket, particularly in light and earthy hues, comes into its own for spring outfit ideas, right into the summer. Opt for a waist-hitting hemline and this style can sit over everything from A-line and shift dresses, to teaming with skirts, trousers and even adding a smart edge to your favourite jeans.

While boucle simply refers to the textured woven fabric, here I am also referring to the extremely wearable boxy silhouette with a round neckline. The kind of shape that makes you think instantly of Chanel catwalks, after all, we all know that French women are some of the most stylish in the world, and it's their penchant for timeless capsule wardrobe staples, such as this, that make them so.

Mango boucle jacket with contrast trim

Mango Boucle Jacket

(Image credit: Mango)

This jacket is a great option with pretty much any body type. The strong fit across the shoulder and slightly shorter hemline ensures that you can wear them with high-waisted trousers and wide-legs for an hourglass silhouette. Need to make your jeans a little more business casual? Then this boucle jacket is just the ticket. In fact, it's smart casual outfit idea perfection.

While this jacket is white, making it less useful if you're wondering what to wear to a wedding, for the races or Wimbledon, it's great for warding off any spring/summer chill. Although boucle wasn't a specific standout trend for the season, thanks to Chanel, a boucle jacket is always in style, making it a sound investment.

And even if you can't wear this jacket to your next nuptial invitation, Mango have a host of other boucle jackets that are well worth checking out, if white is not the colour of choice for you right now.

The jacket is available in sizes XXS to XXL, with the top size equating to about a size 18. The outer is made from 60% cotton, 21% polyester, 9% acrylic, 5% viscose, 5% virgin wool, while the lining is 52% viscose and 48% polyester. Offering a decent mix of natural fabrics for breathability. As expected for a tailored, boucle jacket, this is dry clean only, which is something to consider before investing, especially in a light coloured item.

Adding a little bit of Parisian chic to any ensemble, it's the perfect summer switch-out for leather, denim or canvas jacket styles and is a little bit more tailored and smart. From work meetings to weekends and date night dressing, this wardrobe essential is one you'll come to rely on for years to come. If you're opting for the white design, make sure to dry clean the jacket, as needed, especially at the end of the season and store it away appropriately, and a solid shoulder hanger, under a dust cover to keep it looking its best for next season.

Rivkie Baum
Fashion channel editor

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.

Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career.