Do you need an excuse...

If you do, read on.  As I have a genius idea.   You didn't think you could justify another jacket?  Well, I have some excellent news for you - I've discovered the sort you do need.

This morning, off out to rugby and it wasn't warm but it wasn't cold - ie the weather we're looking at for the next month or so, if not longer.  I remember not needing a full on coat coat way into November last year.  

And even then, if you're driving around a lot and don't spend ages outdoors, a Winter coat can often be too warm. 

The half coat is what you need.  A coat without arms.  Also known as the gilet (vest, sleeveless thingymajig or long waistcoat).

Inspiration struck this morning when I spied one of these in my wardrobe and thought oh hello, that is perfect.  So today I am sharing my moment of genius by bringing you the best on the highstreet and how to wear them.

I got mine earlier in the year from New York and love it (a "bargain" from Helmut Lang, as in it was half the price in dollars as it was in pounds in Selfridges and I'd had a very boozy lunch) .  Mine's reversible, longline and navy and I shall be wearing it into the Winter an awful lot. 

It will look great over the mini skirts I mentioned yesterday. Not to mention dressing it down as I did today with jeans and a jumper.  For a smarter outfit, I'd put with trousers (I have much trouser work to do... looking for a worky pair to wear casually if that makes sense?), jumper and trainers.  Come the cooler weather, the collarless neckline to lots of these (mine included) makes it really easy to team with a huge chunky scarf. 

The only one that I've found that is vaguely similar to the one I have, with regards to length, is the Whistles one which I had been eyeing up for months before I got mine (seeing as the Helmut Lang one at UK prices was ridiculously out of my budget)

Black longline sheepskin gilet from Whistles £695


Mine however is navy and I have found a shorter one at Mint Velvet.

Navy Faux Fur Collarless Gilet at Mint Velvet £109 don't forget 15% discount using the code GREY15 


Slightly different but still with that shearling look...

Black Suedette & Knit Gilet from Mint Velvet £89 pre discount


Collarless at Mango - this time with a zip which I have to say I really rather like.  Although I have to say, I think over a midi skirt is a very modern look - possibly too punchy for me.  It has a whiff of "proper fashionista".  In other words, I'll be doing it next year when everyone else is too.

Faux Fur Gilet from Mango in black £59.99


Real Shearling now at a ridiculously low price from Jaeger Outlet.  A more traditional look and interestingly, even though it is more classic, I don't think it would be as versatile as the ones above.  But for weekend dress down - oh so cosy.

Shearling Gilet from Jaeger Outlet was £699 now £199




Moving into (faux) sheepskin territory at M&S and this is definitely casual.  But a lovely alternative to a biker, military or denim jacket.  These are so handy to layer up - not having sleeves means it's easier to wear more underneath and not look like the Michelin man.  One of the issues with layering is there's a fine line between Vogue Street Style and The Fridge.

Shear Sleeveless Coat from M&S £69


Similar version at John Lewis.

Numph Quintina Faux Shearling Gilet £49


And then there are the knitted options.  I got one of these last Autumn from Primark and I absolutely love it.  Mine is grey and no, it's obviously not the best quality but over all black and other shades of grey, it really does hold its own.   Mine was a lucky find but had I not found it (and I will be using it again this year definitely), I would be eyeing up one of these. 

Really like this two tone.  And love the styling although right now, there will be no bare arms happening - change the shirt for a fine knit jumper and I'm in.   Am also going to check out the trousers as these are exactly what I was talking about earlier.  Worky trousers to wear casually.  Funnily enough, no one has a category for these on their retail sites (they so should, shouldn't they?)

Wool Ribbed Longline Gilet from Jaeger £125


And in the navy £125  Randomly I prefer the one above.


Double faced at Jaeger with an extra 20% off knitwear from the outlet.

Wool Double-faced Gilet was £175 now £120 (pre extra 20% off)



And in the navy and dark grey


Full on colour anyone?

Vero Moda Draped Waistcoat with oversized stripes £45


Moving onto slightly smarter but staying with wool.  Jaeger again, ergo not cheap but definitely a classic that you will have for years and years. 

Double faced wool gilet from Jaeger £275 in black 



Another smarter version but still in a wool fabric in a seasonal green at Mango £69.99




Now into properly worky territory.  However it would be so easy to dress these down.  Jeans, sneakers, you're done.

Astrakhan Collar Gilet from Jaeger £250





Handmade Gilet in Navy at Mango £79.99


But finishing with a great reduction from Me+Em. 

Sleeveless Swing Jacket was £169 now £126.76



And a lighter coloured great reduction again at Jaeger Outlet. 

Double Faced Funnel Neck Gilet was was £269 now £119


Whatever you decide to call these - gilet, sleeveless coat, long waistcoat, vest (if you American) - are you in or are these a no no for you?  I just think, at this time of year when the weather is not warm not cold, these are the perfect outwear option.  

And here I am in mine. 


French Kissing in the USA jumper - Zoe Karssen
Phoebe jeans - MiH
Navy shearling gilet - Helmut Lang
Copeland glitter trainers - Air & Grace
Soho Disco bag - Gucci

So I had planned on doing an early wishlist bag wise for... dare I say it.. Christmas, but inspiration from my outwear today meant a change of plan.  Fear not thought, bag porn is on its way.  I'm thinking tan or beige.. any other colour requests?