Krissy Turner Girl on a budget
This new classic is the only trend I’m investing in this season
Portmanteaus are beloved in the world of fashion, but personally I’m not so keen. There’s something about “athleisure” and “skort” (I wore a grey one to primary school for years, which definitely didn’t help) that really bothers me. So you’ll understand why I’m resistant to dubbing my new favourite top a “shacket”.
The heavy-duty, trans-seasonal leather shirt ( just as catchy) is currently having a moment. When the one I now own first caught my eye (a soft cream number with tortoiseshell buttons, which is still on sale on Baukjen.com), I ignored it for ages, thinking it would just be a frivolous fashion buy. When I caved after eyeing it up for around three months, I felt smug for wearing it in two completely different ways in a week, proving that I had made the right decision.
You’d be forgiven for thinking leather shirts are tricky to wear – they are leather, after all – but they’re surprisingly versatile, adding a modern edge to anything you wear them with. My favourite pairing is with dark blue jeans and block-heeled mules, although I’ve also worn mine over a printed dress with sleek white trainers (ideal for this in-between weather). There are a few key points to consider when shopping for one, though. Worn as a jacket, there’s less that can go wrong: just be sure to try it on with the top you plan to wear it over to ensure the arms aren’t too tight.
As a shirt, the cut of
the body needs more consideration. If you’re thinking of going untucked, a cropped one with short sleeves will look great with smart high-waisted trousers, but you’ll need a longer version if you’re planning to fold it nicely into a waistband, like you would a traditional shirt.
If, like me, you’re anything bigger than a C cup, you’ll be grateful for buttery soft leather, which won’t feel, or look, boxy. This doesn’t mean to say you need to throw tons of cash at it,
Leather shirts are surprisingly versatile, adding a modern edge
though. H&M’S matt khaki one has hidden buttons (an expensive-looking detail) and is lovely and squishy. There is also a similar dovegrey number in PU leather for £59.99 (hm.com).
Sleeves are worth mentioning, too. Longer ones are obviously a wiser choice if you’re keen on your shirt moonlighting as a jacket, but I’m tempted by Frankie Shop’s cream puffed sleeve, which nicely combats the tight-arms issue. It’s also faux leather, should you want the luxe feel without the hefty price tag, as is Zara’s thick black version which is great for winter workwear. Wear it now with smart black trousers and white ballet flats, then throw it on over a T-shirt or a sleeveless turtleneck. Just don’t call it a shacket.