Fall is here, and if you are still struggling with outfit ideas as you transition your closet for the season ahead, might we suggest revisiting the classic bouclé jacket? It’s a wardrobe power player: Seemingly simple, but just like a great blazer or leather jacket, it offers an instant polish that can dress up any outfit, even a tried-and-true favorite, the T-shirt and jeans ensemble.
The best bouclé jackets start with the fabrication (and if you are wondering just what bouclé is, in its simplest form, it is yarn that has been layered and looped, resulting in a textured weave). Today, you will find woven blends of wool, cotton, and other fibers, as mills have gotten increasingly inventive with their craft. However, the silhouette of a bouclé jacket remains timeless.
Think of boxy-fit, slightly cropped styles of the 1950s, designed by none other than Coco Chanel herself. This silhouette has truly stood the test of time and become a mainstay of outerwear. Once you invest in a bouclé jacket, you will never get rid of it. Often adorned with gold or silver-toned buttons and pocket detailing, bouclé jackets possess a ladylike feel that can elevate any outfit. And although the category has been dominated primarily by a square-cut, boxy silhouette, designers today often play with riffs on the classic, offering the fabrication in blazer, bomber, and trucker styles.
Personally, I love adding a bouclé jacket to my daily fall uniform, tousled effortlessly over the shoulder. My go-to outfit for meetings is often quite minimalist, generally including a simple top, wide-leg trousers, and flat shoes—by adding a bouclé jacket, I feel all the more sophisticated.
Below, shop the 16 best bouclé jackets, complete with picks from Bazaar editors and styling tips to kick-start your fall layering ideas.
This button-front bouclé feels like your favorite trucker shape, but with polished elements giving it that extra touch of ladylike appeal. Silver-toned, metal buttons, and a brushed texture make this just as appropriate for weekend brunch, when paired with your favorite low-slung jeans, as for a day in the office with a bow blouse and midi skirt. Plus, the price point can’t be beat.
Sizes: 0–14
Colors: Black
Materials: Polyester, wool, acrylic, other fibers
Cinq à Sept is known for its classics with a twist, and this cropped jacket signifies that. The teddy bouclé fabric is lush and soft, while a cropped shape, piped edges, and rhinestone-encrusted buttons give it a sophisticated feel. Whether worn with jeans and flats or a silky slipdress for a night out, this ivory topper is sure to complement any look.
Sizes: 0–14
Colors: Ivory
Materials: Polyester
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“A bouclé jacket has the perfect amount of structure to feel put together, even when layered over a T-shirt, and remains comfortable enough for all-day-wear,” Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead at Bazaar, says. “I always reach for one when I’m in need of mixing up my rotation of blazers, especially as fall is around the corner.” She suggests this Coach version for its elegant and versatile ease. “I especially love the logo-emblazoned buttons and dual set of pockets,” she notes.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black
Materials: Cotton, acrylic, polyester, wool, other fibers
Best Sustainable
Stella McCartney Denim Effect Bouclé Crop Jacket
Stella McCartney’s take on a bouclé jacket just happens to be made from denim, that has been Regenagri-certified cotton. You still get the plush, textured look of bouclé, but with a sustainable fabrication that you can feel good about investing in. We are going straight for the matching five-pocket skirt for a cool power pairing.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Blue bouclé denim
Materials: Cotton
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A timeless staple that is always in Nili Lotan’s seasonless offerings, the Paola jacket features a slightly cropped silhouette, with pockets aplenty, and gold-tone buttons, giving it a slight utilitarian feel. Play up the retro notes and wear with a fitted turtleneck, miniskirt, and knee-high boots, for a modern twist inspired by the past.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black
Materials: Cotton, polyester
Winter whites is totally a thing, so we suggest scooping up this cropped number now for the colder seasons ahead. The boxy fit makes it ideal to be worn with contrasting, high-waisted trousers, but we would also go with baggy white jeans for a full-on monochrome look. Both are timeless takes that can be worn straight through spring.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: White
Materials: Polyester, wool
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Although we love a boxy-cut jacket in the bouclé category, if you are more of a blazer lover, this Chloé was made for you. The elegant, double-breasted fit was designed with an oversize lapel and gold-tone buttons, to really hit on all the label's signature style notes. We love the idea of it worn as is, with a bare neckline underneath, but we will surely be pairing it with our favorite cashmere sweaters and turtlenecks as the temperatures start to drop.
Sizes: 34–44
Colors: Black
Materials: Virgin wool, polyamide, elastane
Not all bouclé jackets have to cost a fortune. H&M’s take comes at a fair price point and top quality. This dreamy cream tone is speaking to us at the moment, but you can choose from three other colorways, including black and gray, should you prefer. Toss over your shoulders for a nonchalant, Parisian vibe and your look just got a whole lot chicer.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: Cream, black, gray/herringbone, light beige melange
Materials: Polyester
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Customers love the easy elegance of J.Crew’s bouclé bomber. Offering a slightly sportier take on the classic fit, this jacket can easily go from a weekend walk, when worn with jeans and sneakers, to a cover-up solution on your way to the gym, to a night out with friends. And how luxe is this perfect shade of navy? Bonus points: It is also machine-washable.
Sizes: XXS–3X
Colors: Navy
Materials: Polyester
What reviewers are saying: “Great jacket! Fits true to size and the material is great. Can’t wait to wear - will be easy to dress up or down!”
This take on the bomber jacket from Zara blends the look and feel of bouclé and tweed, for a cool textured approach that fits right in with a modern wardrobe. The metal button-snap closure makes for an easy on and off when running between meetings—the perfect piece for these transitional days of high temperatures in the day and chillier nights.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black, ecru
Materials: Polyester, cotton, acrylic, viscose
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Paris-based brand Sandro always has something bouclé in its seasonal offerings; it’s the epitome of French-girl cool, after all. This cropped take is as classic as they come, with a cropped fit and luxe, button detailing for a winning take on Parisian style. Whether you dress it up or down, it’s sure to fit in with the minimalist mood of the season ahead.
Sizes: 34–42
Colors: White
Materials: Cotton, wool, polyester
Inspired by tailoring from the 1950s, Lafayette 148 gives new life to the iconic shape by playing with the jacket’s construction. This version has been sliced and diced, lending a patchwork feel, while hand-fringe detailing gives it a softer note. Wear with a miniskirt and flats for a vintage-inspired feel, or straight-leg jeans and sneakers for everyday wear.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: Black, cloud
Materials: Polyester
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Prepare for fall with this wardrobe power player from Frame. Sharp shoulders and a boxy cut certainly mean business, where construction is concerned, but the denim bouclé fabrication gives it a more casual spin, appropriate enough for a weekend adventure or a relaxed dress code in the office. It’s a modern-day miracle.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colors: Magic
Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton
If you're tired of a closet full of black and a white jacket seems too hard to maintain, might we suggest this navy version? It’s just as elegant as any others on our list. However, the custom knotted buttons offer an extra-special design touch that we love.
Sizes: 0–3 (XS–L)
Colors: Marine
Materials: Cotton, wool, polyamide
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Think of Gucci’s take on the bouclé jacket as a modern-day investment piece, which can be worn for years to come. True to the fashion house’s DNA, this one is a hybrid between a blazer and boxy-fit, making for a preppy meets contemporary take, that can be styled in a plethora of ways. We love the idea of a high-waisted pleated trouser here, with one of the brand’s signature shoulder bags.
Sizes: 36–48 IT
Colors: Ivory
Materials: Cotton, viscose, wool, lama, polyamide
St. John is mixing things up with this shrunken take on its signature bouclé. A three-quarter-length sleeve and open-front, buttonless closure give it a unique spin and an undone feel that is refreshing. Of course, you can wear it with a pencil skirt, but we’d style it over a silky tunic top and flowy trousers for a downtown-meets-uptown vibe.
Sizes: 0–18
Colors: Black
Materials: Cotton, rayon, polyamide
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Shop more fall wardrobe favorites
- Fall Fashion Finds We’re Shopping Now
- Fall Outfit Ideas to Steal From Street Style
- Comfortable Chelsea Boots That Don’t Sacrifice Style
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Kristina Rutkowski
Kristina Rutkowski is a New York-based writer and editor with over 15 years in the fashion industry. Previously the Senior Fashion Market Editor at InStyle magazine, she covered all things trend and shopping related. She has also worked in the fashion departments at both Self and Glamour. Her byline has appeared on HarpersBazaar.com, Vogue.com, WSJ.com, VanityFair.com, WWD.com, TheZoeReport.com and more. Find her on Instagram at .