Tips To Style The Sleeveless Jacket

While winters in South Africa can get cold, we are lucky enough to still be able to enjoy a few sunny days out in the garden, having a braai and a few laughs. Although the season requires a change in wardrobe, winter in South Africa is moderate and manageable compared to most parts of the world. So, how do you dress when the mornings are icy but the days warm up comfortably?

The sleeveless jacket is your new best friend. Casual and comfortable, with the ability to be dressed up or down, the sleeveless jacket is an item that everyone should have in their wardrobes this winter. With that being said, there are a few tricks to pull off a jacket without sleeves, otherwise known as a gilet.

Layer It Up

A gilet adds extra warmth to the body’s core, without the fuss. The vest-type structure of the gilet makes it the perfect layering item. On extra chilly days, you can throw on an overcoat, expanding on the layers. In this way, the gilet is the perfect item for the in-between days when layers keep you comfortable from morning until night.

Handy tip: avoid layering the gilet over particularly puffy items. You may find yourself being mistaken for the Oros man.

Neutral Wins

Subdued tones, such as blues, blacks, and greys, are perfect for the sleeveless jacket. Chances are, you’ll be adding your gilet to an existing outfit for extra warmth. By choosing to purchase a jacket in more neutral colours, you avoid a wardrobe clash of patterns and colours.

Keep It Casual

A useful way to think of a gilet is to consider it as a relaxed waistcoat, relaxed being the key descriptor. While the item is versatile and unobtrusive, it is best worn with smart-casual pull-overs, and don’t quite work underneath a tuxedo.

Consider The Season

The gilet really is an incredibly versatile item but even so, there are nuances to its design. If you are enjoying your sleeveless jacket, you may want to branch out and get another one. In addition to buying different colours, you can also get varied thickness in padding and material. During the heart of winter, you may want a puffier jacket for better insulation while in the final days of Autumn, a thin zip-up can work wonders.

These are just a few handy tips to keep you classy while sporting your sleeveless jacket. Perfect for the workplace, the side of the sports field or a casual braai; the gilet is the ultimate versatile winter item.

If things get colder, you can always browse our soft shell jackets for extra warmth. We’d love to hear from you, so give us a call today!