There’s something uniquely elegant about a sporty jacket with a stand collar or funnel neck zipped right to the top, with material slightly shrouding the chin. It looks especially nonchalant when the wearer’s hair is tucked in–a Phoebe Philo-ism that adds mystique to the enveloping silhouette. While this neckline (and hair tuck) has been popularised on the runway, Uniqlo’s windproof blouson–a new style that’s already generating hype–serves as proof that this cut can be well executed at a more affordable price point.
Made from a breeze-preventing shell, the jacket features a stand collar that echoes those that are currently trending among the luxury houses, with a drawstring on the hemline to create a closer fit on the hips, angled side pockets and a hood that doubles up as padding for the collar when it’s stowed away. At first glance, it resembles a humble weatherproof jacket you would wear to a festival or for classic outdoorsy activities, but I think that it’s actually better suited to city wear. If you pull the drawstrings in around the waist and adjust the collar, it’s a world away from your standard pac-a-mac. And unlike its designer counterparts, it’s under $50.
Founder of Sourcewhere, Erica Wright, has created a business centered around tracking down coveted designer pieces for clients, such as one-of-a-kind Birkins, Cartier Tank watches, Alaïa flats and Old Céline, but she won’t overlook an excellent high-street purchase. Erica immediately fell for the charm of the Uniqlo blouson while on a trip to Asia earlier this year. “I’d gone in for a T-shirt, and this technical jacket caught my eye,” she tells Vogue of her chance discovery. “The proportions are precise, and there’s a clarity to the design–it has structure, but it moves easily. It feels put together, but not overworked. There’s a quiet kind of luxury when you style something considered, yet accessible, alongside a beautifully-made piece, such as a pair of shoes from The Row or a bag from Jil Sander–the result feels more elevated, more assured.”
The jacket is cropped but has an oversized fit on the arms and chest, so I’d recommend staying true to size–I wore an XS (my usual size), which was perfect. If you want an even slouchier appearance or to have extra room for layers to maximize its usage beyond the warmer months, then try the men’s style. It is longer at the hemline, with the addition of large, parka-esque pockets on the front.
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