The Vintage-Inspired Jacket Trend That's Defining Elegant Winter Style

The ’80s have loomed large in the minds of fashion designers this year, and the decade’s influence can be felt all the across the industry from ’80s costume jewelry, ’80s-inspired corporate attire, and of course ’80s jackets. Now that we’re in the midst of the festive season, we’ve been busy mapping out what to wear to all the holiday parties, gatherings, and nights out that are littering our calendars this month. There are plenty of winter going-out outfit ideas to be had, but chief among them is a single piece that can quite literally make the outfit: an evening jacket.

Whether it comes in opulent satin, luxurious velvet, or sophisticated tweed, there is nothing short of a sea of options to be had, and each one is more beautiful than the last. From Dua Lipa’s vintage 1998 Mugler piece to the striking peplum jackets from British label Liberowe that all the insiders are wearing, see and shop the evening jackets that are defining elegant and chic winter 2024 style.

Here, Dua Lipa wears an hourglass jacket from the Mugler fall 1998 collection, which she styled with of-the-moment micro shorts and tights.

A beautiful jacket that either has a striking silhouette like this hourglass shape or a rich texture needs little styling—it is the outfit.

British label Liberowe has become an insider favorite, known for its peplum and structured tweed jackets that are instantly recognizable.

Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean wearing velvet needs to be a cliché. Try a velvet jacket styled simply with jeans and a tee for a look that extends far beyond the festive season.

A satin style feels elevated and luxurious without trying too hard—perfect for the minimalist dressers among us.

The French-girl way to wear the trend? Via a structured black evening jacket paired with classic blue jeans and heels.

Rising New York–based designer Colleen Allen has been making a name for herself, and the in-the-know fashion crowd has been smitten with her hook-and-eye jackets that feature a structured and Victorian-inspired shape.

Structured jackets have been trending all year, so chances are you already have a similar style in your closet. And if not, there’s never been a better time to invest in one. Dress it up in the evenings now and keep styling it with jeans and flats post-holidays.

Tweed, brushed wool, velvet, satin—it’s all about texture with this trend.

Don’t sleep on Free People right now. It’s home to a number of pretty jackets like the Quinn Quilted Jacket and Natalie Velvet Jacket that are as striking as they are wallet-friendly.