We've reached January, and that means spring is on its way (yes, we've gone there). So if you're shopping for outerwear that will take you through to next season, may we introduce the gilet.
A lightweight but cosy choice, it's ideal for layering over tees, dresses, sweaters and knits. These versatile gilets – also known as puffer vests in the US – are always one of our wardrobe's hardest-working pieces.
We love a chic black gilet, or other classic hues likes navy and off-white. A fleece or borg fabric will keep out the cold, while a sporty style or puffer gilet will add some sports luxe to your closet.
Royals and celebrities wearing gilets
Royals and celebrities love them too. Princess Kate loves a luxury quilted gilet for outdoor playdates and casual engagements. She prefers a khaki or brown-hue, as worn in 2021 on a royal visit to Scotland.
A-List stars like Hailey Bieber choose a gilet as an evening jacket; she perfectly demonstrates how cool it can look over a smart dress, adding a laidback luxe look.
How to wear a gilet
Layering over jeans and trousers is a given, but we're into the aesthetic of gilets over dresses too. Try wearing over a denim jacket, shearling coat or, on those chilly summer days, a snuggly sweatshirt. We love the look of wearing a bright gilet with black, or even matching your gilet to your outfit - one colour for all. And if a padded gilet isn't for you, don't dismiss a quilted, faux fur or teddy version.
How we chose the best gilets
- Price: We've searched high and low for gilets to match all budgets, from £29.50 for a high street gilet to £575 for a designer buy.
- Variety: Not all gilets are made equal. The puffer style is the most traditional but don't dismiss the lighter weight teddy or fleece gilets, or the luxe-looking faux-fur sleeveless vests.
- Practicality: Where possible, we've chosen gilets with practical elements like pockets and waterproof materials.
- Trusted brands: All of the labels we've chosen are trusted brands the HELLO! team swear by; we've not tried on all of the products but the brands are some of our favourites, so quality should be high.
If you've never considered adding a gilet to your wardrobe, let us convince you with our edit of the best – and most stylish - from quilted vests to faux shearling pieces and long gilets too…
M&S Borg Textured Funnel Neck Gilet
Sizes available: UK 6-24
Colours available: Light Natural, Black
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
Returns: Free within 35 days
"With it's cool slightly oversized cut and cosy borg fabric, this M&S gilet is such a bargain at less than £30."
Marks & Spencer's gilet has a warm funnel neck that can be zipped right up and features two large patch pockets. Pair it with a rollneck and underneath longline coats on those colder days.
Canada Goose Freestyle Quilted Shell Down Vest
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Colours available: Black, Navy, White
Shipping: £7 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £300
Returns: Free within 30 days
Editor's note
"If there's a brand I'd splurge on, it's Canada Goose, loved by celebs and royals including Meghan Markle. It's known for its lightweight yet warm padded coats."
Made from a durable quilted shell that's water and wind-resistant, and filled with insulating down, this Canada Goose gilet is so warm, and will fit over all of your lightweight layers.
Barbour International Orbit Diamond Quilted Longline Gilet
Sizes available: UK 8-18
Colours available: Light Trench
Shipping: £4.50 or free over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
Editor's note
"Iconic for outerwear, everyone needs a trusty gilet from Barbour, and this quilted caramel option with a waist-cinching belt is so chic."
Ideal as a lighter outerwear layer, Barbour's Orbit gilet comes in a warm longline cut and is framed with a funnel neckline.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Puffer Gilet
Sizes available: XS-3XL
Colours available: Black/White, Black, Cosmo Pint, Purple Cactus Print
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
Editors note
"For a sporty style, we love this boxy colour block gilet from The North Face. At £250, it's an investment piece, but it will last you season after season and has the added bonus of a convertible hood. Genius!"
Inspired by 90's styles, this North Face gilet is made from the brand's durable ripstop fabric and features the original oversized logo. The 700-fill down offers plenty of warmth but it's still compressible.
Whistles Faux Fur Gilet
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours available: Neutral, Black
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
Editor's note
"This faux fur gilet from Whistles is a great alternative to a blazer as we move into the warmer months, and would look amazing layered over a chiffon dress or silk skirt combo."
Longline, with chunky, weighty fabric and hidden fastenings, Whistles' faux fur gilet adds instant luxe to any outfit.
Uniqlo Ultra Lightweight Down Vest
Sizes available: XXS-3XL
Colours available: Off-White, Grey, Black, Pink, Beige, Navy
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: £2.95 within 28 days
Editor's note
"Although I've not tried this gilet, I have it on good authority - Trinny Woodall - that it's a keeper. She has it in pink, but we love it in cream, ticking all the quiet luxury aesthetic boxes."
Uniqlo's padded gilet is ultra practical as it can be easily folded into a small pouch. Made with a durable, matte, water-repellent coating, it also features an anti-static lining.
