I’m an elegance guru – 5 ‘cheap’ jackets to swerve this autumn, your fleece teddy coat looks like an old bathroom mat
SEPTEMBER has finally arrived which means it’s time to put away your summer garments and wear something a bit more cosy.
As the temperatures are slowly dropping and the evenings are getting more chilly, jackets are once again becoming an every day essential for our outfits.
But if you’re yet to hit the high street to find the perfect autumn coat, best keep reading, as there are some viral styles to best steer clear of, according to an elegance coach.
Taking to TikTok, the guru who goes by @ladyblue_official listed five picks that despite being worn by many actually make you look ”cheap” – or even like you’re wearing ”an old bathroom mat”.
Black biker jackets
Since first being introduced around 1928 by bikers, leather jackets have soared in popularity, with almost every fashion lover owning at least one.
Whether you’re after a real leather version or a faux leather alternative, the options on the high street are practically endless.
But although these are mainstream, the expert warned that biker jackets ”are not elegant in the slightest”.
What’s more, she explained in the video, this spring/autumn staple ”has been so overdone” – ”and most of it looks very bad quality”.
Quilted puffer jackets
Available at almost every store, such as Zara, Marks & Spencer and H&M, for a relatively affordable price, the quilted puffer jacket took our wardrobes by storm a few years ago.
However, if you want to elevate your appearance this season it’s best to leave the viral style in the past, as it ”looks so dated”.
Urging fashionistas to swerve the trend, the guru said: ”They do nothing to make it look flattering on your body.
”You can never be elegant and look well put-together wearing these synthetic, plastic jackets.”
Fleece teddy coats
There’s no better feeling that throwing on a cosy teddy coat – and with so many different colour options and lengths, it’s easy to see why the soft outerwear piece has taken the high street by storm.
Sharing her brutal verdict on the sought-after style, the elegance whizz said: ”I cannot unsee an old bathroom mat that shouldn’t be there.
”Or a cheap toy from the vending machine,” she chuckled.
Beige trench coats
A classic that will never go out of style and can easily be paired with practically anything, a trench coat is a must-have we’ve all been told to have in our wardrobes.
The ultimate perennial piece, the chic trend is also the perfect pick for the season change when the temperatures are neither hot or cold.
But although the expert has nothing against the style as such, she warned that ”fast fashion brands ruined it by cheaply replicating it”.
”So now everyone has a poor quality version of that – you all look the same and the quality really shows.”
”It sits awkwardly on the body, the stitching is all wrong, the buttons are terrible.”
How to look chic on a budget
Fashion stylist Gemma Rose Breger, and beauty journalist Samantha Silver revealed how you can make your outfits elevated without spending hundreds of pounds.
- Don’t ever spend on designer denim: River Island ”always has such a great selection of fashion-forward jeans that follow the current trends”. The high street retailer offers a great range of sizes to fit UK 6 – UK 18, and three leg lengths – and prices start from an affordable £25.
- There are no rules for jewels: ”Pick up something at a car boot sale, or charity shop, scroll on Vinted & eBay, snap up something from the clothing section in your local supermarket when doing the food shop or check out high street clothing stores.”
- Don’t forget the pre-loved sites: With a rising number of second-hand sites, such as Vinted and Depop, there’s no excuse for not buying – or selling – pre-loved garments. Gemma, for instance, has managed to get her hands on chic Chanel sunnies for a mere £17.
Aviator jackets
Also known as faux shearling coat, the aviator jacket is yet another trend we’ve seen a huge resurgence of – according to John Lewis, ”searches for the garment have increased by 68% since this time last year”, The Guardian reported.
When well-made, these coats can indeed last you a long time – however, as the pro explained, this is not necessarily the case with the majority of the purse-friendly versions on the market.
”It’s a definite no – it’s like carrying an obviously very fake Chanel bag that does more damage than good.”
If you cannot afford a real shearling coat – or you simply don’t agree with wearing leather – the whizz recommended steering clear of this style altogether.