It was Jenna Ortega's military-inspired vest at Jonathan Anderson's catwalk debut for Dior last year that made it official – Napoleon jackets are the latest piece to re-emerge from our Y2K memories as a trend that is here to stay. But even if your budget prohibits a piece of Dior, there are still many ways to incorporate this piece into your wardrobe.
Also known as a hussar jacket or a pelisse, this piece of outerwear has historic connotations that are quite problematic. But instead of trying to reference the colonial commanders of the 18th and 19th centuries, we're looking back to 2000s style icons like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller as the originators of the trend.
Boho girlies of that decade knew exactly how to reimagine the piece that was originally seen as a heavy winter staple into the warmer days. Latest iterations of the Napoleon jacket are made in lighter materials like denim, linen and cotton twill, making them into perfect layers for chilly evenings in spring and summer.
Our favourite looks featuring Napoleon jackets
In case you need some extra inspiration, we have compiled five of our favourite looks featuring this key piece that will be perfect for spring and summer. From peak boho vibes featuring loose skirts and rich embroidery, to the most modern versions in leather – there's something for everyone.
A Napoleon jacket that doubles as a blazer? Consider us sold, especially for those transitional office days when you need to be ready for anything. It's just the right amount of style for anyone with a more traditional dress code, and layered with a tailored shirt, it can become your seasonal go-to.
A cropped Napoleon jacket is one of those versatile pieces that can easily be turned into a top. Add a pair of low-slung blue jeans and a chunky shoe and you've got the perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity that will make you feel like you're stepping out of a street style photo.
Want to look like an off-duty model walking through Paris? Well, this one is for you. A black t-shirt – either plain or with a fun logo – will look great under a khaki Napoleon jacket, especially with some ripped jeans and fun-coloured trainers. Complete with a large soft holdall, you have just mastered the on-the-go look.
An all-black look is always a safe, chic route – but there's also the option of pumping the volume up with some contrasting textures. A traditional, wool jacket will transition effortlessly into spring, especially when paired with a pair of (faux) leather trousers and some lightly-tinted aviator sunglasses.
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This is the look that pays homage to the original boho girlies of the 2000s – and it's one that's worth bringing back. A loose, lightweight midi skirt paired with a denim Napoleon jacket will go really well with more formal blouses for work occasions, and then reworn again during peak summer with lightweight tank tops or tees.
From denim to cotton through leather, there's a Napoleon jacket for every occasion and every style. Worn open, it's the perfect jacket for chilly morning or evenings that surprise us even if the heights of the summer. And for more formal occasions, there's always the option to button it all the way up and treat it as a fresh update on a blazer.
Below are some of our other favourite Napoleon jackets that will work really well this spring and summer:
A version of this article originally appeared in Glamour España.
