14 Shackets That Are So Cute and Cozy, You'll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without Them

This warm layer has become an essential part of our winter wardrobe.

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Published on November 15, 2021 @ 11:00AM

Have you ever noticed that outerwear is up to interpretation in autumn? On a brisk afternoon, you could trade a traditional jacket for your favorite blazer, while oversized puffer vests count as coats for borderline frigid mornings. Blanket scarves have seemingly replaced the super-cool knit ponchos of the early aughts, and fashion lovers have even added a few brilliant hybrids into their wardrobes, such as the shacket.

Ok, wait — what is a shacket?

Unlike today's other tops trends, like the dark academia and cottagecore aesthetics, which are somewhat niche and might not ever make it to your social media feed, shackets — AKA shirt-jackets — are everywhere. In recent months, celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and more have been spotted stepping out in various styles of the garment, and influencers have also moved on from traditional flannels, inadvertently dubbing shackets the new fall and winter wardrobe staple.

However, similar to how skorts and "flared leggings" (re: yoga pants) aren't "new" and just recycled, Joanna Angeles says shackets have also been around for quite some time.

"Originally, shackets were worn in the 19th and 20th century as workwear, but they rose in popularity with men in the 70's as a casual alternative to business attire," the Tobi head stylist tells InStyle. "Inspired by lumberjack style flannels, plaid was often a popular pattern for shackets and from there they became the easy-to-wear alternative to denim jackets, puffers, and formal winter coats."

Similar to flannel button-downs, but made with a thicker material to provide extra warmth, Angeles says the shacket has become a transitional wardrobe piece due to its being stylish and easy to throw on. It's also the perfect layering piece, she adds, as a shacket can be worn casually over your favorite loungewear set with a pair of sneakers, or can be dressed up with a T-shirt dress with knee-high boots. Plus, if you want to wear a shacket in colder weather, Angeles says it's doable. "Opt for layering one over a turtleneck with loose casual trousers and ankle boots."