IF there's one item of clothing that can instantly pull a smart work look together, it's a well-fitting, perfectly structured jacket.
Many of us spend so much time focusing on a capsule collection of dresses, trousers and blouses for work, that outerwear can almost become a second thought—but the right jacket can truly elevate your office style and create a polished and professional aesthetic.
The best work jackets can be worn as separates or as part of a suit if you really mean business. Double-breasted blazers, belted jackets, checks, houndstooth, pastels, bold colours: there are so many ways you can go, so make sure you have a good selection of styles that can be worn on rotation.
Looking to this season's trends—metallics, lilacs and toffees are the biggest colour stories, while capes, ponchos, ruffles and fringing are all having a moment.
Whether you're looking for something ontrend for AW20 or a classic jacket you can wear season after season, we've pulled together a must-have selection that will boost your attire now workplaces are opening again—or perhaps add some polish to your Zoom meeting ensemble.
Meet your new work jacket heroes below.
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Best bargain work jacket: Dorothy Perkins Women's Multi Bright Light Check Edge Jacket
- (AD) Dorothy Perkins Women's Multi Bright Light Check Edge Jacket, £24.23 from Amazon – buy here
A great choice if you want a jacket that's not black but still just as sophisticated, this blazer by Dorothy Perkins is a winner for both work and in your downtime.
With button fastening and a slim lapel, it's a simple and chic cut that you can wear over a dress, with a skirt, trousers or with jeans—the options really are endless.
Best work jacket for nailing the pinstripe trend: Superdry's Sapporo Blazer Suit Jacket
- (AD) Superdry Women's Edit Sapporo Blazer Suit Jacket, from £51.86 from Amazon – buy here
Pinstripes are back this season: did they ever really go away?
Ganni and Max Mara led the way with pinstripe suits on the AW20 runways, and it's unsurprisingly one of the most work-appropriate trends of the season.
Bring the look straight into your work wardrobe with Superdry's suit jacket: we love the longline cut and boxy silhouette which will look amazing with tapered trousers or a midi skirt.
Pop it on with a pair of jeans and white tee, and you've got yourself a chic weekend look too: winner.
Best essential work jacket: Zara Double Breasted Oversized Blazer
- Double Breasted Oversized Blazer, £49.99 from Zara – buy here
Every wardrobe should have a simple black blazer. Really, it's non-negotiable.
Chic, versatile and timeless, a black blazer is a must for work style and looks just as stylish worn into the evening and enjoyed with cocktails.
Featuring front jetted pockets, a back vent and single-button fastening, Zara's version is perfectly minimalist and as it's oversized, you can layer really well underneath.
Best pink jacket for work: Zara's Tailored Double-Breasted Blazer
- Zara's Tailored Double-Breasted Blazer, £59.99 from Zara – buy here
HOW dreamy is this tweed style Zara jacket?!
Featuring a double-breasted fastening with gold-tone buttons, this beautiful blazer comes pretty in pink. It's perfect for adding a pop of colour around the workplace, while the pronounced shoulder silhouette is ultra-flattering.
Snap it up now.
Best faux leather jacket for work: M&S Collection Faux Leather Belted Shacket
- M&S Collection Faux Leather Belted Shacket, £55 from M&S – buy here
Let it be known that a leather jacket can work incredibly well for work: it's all about finding the right cut and silhouette.
M&S have nailed it here with this shacket-style faux leather jacket featuring a collared design, pockets and a removable belt.
It's effortlessly sleek and polished; perfect for adding a bit of edge to your work ensembles.
Best trench for work: Hobbs Finely Trench Coat, Fawn Beige
- Hobbs Finely Trench Coat, Fawn Beige, £179 from John Lewis – buy here
You really can't fault a classic trench for smarter looks, which is why the Hobbs Finely Trench Coat is ideal for work.
Cut from cotton-rich fabric, this design comes in the traditional silhouette that has never, and probably will never, go out of fashion.
Wear yours with dresses, tailored trousers and well, everything else in your work-drobe.
Best glamorous work jacket: Mango Houndstooth Jacket
- Houndstooth Jacket, £69.99 from Mango – buy here
Made chic by the likes of Coco Chanel, the houndstooth jacket will forever hold an air of elegant sophistication.
Mango's Houndstooth Jacket is just the ticket for adding some glamour to your office attire, complete with golden brooch buttons.
Whether you wear this with a fitted black dress and heels, or some straight-leg cream chinos and a white blouse, it'll attract compliments every time.
Best printed work jacket: River Island Cream Zebra Puff Sleeve Blazer
- Cream Zebra Puff Sleeve Blazer, £70 from River Island – buy here
From Versace to Gucci, animal print is always on the high-fashion runway and River Island's Cream Zebra Puff Sleeve Blazer flaunts it wonderfully.
Featuring an all-over monochrome animal print, this puff sleeve jacket has double breast buttons and pockets too.
Style yours with black and white, or clash prints like Gucci's Alessandro Michele does best.
Best comfy work jacket: Reiss Ayla Hybrid Zip Through Quilted Jumper Neutral
- Ayla Hybrid Zip Through Quilted Jumper Neutral, £158 from Reiss – buy here
The Ayla Hybrid Zip Through Quilted Jumper is a cross between a jumper and a jacket, so it's naturally the comfiest on our list.
In a bomber silhouette, it's got a quilt texture with zip pockets and knitted sleeves which look ridiculously snug.
If your office has the air con ramped up or you're just always cold, then this is definitely a worthy investment as you could wear it all day easily.
Best smart-casual work jacket: Daisy Street Relaxed Boyfriend Jacket in Colour Block Denim Co-Ord
- Daisy Street Relaxed Boyfriend Jacket in Colour Block Denim Co-Ord, £34.99 from Asos – buy here
If your office dress code is ambiguous at the best of times, then it's easy to slip into more casual outfits but make sure that they're still presentable.
The Daisy Street Relaxed Boyfriend Jacket finesses the balance between immaculate and stylish, designed with a two-tone denim contrast.
Team it with a stream-lined look and leather boots.
Best wool jacket for work: Boden Textured Wool Jacket – Honey Gold
- Textured Wool Jacket – Honey Gold, £140 from Boden – buy here
When the colder months settle in, wool jackets are a saviour for work, especially when they look as good as this one from Boden.
From the honey golden shade, to the tortoishelle buttons, this is definitely a fashionable investment.
Why not brighten up everyone's work day by pairing yours with some yellow or orange tailored trousers?
Best collarless work jacket: Whistles Collarless Jersey Jacket, Black
- Whistles Collarless Jersey Jacket, Black, £85 from John Lewis – buy here
Our staple pieces for work-wear are a comfy, smart pair of shoes, some black trousers and above all, a neat and tidy jacket that goes with everything.
And that's exactly what the Whistles Collarless Jersey Jacket is. As it's made from 100 percent cotton, it's really breathable too.
Wear a statement blouse with an oversized collar underneath to make the most of the collarless cut.
Enjoyed our guide for the best work jackets for women? Why not check out the best bucket bags to accessorise your look?
We've also rounded up this season's best winter coats here.
And check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section for more style tips, trends and products.
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