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Overshirts, or ‘shackets’, are one of our favourite layering items. Find out how to style them with our expert advice.
Layering is a true outfit art, and there’s one item that rules them all when it comes to stacking up your clothing: the overshirt. A hybrid between a classic shirt and a more substantial jacket (hence their more colloquial name of ‘shacket’), overshirts have become an increasingly popular wardrobe staple - and we know why. Perfect all year round and hugely versatile, once you’ve mastered the styling of a shacket, you’ll never be lost for outfit ideas. We’re here to get the ball rolling, giving you our expert advice on how to wear your new go-to layer.
Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean a light layer won’t come in handy. There are some overshirts made of heavier fabric that really hold their own when a chill comes along, but even a lightweight shacket can add a huge amount of insulation when layered up correctly. And it helps that it looks great, too.
For a casual trip out with mates or a quick outfit to throw on when running errands, layering a heavier overshirt over a hoodie is a failsafe. Be it quilted or corduroy, this will keep you looking good and feeling warm. On extra cold days, you can even throw an overcoat on top of the outfit. If you’re doing this, choose a plain coloured hoodie and overcoat, and make the overshirt the focal point of the outfit to keep it from looking too busy.
If you’re after that fashionable tech bro vibe, a roll neck jumper underneath an overshirt is perfect. Choose a black or darkly coloured turtleneck that fits you like a glove to contrast with the oversized look of the shacket. A check pattern always looks classic when styled like this, but any pattern will stand out beautifully against the dark roll neck, so go crazy.
An overshirt looks effortless over pretty much any bottoms, but in the colder seasons you can’t go wrong with a pair of top quality jeans, or smart chinos for a more formal occasion. We love the look of a casual overshirt with black jeans and fresh trainers, but the item looks just as at home over some plain chinos and loafers. Add either of the layering options above to this look, and you’ve got yourself the perfect autumn/winter outfit.
Don’t put your overshirt away once the sun comes out: it will really come in clutch when the summer months come knocking. Whether it’s for cooler evenings in the beer garden or the unpredictable British weather, you’ll always find yourself reaching for the perfect light layer throughout the summer - and an overshirt is the perfect thing for it.
If you want to add a light layer to a summer outfit, it’s important to wear something cool underneath, otherwise you’ll overheat. A classic t-shirt looks casual and effortless under a designer overshirt, making an understated statement that’ll have all eyes on you. When it gets warmer, tie the shacket around your waist. It’ll still look great, and you’ll be prepared for any cool breezes that come along as the sun sets. A true day-to-night staple.
Been invited to a slightly upscale garden party? Got a meal with friends at a nice restaurant? That overshirt is going to come in handy. A plain, darkly coloured option pairs beautifully with a dress shirt if you need to look that bit more formal. Just make sure there is plenty of contrast between the two, and opt for a more unusual fabric for the shacket like corduroy or tightly weaved cotton. Otherwise, it may look too similar to the shirt underneath.
Both of these top options work with shorts when it’s warmer. For a more casual look, denim shorts are the perfect pairing. With some white trainers and a baseball cap, your overshirt will look cool and classic in the sun. For something more formal, black cotton shorts or chino shorts add some class to the outfit, making your overshirt act more like a casual suit jacket - especially if the colours coordinate.
Convinced to add an overshirt to your year-round wardrobe? Shop our range of men’s designer overshirts online or visit us in store to find the perfect one in person.
