18 best gilets for women this spring 2021: From M&S quilted gilet to ASOS’ shearling vest & MORE
Carla Challis
A spring gilet (or a padded vest) is the perfect lightweight jacket for layering up in, whether you’re hitting a pub garden, picnicking in the park or going for a walk – just ask Kate Middleton who loves her body warmer. Shop the best high street gilets for women, from ASOS to North Face, M&S and more…
Pack your puffer coat away because its lightweight sister, the gilet, is here for summer! Ideal for layering up in on those al fresco dining dates, rose in the park with the girls or pub garden parties, these versatile little numbers – known as vests, too – are set to be one of spring and summer’s most hard-working pieces.
Kate Middleton loves a luxury quilted gilet for outdoor play dates, while Trinny Woodall is such a fan of Uniqlo’s gilet that she has it in almost every colour. Layering over jeans and trousers is a given, but we’re into the aesthetic of gilets over dresses and with Bermuda denim shorts, too.
MORE: The best casual jumpsuits to lounge in all summer
Ultra-light down vest, £39.90, Uniqlo
SHOP NOW
If you’ve never considered adding a gilet to your wardrobe, let us convince you with our edit of the best – and most stylish – gilets, from quilted vests to shearling gilets and maxi-length too…
Best padded gilets
Hobbs quilted gilet, £103.20, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
A classic navy gilet that will off-set classic blue jeans to a tee, Hobbs’ quilted gilet is a classic version.
Feather & down puffa gilet, £35, Marks & Spencer
SHOP NOW
For something in a springier shade, M&S’ feather and down puffa gilet is sumptuous coffee colour and snuggly as heck.
READ: Prosecco tables and garden bars are seriously trending on Etsy
Quilted vest, £89, Arket
SHOP NOW
We adore the round neckline on Arket’s padded vest, a fashionable twist on the traditional gilet.
Gingham gilet, £90, isawitfirst.com
SHOP NOW
Best lightweight gilets
Tweed gilet, £39.99, H&M
SHOP NOW
Layer H&M’s tweed gilet over a white tee and white denim for a deliciously tonal look.
SHOP: 13 best chunky Dad sandals we love
Floral quilted vest, £59.99, Mango
SHOP NOW
Floral quilted gilets are definitely having a moment – style Mango’s quilted vest over double denim to break it up.
Ramble On vest, £89.95, Free People
SHOP NOW
And Free People’s vest is a combo of fleece, quilted and floral for the ultimate gilet hybrid. It’s got it all going on!
Best long gilets
JDY long gilet, £30, ASOS
SHOP NOW
JDY’s longer-length gilet is just the thing for layering over denim shorts come summer.
Longline padded gilet, £45, Pretty Little Thing
SHOP NOW
Available in grey or khaki, PLT’s gilet is long, cosy and cool.
Long hooded down gilet, £60, Lands’ End
SHOP NOW
Lands’ End’s millennial pink gilet with a water-resistant outer is the best way to add some colour to your al fresco outfits.
Best faux fur gilets
Faux shearling gilet, £30, Urban Outfitters
SHOP NOW
Urban Outfitter’s sheepskin style gilet is giving us all the retro feels; layer over a 70s style maxi dress for Almost Famous vibes. Plus, it’s in the sale for £30.
MORE: 9 best high street jeans for women, from River Island to H&M
Only teddy gilet, £21, ASOS
SHOP NOW
The teddy texture is going nowhere, even for summer – wrap up in this teddy gilet.
Hobbs faux fur gilet, £88, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
Available in sizes XS to large, add a touch of luxury to your pub garden look with Hobbs’ faux fur gilet, in the most delicious toffee shade.
Faur fur gilet, £149, Whistles
SHOP NOW
Or for a black version, head to Whistles.
Best fleece gilets
Zip-through fleece gilet, £15, Boohoo
SHOP NOW
A fleece gilet doesn’t have to mean sporty – Boohoo’s relaxed version will work a treat over your summer garb.
The North Face Cragmont fleece gilet, £100, Matches Fashion
SHOP NOW
This North Fleece gilet is all over Instagram, and proves fleece can be stylish too.
HELLO!’s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.