A gilet is a men’s wardrobe staple that effortlessly combines practicality with style. Available in a wide variety of styles, a gilet is a versatile outerwear piece that is perfect for layering, allowing you to add warmth without restricting movement. Ideal for transitional weather or more active lifestyles, a gilet is a must-have when it comes to layering up outfits, but it can be difficult to know exactly how to style throughout the seasons. Befriending the functional gilet jacket is guaranteed to keep you looking stylish and sophisticated, all whilst remaining on-trend and ready to tackle unpredictable weather in any season.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to style a gilet throughout the year, illustrating this style advice with some of the most stylish designer gilets available here at Standout. From pairing with your favourite pair of jeans and hoodies with an oversized gilet, to integrating it into a more smart-casual outfit with a classic puffer gilet, our style guide covers all areas to help you look and feel your best.
How to style a men’s designer gilet for winter
A gilet is the perfect winter layering piece for those looking for warmth and practicality without the restrictions of a heavy winter coat. Depending on the type of gilet you opt for, they will all offer varying levels of warmth but maintain the same level of style. The key to finding the perfect winter gilet is to pick one that is made from premium materials such as down or synthetic filling similar to that of a puffer jacket that will keep your torso well insulated. There are many options available for this style of gilet, including ones that feature additional hoods and high necklines to provide further protection from less favourable weather conditions. This Superdry Everest Hooded Puffer Gilet is an ideal winter gilet, as it features a drawstring hood with a high-neck for optimum coverage from wind and boasts a classic jet black colour that will pair with almost any colourway already featured in your winter wardrobe.
Superdry Everest Hooded Puffer Gilet
For a classic winter look that keeps the gilet at the centre of the outfit, we suggest pairing your gilet with a chunky knit sweater. A neutral or monochrome gilet works beautifully with a textured or patterned knit and can create a balanced and stylish festival ensemble with focal interest. The combination of both statement knitwear and a designer gilet provides sufficient insulation while keeping your arms free for added mobility, making it ideal for casual outings or rare sunny winter walks.
If you want additional coverage on colder winter days, we suggest layering a gilet underneath a heavier winter coat. For a more sophisticated take on winter layering, pair your gilet with a tailored long-line winter coat to add a more refined touch to your outfit while still taking advantage of the added warmth. Stick to neutral shades like black, grey or charcoal to avoid clashing layers that could take away from the overall look.
For the rest of the outfit, there are many options for trousers and footwear, however, it will all depend on the occasion, how warm you want to be during said activities and what the forecast is telling you. If you want to keep it casual, pair your gilet and jumper combo with a pair of jeans and trainers for an easy-going look, or, if you want to dress up this festive season, simply pair your gilet with chinos, sturdy boots and a tailored coat for a more smart-casual vibe. Always remember that accessories can completely transform an outfit, so don’t shy away from adding a colourful scarf or hat, or even a bold gilet colourway, such as the Penfield Colour Blocking Fleece to add more visual interest to your look as well as warmth.
How to style a gilet for autumn
Autumn is the ultimate layering season, with just the right amount of crisp, cold air to warrant a jumper and gilet, but not quite cold enough to pair with a jacket – this season offers up the perfect conditions to embrace the versatility of a gilet. At Standout, we encourage you to experiment and have fun with your style this Autumn, as the brisk air allows you to get creative with layering different textures and patterns. Not only does a gilet provide a great way to give you that added bit of warmth, but the very nature of a gilet allows enough space to allow the rest of your outfit to shine through too.
As a starting guide, we recommend picking a gilet in a colourway that reflects the tones of the season like this brown Barbour Cord Liddesdale Quilted Gilet. Not only does this colour perfectly match the autumnal vibe, but the cord fabric is a popular choice throughout this season and adds an interesting texture to your look. What you choose to layer underneath this gilet will vary depending on the vibe of the occasion and your personal style.
Barbour Cord Liddesdale Quilted Gilet
For an authentic autumnal look, we suggest pairing this gilet with a checked flannel shirt in warm tones with a long-sleeve tee underneath for added warmth. The contrast of the patterned shirt and all-brown gilet will create a look with depth to it with very little effort involved. Simply add a pair of bootcut vintage denim jeans and your go-to boots to complete a truly autumnal outfit. This classic look is perfect for everyday casual occasions, whether you’re running errands or going out with friends, a gilet can add a practical layer that doesn’t take away from your outfit but adds to it.
A gilet, such as the Barbour staple above, can also be great for wearing to more formal occasions such as work or corporate event and can be a great way to keep you warm when wearing a formal shirt and trousers combination without the added bulkiness you may get from a heavier coat.
How to style a gilet for spring
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmer, unpredictable days of spring, a gilet can provide just the right amount of warmth without making you overheat. Moving away from the dark, earthy tones of winter, spring can be a welcome opportunity to introduce some colour back into your wardrobe, and what better way to do so than with your outerwear? A visually interesting, colourful gilet is a simple way to create an on-trend outfit with just one simple piece.
Our Penfield Mattawa Fleece Gilet offers a contemporary twist on a classic outerwear style with its colour-block pattern. Providing the warmth and practicality of a fleece, this gilet is the perfect companion for outdoor spring activities to keep you warm whilst still allowing freedom of movement.
For a laidback look that is effortlessly cool, we suggest pairing this style of gilet with a plain hoodie, preferably in a neutral tone to contrast the colour in the gilet. Add your go-to pair of slim-fit black jeans and a pair of clean, white trainers to tie it all together. If you want to go bold with your look you could also create a clash of patterns as demonstrated above. By pairing this gilet with a checked shirt that draws on one of the tones from the jacket you can create a fashion-forward outfit that is visually appealing whilst still keeping the look cohesive.
Alternatively, pairing this fleece gilet with a matching designer joggers and hoodie set or a tracksuit can create the perfect outfit for outdoor spring time adventures and cosy walks. To elevate the look even further, add a sports cap with a slogan or colour that complements the gilet and keeps you looking on-trend.
How to style a gilet for summer
Although a gilet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer, for colder summer evenings or breezy mornings, a lightweight gilet can be a welcome addition to your outfit. A gilet isn’t always about the practicality of keeping you warm, it can also add uniqueness to an otherwise simple outfit, especially if you opt for one from a popular designer brand. Lightweight gilets made from breathable fabrics make them a suitable summer outerwear choice without overheating, with some offering water-repellent finishes or packable designs for extra convenience during your summer adventures.
For example, this Carhartt WIP Classic Gilet is made from 100% cotton (Dearborn Canvas) that creates a more structured silhouette and creates a lightly-layered look that would go perfectly with a graphic tee. The subtle Carhartt branding elevates the look and effortlessly creates an on-trend outfit with one simple piece that is also versatile enough to be worn throughout all seasons and for a variety of occasions.
To compliment the trendiness of this gilet and graphic tee combo we would suggest styling it with a pair of lightweight cargo pants and your favourite pair of trainers. Since the gilet is an all-black shade, we encourage you to have fun and be creative with the colour of your t-shirt and footwear – be bold with your choices and make fashion decisions that tie in the bright, fun vibe of summer. Browse through our full collection of men’s designer trainers to find the perfect pair to fit your summer style.
Alternative to cargo pants, a staple pair of denim shorts or cargo shorts would also pair well with this style of gilet, allowing you to lean into the trend whilst also keeping your look seasonally appropriate. Our range of men’s designer shorts have a wide range of styles suited to varying fashion preferences so you can pull together an effortlessly cool outfit with a lightweight gilet.
Find the perfect gilet for you at Standout
Whether you’re looking for an on-trend gilet to layer up with on winter walks or you’re searching for the perfect lightweight layer for summer evenings, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking to add this timeless outerwear piece to your wardrobe browse through our full range of men’s designer gilets and outerwear today to find a design to suit your style preferences.