Outerwear

Women's jackets, blazers and coats

Outerwear is the layer that gets seen most: on the way in, in the meeting and on the way home. The Forcast range covers suit jackets, single and double breasted blazers, collarless and cropped jackets, bomber jackets, peacoats, trench coats and wool blend coats in sizes 4 to 18. It is built for women who need a jacket that works over a suit on Monday and over jeans on Saturday.

Choosing your outer layer

For a corporate office, a tailored blazer such as the Safira Suit Jacket or the Nikki Double Breasted Blazer is the anchor, and it can be bought with matching pants or a skirt. A collarless or cropped jacket is softer and sits well over dresses, while belted and fitted-waist styles give shape over a straight column. When the temperature drops, move to a peacoat, a trench or a longer coat cut to fit over the blazer. Browse jackets and blazers for the tailored end and coats for the warm end.

What to wear it with

A blazer over a fine knit and work pants is the simplest working outfit there is. A cropped jacket balances a wide leg pant or a full skirt, and a bomber over a T-shirt and jeans is the weekend version. A long coat wants a slimmer line underneath so the proportions hold. Add a scarf and a structured bag and you are out the door.

Fabric and fit

Blazers and suit jackets are cut in suiting blends with a little stretch, so the shoulders and sleeves move with you. Tweed jackets add texture and wool blend coats bring the warmth. Double breasted styles read more formal and close through the body; single breasted and collarless shapes sit more open and layer more easily over knitwear.

How to shop it

Sizes run 4 to 18 across the range. If you plan to layer a jumper under a coat, buy for the heaviest thing you will wear beneath it rather than for a shirt alone, and check the size guide if you are between sizes. For a jacket that comes with its matching pant or skirt, start in suit sets; for the office-only edit, see work jackets and blazers.