Maybe this is the only item you need to buy this season

As you know, I’m trying to be more considered with my shopping from now on, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get that urge with the new season to buy something new for my wardrobe. That said, I’m not interested at all in trends anymore (I recommend it; it’s SO liberating!), so anything I do buy will have to not only have longevity in my wardrobe, but fit in with all the stuff I already own.

And this leopard jacket, which I picked up on the sale rail in & Other Stories this weekend, ticks all the boxes. Although it’s a bit of a statement, the brilliant thing about it is that it works with all the basics in my wardrobe that I reach for everyday. When I was a fashion editor at a glossy magazine, a statement jacket and great pair of shoes was my cheat’s trick to get through Fashion Week without stressing out about making too much effort – because all you really need to go with that killer combination is jeans and a T-shirt.

So, I thought I would style it up for you with some classics from my wardrobe, which I assume you will all have versions of in your own wardrobes too. Remember, you might not need to buy anything at all; perhaps there’s a statement jacket already lurking at the back of your wardrobe…

With your Breton top

As everyone knows, leopard is essentially a neutral these days, and nothing works better with leopard than a Breton stripe. I picked up the one I’m wearing here from a French supermarket around 5 years ago, but I’ve recently discovered that Uniqlo does a really authentic weight of Breton top, and I also love the aptly named The Breton Shirt Company for good quality tees that will last you for ages.

With your jeans and white tee

Never underestimate the chic powers of simple blue denim and a white T-shirt. And if you want to up the anti, the easiest way is with a dash of leopard and a flash of red lipstick. Technically this jacket is actually jaguar print, but you get the gist – see also zebra, tiger and giraffe prints for the same effect.

With your shirt dress

The first dress I actually wanted to style this with was a blue and white striped shirt dress, but as we’ve already covered Breton I thought I’d show how you can wear leopard with all sorts of other prints, including spots. I’d also switch the loafers for trainers for a more casual look; either clean white or black would look great.

READ MORE: WHY I’VE GIVEN UP WEARING BRAS