Bouclé is back: how the classic fabric became a modern staple

Ever since the mid-1950s, when Coco Chanel reinvented what was once a masculine design, the bouclé jacket has never really gone out of style.

Adored by royals, pop stars, models and high fashion enthusiasts over the decades, a cropped and pointed Chanel blazer in the distinctive textured fabric (bouclé refers to both yarn and woven fabric) is a timeless classic – and with a four figure price tag, it’s the ultimate investment buy.

Yet despite its iconic sartorial status, bouclé hasn’t always been embraced by everyone in the fashion world.

Previously considered stuffy and a little too stuffy by some, the fabric has recently had a major resurgence – and it’s now in high demand by trendsetters of all ages.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been sporting more tailored looks recently and was pictured in Copenhagen earlier this year in a red bouclé-style blazer – a £59.99 Zara steal that immediately sold out online (but has since been replenished).

On Instagram, fashion influencers are proving that curly is anything but boring, showing off everything from mini dresses and playsuits to bras and bags.

And on the high street, you’ll find plenty of lightweight pieces perfect for this transitional time of year.

A cropped black jacket is eternally stylish and will serve you well for years to come, but for a more modern take on the trend, how about a sassy skirt suit in a bold hue, a pastel blazer or a a textured cardigan?

And if you want to update a boxy blazer, team it with this season’s high-waisted wide-leg pants or jeans and a crisp white shirt. Add heels and a statement necklace to take the look from day to night.

From jackets to bags, these are some of the best curly and textured pieces on the high street…

River Island Green Check Double Breasted Blazer, £80; Green Check Boucle Mini Skirt, £36

Joe Browns The Retro Jackie Jacket, £75; The Jackie Retro Skirt, £40

Heavy Buckle Military Double Breasted Blazer in Blue, £50; White T-shirt (belonging to the stylist); Comfy Stretch Boyfriend Jeans – Mid Wash, £35

Karen Millen Contrast Boucle Tweed Short Jacket, £79.20 (was £99); Wide-waisted slim-fit pleated trousers in black, £108 (was £135)

Mango pocket tweed jacket, lime green, £59.99

Oliver Bonas Boucle Yarn Peach Pink Knitted Cardigan, £28 (was £55)

River Island Yellow Boucle Shoulder Bag, £40

Unmade Copenhagen Dalai Boucle Shoulder Bag, £62 (was £89.95), John Lewis & Partners