Happy Miss Congeniality Day: all you need is a light jacket!

This article was originally published on April 25th 2019 on The National Student.

There is no doubt that Miss Congeniality is a film that has earned its place alongside Mean Girls and The Notebook as an Iconic Noughties MovieTM. Sandra Bullock, in her role as FBI agent Gracie Hart and long before she became known as “the lady from Bird Box”, epitomised the fierce woman as she navigated everything from bikini waxes and body-con dresses to corrupt pageants and bomb threats.

Nevertheless, perhaps the film’s most memorable moment came not from Gracie, but her sweet and naïve competitor Cheryl Frasier. When asked to describe her perfect date, Cheryl responds: “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th, because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket!”

And just like that, our hearts were stolen. So, in celebration of this important date, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best light jackets currently on offer- happy Miss Congeniality Day, everyone:

Oversized Double Breasted Dad Suit Blazer, ASOS, £55

Image courtesy of ASOS

Slip this smart-but-not-too-smart blazer over a tee and mom jeans to add an extra layer that can be slung over your arm when the sun comes out, or pair it with coordinating shorts and chunky trainers for a city chic look that will take you seamlessly from the lecture hall straight to the hipster coffee shop down the street.

Cotton Twill Workwear Jacket, Arket, £79

Image courtesy of Karla Otto London

If you’ve been admiring the neon trend from afar but aren’t quite ready to take the full, slime-hued plunge quite yet, this bright twill number from Arket could be the answer. The simple, boxy shape and relaxed choice of material make it a really wearable piece and let the colour make a statement without becoming overpowering.

Amaya Trench Coat, Weekday, £80

Image courtesy of Weekday

Need a go-to piece for those days when you can’t really be bothered but want to look like you’ve made an effort? Enter the trench coat. The length can cover a multitude of creases and coffee stains, and the option of adding a belt or leaving it loose means it will suit anyone, from the preps to the more casual among us. Some sleek loafers would make this coat perfect for more formal occasions, while with a pair of classic white trainers, a la Italians, you’ll have city chic nailed.

Leather Look Utility Jacket, ASOS, £40

Image courtesy of ASOS

The best thing about burgundy is that it makes just as great a pairing with black as it does with indigo blue, meaning it’s the ideal colour to make the transition from your winter wardrobe to your summer one. Wear this belted over black skinnies and sleek boots for warmer, but not quite bare-leg worthy, evenings or leave it open with blue jeans and black accessories for daytime adventures.

Water-Repellent Field Jacket, Arket, £250

Image courtesy of Karla Otto London

Don’t let the Easter weekend fool you; it’s England, therefore it will rain again this month. However, a spot of drizzle doesn’t have to throw a spanner in your sartorial works with this water-repellent jacket from Arket; in navy, it’s already a classic, but the large pockets and statement shoulder detailing add a utilitarian touch that fully embraces one of 2019’s biggest trends.

Dual Denim Jacket, Weekday, £55

Image courtesy of Weekday

Once the reserve of eight-year-olds in the noughties attending their first school disco, pastel denim jackets are back, and they’re back with a vengeance. And, even though pastel hues for spring are about as ground-breaking as their floral counterparts, that’s no reason to avoid them as the temperatures begin to rise. Styled over a mini dress in a respectful nod to the nineties is not only a fashion win, but also a great way to dip your toes back into the more exposed looks that accompany warmer weather.

But despite the fact that Cheryl was competing to be Miss USA, light jackets aren’t reserved for the ladies; here are a couple of great choices for the guys among you too:

 Bruno Block Harrington Jacket, Weekday, £55

Image courtesy of Weekday

Colour blocking can sound like a pretentious fashion term, but the mellow combination of white, navy, and salmon pink is about as easy to wear as it comes. Paired with chino shorts and boat shoes, this would be the perfect just-hopped-off-my-yacht look if you’re that way inclined, but it’s just as city-appropriate when combined with ankle grazers and trainers for a stroll around Borough Market.

Josh Cord Jacket, Weekday, £55

Image courtesy of Weekday

Cord basically does the job of denim without being denim, which makes it the ideal jean companion for those of you who aren’t quite ready to go full-on Canadian tuxedo: warm enough to add a necessary extra layer without overheating, casual enough for a pub garden, smart enough for most restaurants, super versatile, and really easy to wear. In short, a wardrobe winner.

Be sure to keep an eye out on the Fashion section for more style advice!