No surprises here. The leather jacket has long been a wardrobe staple and goes with pretty much anything. A great option to toughen up girly dresses, or to throw on over jeans and a tee. We recommend investing in pieces that will last for years to come, but high street shops like Topshop also do more budget-friendly options.

Invest: Acne Studios leather biker jacket, available online via Net-A-Porter
Budget: Leather Look Biker Jacket available online from Topshop
Something Different: Floral Leather Jacket available online from Topshop

For those “in-between” days a shacket can be just the thing to see you through. A little more robust than a shirt, but not as heavy as jacket, it’s a Hong Kong staple. Keep it classic, over-sized and military inspired, but look out for pieces that have been taken up a level with details such as embroidery, patterns or camo-print. 

Invest: Anine Bing Army Jacket available online via Revolve
Budget:Patterned Utility Jacket available online from H&M
Something Different:Camouflage jacket available online via ZARA

A good option to go for if you’re a little tired of your five-year-old leather jacket. A suede jacket can instantly update any look. We love it in jewel tones like burgundy and emerald green for autumn, or softer neutrals like millennial pink and soft powder blue.

Invest: Patch Pocket Suede Jacket available online from Whistles
Budget: Imitation Suede Biker Jacket available online from H&M
Something Different: Jaz Suede Patch Pocket available online from Whistles

Every wardrobe needs a decent blazer, and with the suit trend continuing to dominate this season, tailored looks are in in a big way. A classic cut in either navy or black is sure to be a hard-working piece in any wardrobe – we like to keep them oversized to throw on over anything – but this year season has seen suits made in pretty much every shade imaginable. Nail two trends at once and opt for a bit of cord to up your style game.

Invest: Corduroy Tailored Blazer available online via REISS, or Relaxed Patch Pocket Jacket available online from Whistles
Budget: New Look Corduroy Blazer available online via ASOS
Something Different: Corduroy Jacket available online from H&M

There’s something so luxe about a silk bomber. Dress it up or dress it down, you’re sure to be feeling a little fancy wearing one of these. Good quality silk is also the perfect option for Hong Kong winters when the weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing.

Invest: Chinese Silk Bomber Jacket available online from Grana
Budget: Satin Bomber Jacket available online from H&M
Something Different: Chain Print Bomber available online via ZARA

A personal fave of mine. These loose, light-weight and long-line coats are ideal for layering. We love this look for day-time with blue jeans and a statement tea (and a chunky scarf for when temperatures drop), or wear over a leather skirt (sans tights). If you’re not afraid of prints, go for Kimono style pieces.

Invest: Harris Wharf London Long Duster Coat available online via Revolve
Budget: New Look Check Textured Duster Coat available online via ASOS
Something Different: Birds of Paradise Robe available online from Callixto

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2018 by Annie Simpson and updated in October 2018