The classics are the classics for a reason, and the Little Boxy Jacket is a classic. You know the one I mean. A soft, round-necked jacket that falls in a straight line, lopped off neatly without hugging the waist. The shoulder line is natural, no significant padding. Sleeves are slim and straight. It is loose enough to have a little swing, but it doesn’t flop or trail. This is the jacket equivalent of a classic bob haircut: chic, effortless polish, vaguely French.
The LBJ never really goes away, but in 2025 it is going to be everywhere. Coco Chanel put this shape on the map a century ago. Chanel is in the spotlight this year, with a new designer in Matthieu Blazy, and when fashion is talking about Chanel, then the LBJ is naturally front of mind. You don’t need me to tell you that Chanel is the gold standard here. A real Chanel, whether vintage or new, will cost about the same as a secondhand car. It will hold its value much better than a car, and I would argue it could be as useful as one, but I get that not everyone would see it that way – and given the price this is a purely academic argument, really. Anyway, this look has trickled down to every price point. The spiritual home of the LBJ will always be Chanel, but it is now as native to the high street as a Starbucks latte.
