When it comes to Sarah Jessica Parker’s wardrobe, we’re always taking style notes, and her gorgeous outfit for Cultured Magazine’s Cult 100 event at the Guggenheim was as effortlessly cool as one might expect.
Making occasionwear feel fresh and directional, the actress opted for a black and gold maxi dress, which was an elegant choice for an evening function. But it was her clever styling of what to wear over a dress that really grabbed our attention. Slipped over her evening dress was a pink, round collared jacket with gold bead embellishment that paired beautifully with the black maxi and lifted the whole look.
While we often talk about the best blazers, or well cut tuxedo jackets as the perfect pairing to occasionwear dresses, Parker reminded us that trophy jackets are a brilliant layering piece that can dress up almost any look, and can be worn as part of our smart casual outfit ideas too, giving them excellent cost-per-wear.
Sarah Jessica Parker shows us why a trophy jacket is the chicest option for occasionwear this summer and beyond
Trophy jackets are designed to punctuate your outfit and offer a finishing touch to any ensemble. Generally featuring a round neck (both collared or collar free), this style of jacket often features intricate beading, standout buttons, quilting or embroidery to help create a statement finish.
A popular piece in a maximalist look, or for those who want to embrace boho style, Sarah Jessica Parker’s jacket helped to frame her whole look, brightening the black and gold maxi dress, and helped to embrace the bohemian feel of her ensemble, adding some rich detailing that felt appropriate for the occasion.
The shorter hem length, which sat at waist height on SJP, also ensured that the jacket was neat against her frame, creating an hourglass silhouette. Finishing her look off with a pair of tinted lenses, hello eyeglasses trends 2025, she proved just why so many women want to emulate her style.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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Free People
Sorel Cottage Jacket
Full of rich detail, this jacket commands centre stage. With a similar puff sleeve head to that of SJP’s jacket, this embroidered design would work well over tans or cream hues. Delivering a more vintage take on the trend, we love the idea of pairing this over a cream dress and tan loafers for a more laidback feel.
Self-Portrait
Check Knit Lady Jacket
A brand loved by Royals and celebrities, this Self-Portrait boucle trophy jacket is a chic and timeless addition to any wardrobe. While this can be paired with its matching skirt, for a coordinating outfit, you can also wear this blue and white piece to elevate your favourite jeans, or slip it over most dress shapes for an elegant finish.
H&M
Tie-Front Embroidered Jacket
Although this design lacks the traditional round collar of a trophy jacket, thanks to the front floral embroidery, it still makes a stylish statement. Ideal for pairing over dresses, tops or camisoles this summer, this lightweight design has a more directional feel thanks to the V-neckline. We love the tie front details too.
Sezane
Liah Jacket – Sézane X Lucia Vergara – Ecru With Jazmin Embroidery
A bit more of a casual style, this quilted trophy jacket is a great option for pairing with everything from A-line dresses to your best barrel leg jeans. Available in two colourways, ecru, which ideal for spring outfit ideas and a dark blue, that you can wear right through to early autumn, when lighter layers are required.
Elie Tahari
Heart embellished Jacket
Wear your heart on your sleeve with this scalloped-edged trophy jacket. The cream and silver combo is ideal for summer wear, offering brightness to everything this design is paired with. Style over block coloured dresses, or use it to add detail to a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit combo.
THE KOOPLES
Sequin and Silver Pearl Jacket
This sequinned trophy jacket is sure to get you noticed. A fully sequinned number, this piece is perfect for evening wear, and a great option for what to wear to a wedding if the party goes on into the night. A strong alternative to tuxedos for women, keep the rest of your outfit muted, black is a great choice, to let the jacket shine.
A trophy jacket is a stylish option for all occasions. Perfect for dressing up denim, or finishing off occasionwear, this light layer comes into its own from spring until early autumn.
Remaining largely timeless, thanks to its vintage aesthetic, for more dressy moments, look to deeply embellished designs with sequins and beads in the style of Sarah Jessica Parker. For more casual ensembles, try a quilted or embroidered design, as these are practical spring cover-ups, as well as style statements, that can make even your most basic jeans sing.
Think about your colour palette to ensure your jacket makes your look, as opposed to fighting with it. If you have a particularly bold jacket, opt for a single, block colour underneath to keep things calm and chic.
When it comes to accessorising, if you have a very bright jacket, opt for one of the colours in your outerwear to help build a cohesive look. You won’t need to add too much in the way of statement jewellery if you have a very embellished design.
While a trophy jacket is not considered a basic building block to an outfit, having statement jackets in your arsenal will always ensure that you can put together a winning ensemble at short notice, making them a brilliant investment.
