As much as I love a party dress, this year the trophy jacket is poised to take centre stage in every woman’s festive wardrobe. More than just a layer, it’s the sartorial equivalent of a glass of champagne - sparkling, celebratory, and a touch indulgent. The trophy jacket is designed to stay on, no matter the temperature in the room, because the jacket IS the outfit. Whether it's sequinned, metallic, velvet, or richly embellished, the trophy jacket captures everything we crave during party season.
- Velvet editor's pick: River Island Scallop Trim Jacket, £39 / $88
- Sequin editor's pick: Marks & Spencer Gold Cropped Jacket, £52 / $145
- Floral editor's pick: Boden Petal Cropped Jacket, £119.20 / $183.20
- Embellished editor's pick: Nadine Merabi 'Remy' Check Jacket, £325
- Faux fur editor's pick: Mango Faux Fur Cropped Trophy Jacket, £55.99 / $99.99
- Bow-adorned editor's pick: Mint Velvet Bow Sequin Jacket, £116 / $270
- Royal approved: Self Portrait Trophy Jacket, £420 / $504
© Getty ImagesHow I chose the best trophy jackets
- Statement pieces: From Gucci to Zara, the trophy jacket is a hit with shoppers. I wanted to find the most statement out there, perfect for party season.
- Range of prices: There are a mix of different price points in this edit, I want to cater to as many people as possible.
- Party season inspired: Christmas is coming up, and the WhatsApp chats are alight with planning celebrations so these jackets all have a festive vibe.
© Leanne BayleyChristmas party season can be a minefield of dress codes. From office gatherings to formal dinners and impromptu nights out. You also have to battle different weather conditions, and this the trophy jacket is the ultimate multitasker - it can transform jeans and a tee into a champagne-ready ensemble, or elevate a simple satin skirt into something worthy of a red carpet. If you're still after a dress, be sure to check out my edit of the best party dresses.
© Getty Images13 best trophy jackets for women
1/13
Marks & Spencer Gold Sequin Jacket
© M&SEditor's Note:
Whether you opt for the matching trousers or your jeans, you won't regret buying this sparkly gold jacket. I tried this on in store and it's so incredibly sparkly. I'd take your usual size.
2/13
Mint Velvet Sequin Bow Trophy Jacket
© Mint VelvetEditor's Note:
How chic is this? I've ordered this, so I will report back. It also comes in cream. Decisions, decisions...
3/13
River Island Velvet Scallop Trim Trophy Jacket
© River IslandEditor's Note:
I love the scallop trim on this cropped jacket - it just adds a point of difference to your typical velvet trophy jacket.
4/13
Matalan Sequin Trophy Jacket
© MatalanEditor's Note:
Vicky Pattison has smashed it out of the park with her latest collection for Matalan - I think this will be a best seller this Christmas.
5/13
Boden Petal Textured Cropped Jacket
© BodenEditor's Note:
I had a preview of the Boden Winter collection, and just you wait! There are some amazing trophy jackets coming out late November. For now, this one has all the drama I need.
6/13
Self Portrait Embellished Trophy Jacket
© Self PortraitEditor's Note:
The Princess of Wales is a big fan of the trophy jacket - who can forget when she wore the embellished Self Portrait trophy jacket to film a festive concert? This one is a new season buy and it's just delightful.
7/13
Nadine Merabi 'Remy' Embellished Trophy Jacket
© Nadine MerabiEditor's Note:
This is the trophy jacket I own (see photo above). I would advise following the size guide online to get the perfect fit - as this jacket is quite boxy, you want it to fit close to the body. There are matching hot pants for those who dare.
8/13
H&M Embellished Trophy Jacket
© H&MEditor's Note:
I adore this jacket - and H&M always comes up trumps for party wear.
9/13
Karen Millen Sequin Trophy Jacket
© Karen MillenEditor's Note:
Is it me, or does this Karen Millen jacket look ever so similar to Princess Kate's designer version? Regardless, it's an absolute delight and it also comes in red.
10/13
Mango Faux Fur Trophy Jacket
© MangoEditor's Note:
I wasn't sure whether to include faux fur in this edit, but this one is definitely leaning into the trophy jacket vibe, rather than outerwear. Add statement earrings and watch the heads turn.
11/13
Monsoon 'Belinda' Burgundy Bow Sequin Jacket
© MonsoonEditor's Note:
This would be my top pick for the new season. It's got sequins, it's got bows and it's in the colour of the season. If you don't buy it, I will.
12/13
Next Sequin Trophy Jacket
© NextEditor's Note:
Next has some great options for party wear this year, and this trophy jacket is a winner. It also comes in petite, which I love.
13/13
ASOS Burgundy Cropped Bomber Trophy Jacket
© ASOSEditor's Note:
If you prefer the fit of a bomber jacket, you will probably love this ASOS burgundy trophy jacket.
How to style the trophy jacket
Consider teaming your trophy jacket with high-waisted cigarette trousers and stilettos - you'll feel instantly Parisian and a red lipstick wouldn't go amiss either. It’s sharp, sultry, and seasonally appropriate without being predictable. Or take the modern route: a metallic cropped jacket decorated with bows and wear over a simple tee (or alone) and your favourite black jeans.
The main takeaway is to let the jacket do the talking. Keep accessories minimal, hair undone, and makeup glowy rather than glittery.
© WireImageMy top tips for embracing the trophy jacket trend
Let it be the star: Your trophy jacket should be the focal point. Anchor it with streamlined basics - tailored trousers, silk camisoles, or minimalist dresses. Avoid competing prints or heavy embellishment elsewhere on the outfit.
Play with texture: One of the best ways to make your jacket pop is through contrast. Pair a sequined trophy jacket with tough denim. A velvet trophy jacket looks unexpectedly chic with tailored trousers.
Balance proportions: If your jacket is boxy or oversized, keep the rest of your outfit sleek and fitted. Conversely, a cropped style pairs beautifully with wide-leg trousers or a flowing skirt.
Layer thoughtfully: The trophy jacket should look intentional, not like an afterthought. Drape it over your shoulders for a cocktail party, or wear it buttoned-up as a top with tailored trousers.
From office to after-hours: One of the most underrated uses of the trophy jacket is its ability to bridge day and night. A velvet trophy jacket layered over a work top and tailored trousers works beautifully for a December workday; as the evening rolls around, swap in a lace camisole, add a red lip, and you’re instantly party-ready.
© Getty ImagesEditor's verdict
The trophy jacket is the piece you put on when you want to feel instantly elevated. This Christmas, as the invitations pile up and the champagne corks start to pop, let your outerwear do the talking. I'll be wearing my Nadine Merabi on repeat, but I also feel like I need a velvet cropped jacket in my locker, too. As a sequin fan-girl, the sequins at Marks & Spencer and H&M also have my name on.
Follow me on Instagram @leannebayley where I share my favourite sparkly buys every #SequinSunday.
