How To Style A Gilet | Alan Paine
Our men's and women’s country attire delivers a winning combination of performance, durability and comfort, keeping you warm and dry throughout all your outdoor pursuits. Every piece in our country wear collection is crafted from high‑quality materials designed to withstand tough weather and demanding field conditions. The result is reliable, hard‑working country clothing that provides long‑lasting protection and comfort wherever your day takes you.
If you’re not familiar with a gilet (where have you been?) it has formally been known as a bodywarmer, straight-sided and not form fitting and are generally used to add an extra layer of warmth.
What Should I Wear Under My Gilet?
Men
The gilet is one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe, offering endless styling possibilities for year‑round wear. Pair your men’s gilet with chinos and a shirt on a sunny spring day, throw it over a hoodie for a relaxed casual look or team it with jeans and a thick jumper for those cold British days we see far too often. Whether you choose a lightweight country gilet or a padded style, it’s the perfect layering piece for effortless smart‑casual dressing.
SHOP MEN'S GILETS
Women
For women, a women’s gilet is just as adaptable and stylish. Layer a quilted or fleece‑lined gilet over a fine knit and jeans for easy weekend wear, or pair a tailored country gilet with a blouse and slim trousers for a polished, feminine look. For a more traditional country outfit, style your gilet with a tweed skirt and a soft knit. It creates a classic silhouette that feels timeless and perfectly suited to countryside days. On colder mornings, a padded or faux‑fur trimmed gilet adds warmth without bulk, making it an ideal outer layer for dog walks, countryside trips or everyday errands. It’s a reliable, flattering piece that works across seasons and outfits.
SHOP WOMEN'S GILETS
Dress Down Tailoring
Not just for weekends, a gilet works brilliantly in the office too. Layer it under your work blazer to add contrasting texture and soften what can otherwise feel like a stiff, formal outfit. It’s an easy way to stay warm, look polished and avoid the full “suit look” while still dressing appropriately for work.
Rediscover Colour
Add a pop of colour to your outfit with one of our crew neck sweaters. Choose a contrasting shade to make your gilet stand out and give your look a bit of personality without tipping into anything garish. It’s an easy way to brighten up cold‑weather dressing and add depth to your layering.
Staying Practical
A key argument in favour of the gilet is its sheer practicality. It keeps you warm without ever feeling bulky or uncomfortable, and it’s the kind of layer you can slip off in seconds when the weather changes. Technical yet stylish, a gilet works just as well in town as it does in the country, making it one of the most adaptable pieces you can own.
The Casual Look
Pair your Alan Paine gilet with a classic crew neck sweater and a simple white T‑shirt for a relaxed daytime look, or add a crisp shirt for a smart‑casual outfit that takes you from day to night. Throw on your favourite boots and you’ve got a warm, stylish ensemble your pals will envy. The sleeveless design layers easily over whatever you choose to wear and never restricts movement, so enjoy the freedom and make this your new seasonal favourite.
Designed to be worn as a layer, gilets usually have a snug fit, though you may want to size up if you prefer thick jumpers or hoodies underneath. The length should sit similarly to your everyday T‑shirts and sweaters for a balanced silhouette.
A men’s gilet is incredibly versatile. Pair it with a hoodie for an effortless look that guarantees sartorial success. A contrasting hoodie helps your gilet stand out, especially when teamed with Alan Paine chinos and your favourite kicks.
