Jackets: they're unfortunately underrated in the Middle East, where temperatures often inhibit our ability to layer up in anything other than linen or cotton. But with the abundance of styles in store for autumn/winter 2025, jackets are re-emerging as a wardrobe staple, in lighter textiles that suit our climate (and ACs!) Our favourites for the season? Floral and folk-inspired embroidery, cropped trenches and bold biker-esque designs.
When making a jacket investment, keep this in mind: the best styles blend comfort with confidence. They're versatile, and at the same time, reflect your personal style.
Embroidered Bonanza
“Jackets are usually treated as the finishing touch to add polish to an outfit, but very few are designed to be expressive,” says Shreya Manghnani, founder of Dubai-based label, The Mismatched Studio. She uses handwoven cottons, velvets and quilts to create reverseible jackets that are lightweight yet striking and statement-making, with words like “Love”, “Dream” and the Arabic term, “Tawwakul” embroidered on the back, along with motifs like peacocks and flowers.
Folksy icons appear on new-season styles by Valentino Garavani and Etro, while dainty floral beadwork completes a Miu Miu jacket.
Miu Miu embroidered jacket
AED 41,500
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Miu Miu embroidered jacket
Valentino Garavani jacket
AED 26,200
Net-a-porter
Valentino Garavani jacket
Etro wool-boucle jacket
AED 8,513
Net-a-porter
Etro wool-boucle jacket
The Strut 2.0 jacket
AED 800
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The Strut 2.0 jacket
Mismatched Studio love jacket
AED 800
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Mismatched Studio love jacket
Sea embroidered cotton-canvas jacket
AED 2,531
Net-a-porter
Sea embroidered cotton-canvas jacket
The Cropped Trench
Every woman needs a classic trench in her wardrobe – that goes without saying. But this year, we're seeking out shorter lengths, giving a practical and more versatile touch to the silhouette while maintaining its key design aspects: floppy yet structured lapels, lightweight belts and of course, khaki and camel tones.
Not only is the cropped trench a great option for the Middle East weather, it's also a must-pack jacket for autumn holidays abroad.
Louis Vuitton ruffle collar jacket
AED 16,800
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Louis Vuitton ruffle collar jacket
Loewe cotton jacket
AED 10,825
My Theresa
Loewe cotton jacket
Sacai layered jacket
AED 6,240
Farfetch
Sacai layered jacket
Limé cotton jacket
AED 899
Limé
Limé cotton jacket
West Image
Maje cotton-blend jacket
AED 1,825
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Maje cotton-blend jacket
Frame trench
AED 2,750
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Frame trench
Boyish Biker
Be it a bomber or a collared design with blazer-inspired lapels, the biker jacket is an enduring classic. This season, the androgynous style comes in a refreshing colour palette, replacing blacks with browns and burgundies. Make a sleek statement in embossed logo-covered leathers or opt for a piece with pockets and exposed hardware for a utilitarian take on the trend.
Gucci debossed leather jacket
AED 24,200
My Theresa
Gucci debossed leather jacket
Nour Hammour leather bomber jacket
AED 5,025
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Nour Hammour leather bomber jacket
Marella leather pea coat
AED 3,175
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Marella leather pea coat
Limé coated biker jacket
AED 799
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Limé coated biker jacket
Regardless of its length, colour or texture, when it comes to wearing your jacket this season, Manghnani of The Mismatched Studio offers a key styling tip. “I always suggest styling your jacket as the hero piece,” she says. “Over a tee and jeans by day, or a slip dress or crisp shirt by night.”
