If you had asked me a month ago about my go-to fashion inspiration from daytime TV, I would have named the usual stars: Frankie Bridge, Cat Deeley, or Rochelle Humes. Denise Welch, however, would not have been near the top of my list. That changed after spotting her wearing a striking jacket on a June episode of Loose Women, prompting me to track down the very same piece.
Denise, 67, was rocking the Pure Cotton Striped Tie Front Shacket from M&S’s Per Una collection, priced just under £50. When I first looked online, it was sold out. Luckily, I found it available in store, and since then, it has been restocked in most sizes.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the term ‘shacket’. It can be annoying or off-putting – much like words such as ‘moist’ – but this blend of shirt and jacket perfectly describes this versatile piece, as highlighted by the Mirror.
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Costing £49.50, the jacket is made entirely of cotton with an oversized, boxy silhouette. It’s lightweight enough to wear as a blouse but has enough structure to serve as a jacket without feeling flimsy. The design includes long sleeves, a collared V-neckline, and three stylish tie-front closures, adding trendy detail that’s unlikely to go out of fashion soon.
Not everyone is a fan, though. One customer criticized the ties, saying, “Who needs such fussy ties to close this top? This season seems full of them.” Yet, many reviewers awarded five stars, praising the shacket’s good quality and comfort. One noted, “The fabric felt high-quality with an unusual closure, but the fit was large—I usually wear 18/20, but the 16 was still loose.” Another commenter added, “Great quality and design. Although I wasn’t initially sold on shackets, this feels like a heavy denim shirt and a perfect spring top, especially with the tie front.”
If you’re intrigued by the M&S tie-front shacket but want something a bit different, consider Boden’s Denim Frill Collar Jacket (£119), which offers a touch of Parisian elegance with its delicate ruffles. Alternatively, ASOS DESIGN has a denim rugby top reduced from £36 to £23.50, featuring a similar revere collar and a perfect standalone look, especially when paired with a silk neck scarf.
When I styled the M&S jacket with its matching pinstripe jeans, the jacket excelled in both fit and quality. However, the jeans were slightly lighter in shade, which may be a minor disappointment for those after a perfect coordinated set. Also, the jacket ties require a bit of adjustment throughout the day, but this minor hassle doesn’t detract from its appeal—especially since I’ve received so many compliments while wearing it.
Denise Welch as a style icon might not have been on my radar before, but thanks to her influence, this jacket has become a wardrobe staple I reach for regularly. It’s currently available online in sizes 8-22, with additional sizes possibly found in physical stores.
The fit is roomy, so if you enjoy oversized styles, stick with your usual size. For a more tailored silhouette, sizing down is recommended.