If you’d asked me just a month ago about my favourite daytime TV style icons, Denise Welch wouldn’t have been on my list. Names like Frankie Bridge, Cat Deeley, or Rochelle Humes would have come straight to mind. But after catching Denise on a recent June episode of Loose Women, I couldn’t stop thinking about the jacket she wore—and soon found myself tracking down the very same piece.
The 67-year-old actress was effortlessly stylish in the Pure Cotton Striped Tie Front Shacket from Marks & Spencer’s Per Una collection, retailing at under £50. Initially, the jacket had completely sold out online, but luckily I managed to grab one in-store. Great news for shoppers: the shacket has since been restocked and is now available in most sizes.
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the word “shacket”—it triggers the same cringe as words like “moist” do for many. Yet, despite past fashion fatigue with the style, the word fits perfectly to describe this hybrid blouse-jacket piece, as reported by the Mirror.
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Priced at £49.50, the lightweight jacket is made from 100% cotton with an oversized, boxy fit. It’s versatile enough to wear solo as a blouse, yet substantial enough to serve as a jacket without feeling flimsy. The design boasts long sleeves, a collared V-neckline, and three trendy tie-front closures—a detail that promises to remain in style year-round.
That said, not everyone is sold on the tie-front trend. One customer commented, “Who needs such fussy ties to close this top? This season seems full of them.” However, many others showered the piece with five-star reviews, appreciating its quality and comfort. One shopper shared, “The fabric is good quality with an unusual closure. I usually wear size 18/20 and found even the 16 to be loose.”
Another praised it as “a heavy denim shirt and a good spring top,” admitting initial hesitation about the shacket trend but ultimately loving this design.
If you’re intrigued by the M&S shacket but want something a touch different, consider Boden’s Denim Frill Collar Jacket at £119. Its delicate ruffles add a subtle romantic flair that sets it apart from typical high-street denim options.
Alternatively, ASOS DESIGN offers a denim rugby top currently reduced to £23.50 from £36. This piece features a similar revere collar design and works well worn solo, paired with a silk neck scarf for a chic finish.
When styling the M&S shacket myself, I tried pairing it with the matching pinstripe jeans. While the cut and quality were spot on, the jeans were slightly lighter in shade than the top. It’s a subtle mismatch that most likely goes unnoticed but bothered me a bit. Worn separately, both pieces are great, but a perfect co-ord would have been even better.
Another minor quibble is that the ties sometimes need readjusting during the day, but this small inconvenience hasn’t stopped me from wearing it—especially given the compliments I’ve received since.
In all, Denise Welch isn’t someone I expected to take fashion inspiration from, but her influence is undeniable. I keep reaching for this jacket, which is currently available online in sizes 8-22, with additional sizes in-store. The roomy fit means stick to your usual size for an oversized look, or size down if you prefer a slimmer silhouette.