Jacket

You may be wondering why we would promote "simple" clothing when, after all, Luxist is all about luxury and the high end of living. The answer is because sometimes you just want a t-shirt -- or a basic pair of pants, or a simple dress -- that fits, is flattering, and is made of quality material, and you're willing to pay a bit more to get something that will last longer than an item purchased at The Gap.

I recently stumbled upon Reality in Style, which, according to its website, "was created in 2009 by college best friends Denise Apicella and Rachel Blakeman. After several decades of working in various fields, Denise and Rachel were continuously frustrated by the lack of comfortable, stylish and high quality clothing." After some research -- polling real women -- and "after picking up one too many backless shirts, Denise and Rachel decided to create an affordable clothing line emphasizing comfortable fabrics and styles designed to flatter different body types."

I haven't purchased an item from the line, as it doesn't offer petite sizes, but I simply put it out there for those readers who wear what a (former) friend called "grown-up sizes." The dress shown, for example, is called Tony, and is sleeveless stretch-cotton with a pleated belt accent. $395, available in even sizes 0-14.

See the gallery for some other basics.

One reason to be excited about the end of summer and cooler weather is the return of velvet season. As my colleague Kristin Young reported earlier, velvet is hot this year. This velvet jacket from Shanghai Tang has a basic black exterior with frog closures but gets a pop of color from an embroidered 100 percent silk lining in either red or vivid turquoise. It sells for $915.

For its Spring / Summer collection which we previewed back in March, famed British clothing company Barbour has come out with an updated version of its classic waterproof waxed jacket. While this time of year usually calls for seersucker, the weather just isn't co-operating so waterproofs are de rigeur. The New Utility jacket (above), part of the company's Contemporary line, features slimmer proportions, cargo-style pockets and a smaller collar. Lined in classic Barbour Tartan, the jacket is made of the company's classic mediumweight 6 oz. Barbour Sylkoil waxed fabric. Barbour, which was founded in 1894 and holds Royal Warrants from Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Prince of Wales, is further expanding on tradition with artfully updated designs like this one.

We've long been fans of the quilted riding jacket, as popularized by the classic British outerwear company Barbour. Now Miguel Caballero, the Colombian designer known as "The Armani of Armor", has introduced a totally bulletproof version (above), which manages to not sacrifice anything in the way of style. Since many devotees also wear this kind of jacket for upland hunting, it's practical even for those who aren't princes, presidents and out-of-favor oligarchs in fear of their lives, as some of Caballero's best customers certainly are.

Enough anti-ballistics to stop an Uzi or a .44 Magnum - never mind some birdshot - doesn't come cheap of course, but at about $10,000 the jacket is more bang for the buck so to speak than Caballero's $12,000 bulletproof polo shirt. Plus it's waterproof, with an optional stab-proof lining. Caballero's only retail location outside of South and Central America is Harrod's in London, but the company takes special orders directly. They'll even make you one of these in cashmere if you insist (we asked).

Whether worn by a man or woman, motorcycle jackets just ooze with a coolness and sexiness that is unmatchable. Besides a men's button-down shirt, I can't think of any other item that could be worn by both genders and still look so sexy. And although the season may have passed to wear this Motorcycle Sweater Jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim, if there is at least one extra cool evening, I am wearing this jacket. Made of 100% cashmere, Lim's Sweater Jacket can easily be paired with a Spring dress, keeping you warm and cozy, all the while looking very chic. It features golden zippers & buttons, plenty of front pockets, and buttoned shoulder epaulets for a cutting edge yet sophisticated look. Price $585.

A bit on the rugged side with a slight military jacket feel, Joe's Jeans Twill Jacket might just become your everyday, but fashionable, casual winter coat, that will make you want to strut your stuff rather shoveling snow. While the shell is made from cotton, the interior is completely lined in synthetic shearling to provide comfort and warmth for those cold days. It features an exterior front breast pocket, two side pockets and a shearling lined collar that buttons up to keep your neck warm. Every coat should have this option. You could wrap a scarf around you for added protection and you don't have to worry about the cold air coming through. Warm, cozy and chic! Seen here in olive, it is also available in natural and black. Price: $216.

I want to be outside in the freezing cold, sipping on my triple grande white chocolate mocha and wearing this unbelievably beautiful cashmere bomber jacket by Richard Chari. It features a front zipper and a cute little front pocket to store your iPod. It would have been a bonus to have the zipper run to the top of the collar - what a cozy and snugly feel that would be - but wrap a colorful scarf around you and your set. Wear alone or if you are feeling extra cold, wear with a vest. Price: $980.

Where high fashion meets pure geekery you have this little number by Ermenegildo Zegna, a jacket that provides power for your gadgets. This jacket has solar modules around the neoprene collar so that it can charge your iPod or cellphone. The coat will be in stores this November and five hours of sunshine can recharge just about any device. It comes in a bomber jacket or a longer style and will sell for $750.

This is one jacket that should have made the live-like-Jack-Bauer gear list because the only thing that can get into it is you. The long black trench is bulletproof, stab-proof and, of course, weatherproof, so no bullets, knives, "hypodermic needles, ice picks, knives and broken bottles " will penetrate it. Think of it as stylish full-body armor. This makes it the sort of jacket that you would want if you regularly tour through war-zones or exceptionally hostile neighborhoods late at night, although it will certainly give you a sense of security no matter where you go. It features two large front pockets and a high-rise collar to block the chill, as well. Price: $2,000.

[via boingboing]

Just like a suitcase, a black winter coat can get pretty boring pretty fast. The Santacroce Leather Bomber Jacket may be on the bright side, but the butterscotch tone will add spice and color to those dark and long winter days. You could virtually wear all black and still look as if you put thought to your outfit by wearing this jacket. The buttons are crystals to add some pizzazz and extra charm. It features three front pockets and if you didn't want to carry around a bag, there are additional pockets on either sleeve. Sizing Guide: Small = Size 2-4 Medium = Size 4-6. Always be sure to protect your leathers before use to lengthen the life. Price: $1,825.

If you are a skier and didn't get one for Christmas, you might want to consider getting yourself an Audex Motorola Dutchess Jacket before the season is over. Much like the hat we saw several months ago, this women's ski jacket has a Bluetooth stereo system built right into it. The jacket itself features Thermacore Insulation under a shell of plaid Storm-lite 3.0-E ballistic nylon. It has a removable hood, faux fur lining and collar and, despite having a reasonable amount of bulk that will keep you warm in almost any weather conditions, it has flattering, tapered seams. The Dutchess jacket is $600.

And don't worry guys, there are plenty of men's jackets to choose from, too.

What to wear that will be just as fashionable as your Prada skis? How about this Jarita tiger parka from Bogner, the folks who do luxury skiwear better than anyone else. This printed parka is done in ski skill with a removable hood, snowskirt, inner cuff and side belts at waist. It sells for $1,449 at Gorsuch.

There are very few people who are going to complain about getting a cashmere sweater as a holiday gift. Softer than ordinary wool and warmer than most other fabrics, cashmere is a great choice for winter wear in general. Ralph Lauren's Cashmere Drape Neck Cardigan is a cross between a jacket and a sweater, as it is long with a relaxed fit, but is still snuggly enough to lounge around the house with. The wide shawl collar will keep even the coldest breezes at bay when worn outdoors, too. It is available in both cream and dark navy. Price: $900.

Need a casual jacket for fall? Cole Haan's Suede Baseball Jacket seems perfect for keeping the chill off and looking sharp in general. The jacket is lightweight and made of soft, supple suede with an acrylic/cotton knit lining. It has a form-fitting, elegant cut that makes it suitable for general wear, as well as for wearing out to an informal dinner or to late night party, but it is kept from looking too dressy by the raw edges. The jacket zips up the front and has a barely-there collar. Honestly, it looks best when it is left open, but this is the kind of jacket that will be flattering to almost anyone. Price: $495.

[via uncrate]

Velvet is back in style for fall and winter fashions, for men and women, and as the weather cools down a bit, it actually becomes more appropriate to wear the stuff. The Dolce & Gabbana Men's Velvet Jacket is a good example of how the plush fabric can look hip and be incredibly versatile at the same time. The well-cut jacket is could be appropriate for office wear and then transition to an evening out with just a simple change of shirt underneath. Opt for a more conservative white shirt to make this office-worthy, but both button-downs and tees can work under the blazer in the evening. Price: $1,475.