Gillets have always been around, but often not in the most fashionable forms. Originally the kind of clothing favoured by outdoor enthusiasts, horse riders and rock climbers, who would have known they would find such a niche in the world of fashion? But they have, and it looks as though they might be here to stay.

A gillet perhaps isn’t the best outfit choice for keeping you warm, but when worn with a jumper or long-sleeved t-shirt, it serves as an excellent fashion accessory for women. Wearing a gillet is a great way to finish off an outfit and make a fashionable statement. It might also be very useful after some of the Christmas over-indulgence; adding another layer to cover your stomach a little until you’ve had time to get back into your gym routine is a welcome opportunity.

Fur-trimmed gillets are particularly popular this season and by wearing one, you’re sure to look on-trend well into the New Year. There may be a fur trim around the collar or down the front of the garment, and you may also find versions which are made entirely from faux fur. The only difficulty is when it comes to washing your gillet – often faux fur will only be suitable for dry cleaning. If you’re not willing to put that much effort into washing your clothing, be careful which styles you choose to purchase and always check the label before buying.