This Old-Fashioned Fabric Suddenly Feels So Chic

This summer was all about taffeta pants: from Donni’s sold-out cargos to Chan Luu’s techno pants, they were among the most frequently spotted items. Lightweight yet structured, bold but somehow still understated—it’s no surprise the fabric had such a moment. But as temperatures dip and wardrobes shift toward cozier styles, it makes sense that a new material has inched into the spotlight: jacquard.

This intricate system of weaving was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in France in 1801, and counted among its most common subset fabrics is brocade, which is heavy, complex, and often made with lustrous yarns. Whether cut into a blazer or a pair of trousers, the end result always has a decorative air about it.

Understanding the appeal of a jacquard piece is as simple as looking to the fall/winter runways. Dries Van Noten championed the texture in just about every permutation—from high-drama coats to subtler touches, like trims and even belts. Anna Sui went head-to-toe brocade with a matching jacket, pant, and handbag, and Etro introduced a series of elegant longline coats that would make the perfect accompaniment to any evening look. And while jacquard is, in fact, an exquisite after-hours texture, when styled strategically, it works just as well during the day.

Below, six outfits that illustrate why you need jacquard in your closet this fall.

To Contrast a White Tee

Dress down an intricate jacquard top—like this strapless floral silhouette from Dries Van Noten—by layering a simple white tee underneath. Complement the pairing with versatile wide-leg trousers, and slip into block-heel ballerinas to finish the look.

As a Statement Bag

If your palette tends to hover in the neutrals-only zone, incorporate brocade with a small evening bag. Not only does it serve as a pop of color, it also pairs nicely with minimalist separates, like a black cardigan and ivory-hued wrap skirt trousers.

With Tailored Separates

If your jacquard piece is giving main character energy (like these furry-trim trousers), balance out the boldness with tailored pieces like a button-down shirt and boxy blazer. Round it out with a timeless tote bag and loafers.

For a Touch of Uptown Polish

Let this brocade mini skirt lead the conversation by styling it with pared-back—but polished—separates, like a gray crewneck sweater. Anchor the look with a black shoulder bag and suede penny loafers.

Through an Artistic Lens

Seeing as brocade has an inherently artistic quality to it, lean into that direction with a look that feels plucked from a gallerist’s wardrobe. Style these golden pants with a stone-colored top, then finish with a collared leather jacket and a crafty necklace.

With Whimsigoth Staples

Transition to the spooky season with a whimsigoth-inspired look: a black brocade blazer worn with low-slung denim and scrunchie pumps. Add a silver chain belt around the waist for a ’90s finish.

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