If I were to ask you what constitutes something to gain ‘viral status’, what would you say? The amount of times you see people wearing an item? How often it’s bought? How many times said piece sold out? Well, there’s one item that ticks all three of those boxes, having a) been spotted on my Instagram feed more often than I actually see my friends’ posts, and b) it’s sold out five times already. You might’ve already guessed it, but the jacket in question is the (now iconic) Whistles Clean Bonded Leather Jacket.

The jacket nails the brief when it comes to a mix of classic and contemporary, particularly when you take into consideration its buttery-soft leather that softens with wear. The details in the Clean Bonded Leather Jacket are not to be underestimated either, as it features an oversized silhouette, sharp collar, popper fastenings and bonded seams that give the borrowed-from-the-boys jacket a more polished edge.

You won’t even need to worry about styling the Whistles jacket, as it works with so many different pieces that we’re sure you’ll already have in your wardrobe. For example, throw it over the top of a cashmere roll neck and tailored trousers for an easy office-day outfit, or style it with a colourful scarf and satin slip dress for a sultrier, more evening-ready feel. 

So, although the Whistles Clean Bonded Leather Jacket is certainly a little bit of a splurge, take this as your cue to treat yourself, as it now has 25% off in the Black Friday sale. With a discount this good, the jacket is likely to sell out for a sixth time now, too (don’t say we didn’t warn you). 

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she’s hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she’s going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.