# Shackets Are Back—Next's $62 Cobalt Blue Funnel Neck Style Ticks Off Three Trends
The shacket has returned to fashion prominence, and Next's latest offering proves the hybrid garment remains a versatile wardrobe staple. The British retailer released a cobalt blue shacket with a funnel neck collar, priced at $62, that manages to capture three current design trends simultaneously.
The shacket itself represents the enduring appeal of hybrid pieces that blur the line between shirt and jacket. This particular style works because it solves a real problem. Layering remains central to how people dress, especially as seasons transition. A shacket offers structure without the weight of a traditional blazer, and the shirt proportions allow for easier movement and stacking under heavier outerwear.
Next's design choices reflect what's driving fashion right now. The cobalt blue hue taps into jewel tones that have dominated color palettes since luxury brands pushed deeper, richer shades in recent collections. This isn't the pale sky blue of previous seasons. Cobalt reads as intentional and saturated, the kind of color that photographs well and stands out in neutral-heavy wardrobes.
The funnel neck collar represents another trend gaining momentum. This relaxed, high neckline differs from a traditional turtleneck by offering a softer, more fluid fit. Funnel necks appeal to people who want warmth and coverage without the strictness of turtlenecks. They work across body types and styling preferences, which explains their rapid adoption by contemporary brands.
The third trend embedded in this piece involves accessible luxury pricing. At $62, this shacket sits in the mid-market sweet spot where fashion-conscious shoppers expect quality without premium pricing. Next has positioned itself as a brand that interprets major trends quickly and affordably, making trend participation less intimidating for everyday shoppers.
Shackets have cycled through fashion before. They emerged strongly in the early 2020s, stepped back slightly during peak maximalism, and now return as people prioritize versatile, functional pieces. The garment's longevity stems from its practical versatility. A shacket layers over tees and long sleeves in cooler months, works as a standalone layer in autumn, and pairs with dresses for unexpected polish.
The cobalt specifically deserves attention. Fashion has moved away from the safe navy-black-gray trifecta that dominated for years. Consumers now actively seek color that registers as intentional without veering into novelty territory. Cobalt achieves this balance. It's bold enough to make an outfit feel considered but neutral enough to pair with black, cream, white, and earth tones.
The funnel neck detail elevates what could otherwise read as basic outerwear. This small design choice signals that brands are thinking about proportion and comfort simultaneously. After years of ultra-slim, restrictive silhouettes, the ease of a funnel neck feels contemporary and considerate.
For shoppers building practical wardrobes, this shacket represents the kind of piece that justifies the purchase. It addresses three separate trend moments, which means it won't look dated quickly. The cobalt blue will age better than seasonal trend colors, the silhouette remains flexible across occasions, and the price point won't sting if style preferences shift. That combination explains why shackets keep returning to the closets of people who actually pay attention to how they dress.