Ask Angie & All: K/R Thrifted Armani SUIT - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie & All: K/R Thrifted Armani SUIT

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Dear Angie and all,

I posted a thread during the weekend about what the better option would be - a thrifted Armani blazer or a new red one from Zara. Several of you suggested I should check out the Armani blazer first. I went back today to look for it at the Salvation Army, and lo and behold, it was still there, and it turned out to be a matching pair of straight legged trousers with it, which fits, as long as i keep my weight! The fit looks and feels right to me both for blazer and trousers, but please chime in if it looks too tight or anything. I think I have to hem the trousers, or else they won't get enough wear. I'm wearing my highest heels here.

Please help me assess this and compare it to my other black blazer by discussing the following:

1) What is your general impression of the jacket and trousers? Are they too dated, or retro and fun? Will this work with my style, in your opinion?

2) What do you think of the length & style of the Armani jacket as a topper for dresses and skirts? Is it significantly different enough from my BR jacket for this? (I do have straight legged trousers for that one, too.)

#1 The Armani jacket front & back
#2 The Armani suit, blazer buttoned
#3 The same as above, open jacket
#4 The trousers
#5 The Armani compared to the BR blazer (Armani to the left)
#6 Armani blazer + flared dress + pumps
#7 Armani blazer, sheath + Chelsea boots

Thank you so much in advance for sharing your opinions on this. I'm very grateful indeed!

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30 replies

Latest reply was from cobaltblue

Anonymous

I vote Keep. The fit looks fabulous on you and that jacket looks great with both dresses and pants. I think you will regret not getting it later if you let it go. You can probably sell it for more than you paid if you change your mind.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Oh my goodness. That fits you perfectly! I love the cut of the blazer, to me it seems deliberately ladylike/retro. If you wear suits I would keep this!

Anonymous

I don't think it looks dated -- I think it looks deliberately retro. Lovely!

Kristin L

Veteran

I say keep! It looks great on you.

Mochi

Veteran

Don't be silly. It fits amazingly. Keep.

nancylee

Veteran

Wow. That fit is fantastic! I say keep. The Armani jacket definitely has a different silhouette from the BR blazer when you look at them side by side. Love the buttons and the slight flare at the hem. And the fit on the pants is amazing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hang on. Aren't those new CHELSEA BOOTS in #7?

Those look so fab!!!

Okay. Now that that is out of my system, I think if the fabrication of this suit feels wonderful to you and the price is not ridiculous, it is worth strong consideration.

It reads as deliberately retro to me, and can fit into your style. Despite its sober colour, it's a bit fun. It reminds me of one of the jackets I got on consignment in my first year of YLF -- mine was a Hobbs from way back, a nice wool crepe. It has a three button stance, shawl collar (so it is different from yours in that way) and interesting pleating on the hips. It is the only consigned jacket from that period that I am keeping this year. Why? I think the combination of the plain black, plus the interesting design details, make it earn its place. (Also, I don't own another black jacket, but that is my story, not yours!)

As to whether it is different enough from the BR -- that is a bit trickier. It's shorter, for sure. But not a huge amount. To an observer who did not see them side by side, I'm not sure they would read as different. But it might require some more closet play and photos for you to be sure that they are not duplicates.

And in any case, you don't have the BR pants so don't have a suit. If you think a suit could be useful to you...well...you see where this is going!

You look absolutely stunning in it, Ingunn. To be extremely picky, though -- because I assume you want that -- in the photos there appears to be a small amount of bunching in the front and back view. I get an urge to tug it down a bit, if you know what I mean. So I am wondering if it is pulling anywhere or sticking or if there is just too much fabric (i.e. the torso is too long for you). This is minor...it it only when done up. And it might be simply an effect of trying on in a rush. I know this has happened to me in the past.

As a topper for dresses and skirts, I think it works best with the sheath -- no surprise there. But it is okay with the others as well. Overall the look is ladylike and classic, however, not fashion forward. So if you are fine with that, and think you can get some good wear from it, this looks like a lovely addition.

Vildy

Veteran

I also love the back drape/flare on the jacket. The lapels are definitely retro but just bide your time and they'll come roaring back. The whole point in an Armani is the shoulder. I know everyone scrunches but it "destroys" the shoulder. But, hey, if that isn't the height of nonchalance! The sleeve length looks too long to me, also disturbing the fit of the shoulder/sleeve. I would have it professionally shortened - not from the shoulder by any means. That would keep its value if you wanted to resell based on the name. In the photographs, the pants look stretched too tight across the buttocks. But sometimes photos do curious things and in real life they may be fine. It's a very nice, sexy feature to have that bit of feminine drape over revealed outline of toned buttocks. Otherwise, look to see if the designer is worth his name and left you a bit of seam allowance to let out. I think there is a place for both jackets as the BR one is a bit more tailored/mannish and the Armani a bit more femme.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Wow - it does have a retro shape but in a good way and I think it looks smashing on you. Not completely sure about the fit of the trousers from the pictures, but if they fit well I would keep the suit and make any adjustments necessary because the suit looks great on you. It is a completely different animal than the BR jacket as far as I am concerned.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

What a beautiful suit Ingunn. I can see why you were so attracted to it. And I'm sure the quality is AMAZING. Like Suz, I see some excess fabric in the middle back when the jacket is done up. I'm not sure the waist of the jacket is hitting your natural waist and that may be why. It does not show however when the jacket is undone.

Also like Vildy, I'm wondering about the fit of the trousers across the buttocks. We also know black photographs terribly so it can be due to that but they look a tiny bit snug. However your physical comfort will let you know if that truly is the case.

I have to be honest Ingunn and although I like the suit very much, I don't love it. But then again, I'm not wearing it. If you are happy with the suit then of course keep, wear and be happy

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Joy! I think you are right. I did a quick search on ebay, and found some similar ones where the price was 3-4 times more than what I gave.

IK, I don't wear suits much, but this one could be the exception. I do have not less than two pairs of trouser that matches my other black blazer, though. Both cropped and full length.

Thanks, Ceit and K!

Mochi, now I'm feeling silly Thanks!

Nancylee, thanks for mentioning this! I do think the fit of this suit is something of the best I've had on. The blazer is roomy where it needs to, but feels neat. The trousers could have been a hair wider in the hip/waist, but they don't feel too small.

Suz - always the good observer! Yes, I picked up a pair of Chelsea boots today, too. I'm glad you like them, because I'm probably keeping them.

About the suit:
The fabrication feels wonderful, and the price is definitely on the reasonable side. Your Hobbs jacket looks a bit like the one I'm replacing, my daughter got it when she moved out.

I agree that the similarity between the two blazers is noticeable. I do have trousers for the ther one, too, I even have two pairs - both long and cropped. I also have a skirt. There's no way that this Armani suit can replace all that. BUT: I've never loved the fit of my BR pants, but I really felt good in the Armani ones. I'm also considering having the trousers hemmed to a more manageable length, to wear with flat boots (Chelsea's).

I'll have to go back and have a look at the bunching. Thanks for pointing that out (I really appreciate your honesty).

I wish it had looked even better with my flared skirts and dresses. That's what's giving me pause the most. Otherwise, this is undeniably a nice catch.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't think it looks bad with the flared skirts/ dresses. It would just have to be a bit more cropped to be ideal, you know?

I also see the pulling on the pants but imagine that is a very easy fix if need be. And if it doesn't bother you, then it's probably more a photo issue than a RL one. I know my Kut jeans read to others as too snug when I bought them -- but they were seeing "VPL" where in fact it was the seam design on the pocket of the jean! That's not the issue here, obviously -- just saying that photos can tell a somewhat misleading tale.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the retro shape of the blazer, Ingunn. It's also a beautiful colour on you. Sweet back peplum, and pretty good fit.

The trousers are not a perfect fit - I am a stickler about fit as you know - but they aren't bad at all. A little tight on the crotch point and thigh, a little high in the waist, but it would be a shame not to keep the suit as a whole.

The jacket works well as a topper over dresses and skirts. I vote keep if you love the suit.

Diana

Veteran

It's a beautiful suit, and fits you well, I think. That said, I'm not sold on the style of the jacket. As others have said, it's a bit retro looking, which can work but you have to style it in a retro way. It would work over a full, printed skirt, for example. I'm not convinced it doesn't look a teeny bit dated AS A SUIT. I think it's the three button stance and the rounded lapels. I'm not fond of rounded lapels in general though,especially on a suit. I want them to look SHARPER, you know?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Vildy, I'm taking notes! Thanks for pointing this out. I agree that the trousers are a bit tight. Letting out 1/4-1/2" on each side would be perfect. I'll look into the sleeves, too. They didn't strike me as too long, though.

Shevia, thank you, too! You are mentioning the same issues, more or less, as Vildy, and I agree. I feel that the BR suit is too mannish for me to wear, but this one is much more feminine, and I feel a lot more like "me" in it.

Shannon, I'm struggling to see what exactly you and Suz are pointing out? Is this something that can be fixed in an easy alteration? If I'm taking it in anyway, it could be worth having it done. I'll have the trousers altered (or I 'll lose a pound or two, lol). I'm sorry you don't love it, but that's okay of course!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for pointing that out, Suz! We do absolutely agree.

Thank you for responding so quickly, Angie! I will definitely let out the side seams of the trousers. It seems that they have been taken in once, so there's a lot of seam allowance. I think the blazer is pretty, and I like the feminine shape. The lapels are wider than I'm used to, but that doesn't really bother me. I'll try it in a few more outfits. This isn't love at first sight, let's call it an attraction

Thank you Diana. I've tried over a full skirt, but I don't think it worked so well because the blazer is too long in the front. I'm not really certain about the lapels, either, but I do like a lot about this suit. The three buttons don't bother me. I do have a blazer with one button and narrow lapels, but it works best with pants, I think. It is a lot straighter and not so feminine. In general, I think sharper is good, too!

Eliza

Veteran

I think this could have great potential and most importantly, you seem to like it. It is pretty close to being a very good fit. I would bring it to an excellent tailor and see what tweaks are in order. If you make the retro look deliberate with updated tops, you could add a bit of edge. If you need a conservative suit, that's easy. This look has a lot of longevity and is flattering on you.

Love the booties!!

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, I love it, Ingunn. I think Vildy is right on the money about not scrunching this sleeve and doing the slight alteration on the pants.

Personally, I don't have a problem that the jacket doesn't look like the ones currently flooding the fast fashion realm. A Zara jacket would probably be purged from your closet in a year or two, while I think this Armani has the potential to hang around in your closet for much longer because the fit and colour work so well for you. Couple that with the feeling that you get from wearing something that is well-constructed and refined, and I think you've found yourself a real steal.

Vildy

Veteran

I see the back fit thingy when the blazer is closed. Two easy fixes and one would be worth a try over feminine skirts! 1. So wear it open, already. ;D
2. Narrow belt over the jacket. I don't think anyone belts Armani jackets so I'd be first to try in order to make it my own!

The pooling at the back is possible a result of a waist indentation or swayback and a widening of the upper hip there. Can usually be adjusted with taking in the back seam or adding small fisheye darts. Can't take in too much or will lift the jacket back hem and ruin the drape. Or, who knows, maybe just change the drape. Wouldn't let tailor touch it without pinning the alteration and letting you okay it.

As far as sharp vs rounded lapels. Yes, it's a detail that evolves per trends but also a person who has any roundness in their features - and you have enough in your chin, nose, apples of cheeks?, glasses! that you can do the roundness.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Eliza, thanks! Yes, I do really like it. Like you, I think of this as pretty timeless (although nothing really is). Keeping the look updated with shoes, bags and tops is exactly how I think, too.

Gaylene, high five for loving this suit! I knew I made an initial mistake by walking away from it, and I didn't believe my luck finding it there again today. It had been misplaced, too, so I had a thrilling hunt. I liked the Zara jacket quite well, but it totally lacks personality. This one has that. And the quality is wonderful, you are right about that. It feels!

Vildy, you have been so helpful, thanks again! Correct me if I'm wrong: I should have the sleeves shortened, the trousers altered and that's it? There is a mid seam in the back, but I should leave it unless the tailor knows what she does? What you wrote about the rounded lapels makes perfect sense to me. I think it works with my curls, too. I'm learning so much new today! It's been very exciting.

Pawprints

The kind of smile you have in the photos, the fear that it might not have still been in the store, the way you talk about feeling more like yourself in it--that's what tells me it's a keeper.

I also like the way it looks and the way it looks on you (let the trousers out a hair or lose a couple of pounds, as you say, and it's perfect, but still ok as is; shorten the trousers too so you'll wear them a lot). It doesn't say vintage to me even though I know it's not up to the minute styling. It says classy elegance with a softer side, which also describes you as far as I can tell.

Congratulations on a wonderful find.

Vildy

Veteran

Yes, the sleeves and pants shortened. I'm feeling leery of the back waist alteration because a major part of the suit's charm is the demure front view and the saucy back view.

Here's a tip on pants length alteration. It's not for PPLers, but I like a lot of choice and flexibility so I use it all the time. From a friend's tailor: fix the length so it just reaches to the floor in bare or stocking feet. Then it works both for flats and for something of a heel. Obviously won't work for 4 inch heels. But if you try it yourself at home for a test run: just use pins or binder clips or paper clips, then try on a variety of flat plus modest heel heights and see what you think.

ETA: oh, and maybe to let out the pants side a bit where it was taken in? Only you know how it feels and looks in real life. Have you sat down in the suit and preferably in front of a mirror? How do the pants feel now?

catgirl

Veteran

Inge, everyone has given you great feedback so I'm just going to say: WHAT A FIND!

Pawprints

Vildy, so glad to hear an expert also recommending the floor-grazing barefoot trick. I read it in a book several years ago, and glory it works.

I don't wear high heels and can see where those who do need different pant lengths in their wardrobe. But that always irked the rational side of my brain, having the jeans/black trousers/ etc. in multiple lengths, figuring which lengths to take on a trip, having to change pants when you change shoes for a different look or event. It's all too much.

Now I know, based on the barefoot trick, my perfect inseam length for three different ranges of hem width. I can just hand them over to my beloved alterations lady, tell her the inseam I want, and walk away knowing my pants will work with everything including the slipper socks at home when the shoes come off. Life should be so simple.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Pawprints, that was incredibly kind of you to say.

Vildy, that sounds like alterations within reason for a thrift find. Sleeve length, trouser length ( I agree 100% - it must be versatile) and letting the side seams out a little - the trousers are too tight, and will be uncomfortable if I don't do anything. The cost shouldn't add up too much either, this way. I will try the belted look, too. Who knows, it might work!

Una, I know! Thanks!

amiable

Veteran

What Una said. Please keep and alter to utter perfection where needed!

Vildy

Veteran

This is coming from someone who is frugal to the point of cheapness:
if the alterations seem expensive, borrow money.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Sure thing, Vildy! I'm definitely going to see this through now.

rachylou

Veteran

A suit is always practical. If you don't have one, I'd keep.

But I do prefer the "zest" of the red Zara for you.

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