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Denim jacket substitute?

shipskitty

Veteran

Hi Team,
I'm currently in pursuit of less structured / more casual pieces to fit with my existing structured pieces (e.g. pencil skirts) to create a casual friday look that works for me. I was looking online at denim jackets when I ran across this black ruffled cardi which for some reason evokes the same 'flavour' as a denim jacket to me. What do you think? Could this be a good piece to put with a fitted top and pencil skirt, or even over a fitted dress, with flats to create a casual friday look?

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Clueless in canada

Inge

(website)

I can totally see it work for the looks you are describing, Shipskitty. The cardigan feels more dressy than a denim jacket, so I think it will work outside of non-casual Friday too.

Dimity

I like this very much, and I think it could work. My only hesitation is that for me, I tend to feel a bit mumsy in ruffles, even though I like them. But you might not feel that way when you're wearing them, it's just a personal thing.
I have wanted to like denim jackets for years. Actually, I do like them, but I'm not sure if they like me. I put mine on and I just feel weird. I haven't figured out yet if it's because it's a stretch for me to go that casual, or if it's like me and leggings and they just don't work for me. I got mine from the op shop for $3, so either way it's okay.

shipskitty

Veteran

Thanks Inge. I am thinking it might be a flexible piece that I could use across capsules.

Dimity - I think the sleeve scrunch (that's why I chose this pic of it) makes it less likely to feel that way but I understand where you are coming from. I've tried a few different denim jackets on in various stores, over dresses, but I haven't yet found one that speaks to me. I'm quite short waisted so I think part of the problem is I need a true cropped length to work for me or to be an intentional longer look and most of the one's I've tried are just somewhere in between and look pretty 'meh' on me.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Agree that it is a dressier vibe than a denim jacket but that doesn't mean it won't work for you as you're hoping.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It definitely looks dressier, so I'm not sure it will have the same "dress down" ability as a denim jacket.

I got one of my denim jackets in the kids' section of Old Navy. That's how I managed to get it cropped enough!

Helena

Veteran

Yes, I think it could work - agree that it is a little dressier/more feminine, so that depends on the vibe you are going for. Something similar without the ruffles could be another option if you want a more dressed down look.

always trying

Veteran

I really like it. Seems to me, like one of those very versatile pieces we all need in our wardrobes. Can dress up a pair of jeans, go over a dressier dress or a pencil skirt, etc.

Marilyn

Veteran

It's a lovely piece but definitely reads more dressy than denim.
I also got my denim jacket at Old Navy in petite.....on sale for about $20. I actually liked it much more than more expensive jackets I had tried.

Dimity

I'm short waisted too and find that jackets fit much better when they're petite, because they are just the right amount shorter than regular for me.
I was wondering if you like the new longer cardigans that are around now? Angie did a post on them a little while ago. They would be great over a dress and can look either dressy or casual.

shipskitty

Veteran

That's a good thought Marilyn & Dimity. I should look at petite options as they swap over to their autumn/winter ranges and see what is there in the way of casual/denim jackets. Some stores are still focusing on their summer stock so there will be more options in the next month or two I expect.

Dimity - I do have a longer cardi on my autumn/winter shopping list but thanks for reminding me that I should make sure it will work over dresses as well as jeans. That would also be a good option.

Diana

Veteran

I find most cardigans to be too soft to evoke the same feeling as a denim jacket, which has a particular structured-but-still-RATE vibe to me. The cardi looks nice in the photo but in person I find most of them too floppy, the sleeves can't be cuffed/scrunched the same way, and the collar won't stand away from your neck. In my opinion, it's hard to replicate the feel of a woven with a knit, although a stiffer ponte may work.

I have the American Eagle denim jacket that many forum members have, and it's short enough on me (I'm 5'3.5" and very short waisted). I don't know if you can get AE down under but a good bet would be to check out Junior's stores (like AE) since they tend to do shorter lengths.

ETA: I do like the cardigan. I just think it's not a sub for a denim jacket.

rachylou

Veteran

shipskitty - you're undermining my efforts to dress more my age by simply eliminating ruffles. Lol. This totally works IMO.

Hilary

The cardigan is flexible, but seems dressier than a denim jacket. I recently purchased this olive colored jacket from Nordstrom and am loving it. I think it could work well as an alternative. It comes in regular and plus.

Caslon Front Zip Utility Jacket (Plus Size)

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Clueless in canada

All your choices sound lovely, but casual friday doesn't sound too casual to me. Maybe the ruffled cardi would work with pants too.