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Having second thoughts about striped jacket in an academic environment

Makrame

Veteran

I hope you guys don't mind if I bug your a bit more about the Loft striped jacket. After it got an overwhelming vote of approval, I was all set to cut off the tags but then started having second thoughts about whether or not it is "too loud" to wear to work (as a university professor; untenured, I might add).

Especially for the academics in our midst, but also for anyone else - what do you think? I definitely don't have a problem wearing striped tops to work but for some reason a striped jacket is giving me pause. On the other hand, compared with a denim jacket and a green military jacket, both of which I have worn to work on non-teaching days, this one is more crisp and work-appropriate. I am trying to decide what I would think if I saw someone in the striped jacket walking down the hallway, or giving a lecture, or attending a conference.

I guess compared with wearing skinnies to work on casual days, this jacket hardly counts as a daring fashion statement. I am also still undecided about whether cobalt jeans can make an appearance at work. I have a conference in Miami coming up, I suppose the stripes would be suitable for that?

Am I over thinking it? I am reposting some of the outfits with the jacket to make it easier to answer. The last outfit is the Target dress that I wore today (this is a repost of the picture from a keep or return post) - got a lot of compliments and felt great and very work-appropriate.

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Makrame

Vildy

Veteran

Only an academic could think this was loud? I guess that's your reservation, huh.
It's not objectively loud. You could always stuff the tags inside, wear it work and see
what, if any, reaction you get.

Makrame

Veteran

Yes, Vildy, you are right, only an academic...

Maybe loud is not the right word. Is it too "dressy"? Trying too hard? For example, a dark jacket or a button-down shirt with a cardigan are completely "safe" choices - that's what I see a lot of women wear. This one is a bit different.

I usually either get no reactions or compliments only - I think if I wore something inappropriate, noone would say anything out loud. The one exception is my husband, who will not hesitate to give me a "reality check". I will ask his opinion, too, before I make the final decision. His judgement is not clouded at all by the current "fashion mores", which is good for a second opinion.

jenanded

Veteran

Makrame
I think it is fine as an academic... not sure what discipline you are in, but I know the European women in my area wear lovely things that are often more interesting to what we usually wear, yet they just look like they have a modern take on a classic which is what your jacket looks like... Cobalt jeans for conference with a quieter top would be great but often on the 'last day' (what is that in conferences)... usually your day for giving the preso is v formal in our area at least... Think you look modern, approachable but also authorative and professional...

Vildy

Veteran

I did see a therapist at a conference wearing a sundress with bare feet, holding a cocktail between sessions. I suppose she put her shoes on for the sessions. I probably wouldn't wear bold colored jeans at a conference but only because it would give bored people something new to talk about.

Makrame

Veteran

Actually, a funny story - the cobalt jeans were a gift from DH after we went to a conference in Italy and saw an absolutely fabulously fashionable European attendee wearing cobalt boot cuts with a beautiful leather jacket and a red bag.

I would not wear them to a conference, though, but I am still trying to decide on cobalt jeans for casual days at work.

jenanded

Veteran

I was in a presentation when a very senior 40 something US professor came in from the pool and gave the presentation in a very small black bikini, heels and dark red lipstick. And the audience was nearly all men. Makrame - she has a Chair at a MAJOR university! Cobalt jeans, red bag and striped jacket are NOTHING on that!!

missvee

Veteran

I love the jacket on you and yes, you may be overthinking it! It's a crisp, professional look. I really like the outfits you've put together in #1 and #2, but #3 seems a bit disjointed - maybe switch out the green skirt for a black one?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Striped jackets are prevalent and very mainstream. I note that your last outfit with the solid jacket has a print. I see little difference between a patterned jacket in neutrals and a patterned base item. The jacket looks good on you and obviously works with your wardrobe since you made three great outfits with it so I think it is a keeper.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

The style seems fine but it is true that black and white stripes are hard on some people's eyes (mine included). I've had to opt for variations in my stripes and am giving away the one true black and white striped top I bought last fall. Something about my vision and looking at equal black and white stripes that makes me feel just a little dizzy. If I were a teacher or counselor, or someone who had to speak in front of a group I'm not sure I'd wear the b/w stripes. No doubt, many people would love it, but the ones who don't may be averting their eyes for the same reason I do. A few other high contrast patterns have the same effect for me.

sarah

Veteran

Makrame, that jacket is absolutely OK in an academic environment IMHO. I know that you are hesitant to wear patterns that draw attention (you don't feel comfortable wearing scarves, right?), but honestly, I think once you wear that jacket "out" a few times, you won't think twice, and neither will your co-workers. Maybe it just takes some getting used to your evolving style.

Isabel

Veteran

I agree with the others. It is a very tasteful jacket in neutral colors and a "classic" cut/silhouette. If the pattern was a big floral print, then I would say no. The outfits you posted are just fantastic. There is nothing wrong with looking put together. Treat your jacket as if it was a cardigan. Dress as if you are tenured !

Isis

Veteran

M--I think the jacket is totally appropriate. It is not a loud pattern at all, and I would not hesitate to wear the jacket to give a lecture or for a conference or to work. I work in a relatively conservative field (academic science, which I would say was casual conservative), and I wouldn't bat an eye at the jacket. Wear in good health!

I understand your hesitation if you are in a field with few women so there are few role models!

Like sarah, I wonder if you are pausing because it is a little out of your comfort zone. Tear the tags off and wear it!

Gaylene

Veteran

While the jacket fits well and is lovely, I understand your hesitation.

As a teaching professor, I've always had two styles: my professional, teaching style and my off-duty, wear-whatever-pleases-me style. When I'm teaching, I want my students to focus ideas and concepts, not on my body nor my fashion-sense. Your outfit in #4 is a good example of a muted, professional style that many of us choose to adopt. Attractive but not too memorable.

Fashion forward clothing in contrasting colors, stripes and prints; cobalt jeans; sundresses; and (shudder!) bikinis are more memorable and will elicit a stronger reaction (positive and negative) from your audience. How far you choose to go down this path is up to you. If the extra attention would make you feel uncomfortable or distract from your teaching, then save the outfit for off-duty wear. If the added attention would make you feel empowered and help you give a better presentation, then wear it.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I think it's appropriate! I work in a conservative industry and would wear that without giving it a second thought. Just go for it.

Makrame

Veteran

Yes, I think it is the fact that it is out of my comfort zone that is giving me pause. Also, when I think of what the other female faculty at my school wear, I can think of a lot of fairly traditional solid blazers but not too much in terms of patterned jackets, whereas blouses or tops underneath may be patterned or colorful. Since I do wear lots of bright colors and patterns, I guess I should not hesitate too much to add a patterned jacket.

Texstyle also has a good point - I have looked at the photos and wondered if the pattern is somewhat "busy" or "disturbing". I wasn't planning on wearing this to lecture but still, I'll take into account that this type of stripes may be dizzying for some eyes. All of my other striped tops have different width stripes (wide/narrow) or are a darker color (black stripes on a dark blue background) so they don't have the same effect.

Gaylene, I like your point about selecting clothing for teaching that is attractive but not very memorable. That is more or less what usually go for.

I think that I will let this jacket live in my closet for now with tags. If I see any other spring jackets that really capture my fancy, like a bright solid color jacket, for example, I might make a final decision then.

Thanks so much for your thoughts, these are always so helpful!

Jonesy

Veteran

Agreeing with everyone else: I think it looks perfectly acceptable for academic wear. It is very classic and straightforward, IMO. I think it's more about your journey and moving out of your comfort zone a bit...I remember recently when you felt a little showy about wearing a scarf, so I can see how the striped jacket would be a lot of pattern :)! I do think it's all about incrementally moving your style along, and growing more and more comfortable with taking a few risks, while still maintaining your authority and professionalism. Frankly, having tenure also helps, I think. Now that I do, I find that I am generally less anxious about everything, including my style choices! I wear whatever the heck I want to, and don't really think twice about it.

ETA: I am all about wearing whatever I want to, but I would NEVER wear anything even remotely sexually suggestive or revealing, and that bikini story is insane, IMHO. Incomprehensible.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

This looks very classic, professional, and professorial. It's a power blazer! I think this is the right direction for your style to go--a little outside your comfort zone but hopefully not too far. Don't let it sit in your closet--wear it with confidence, because you look fantastic in it!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Maybe you want to pair it with a top or dress that would make it feel more modern classic? It's short enough to look really great with a sheath dress.

I saw someone wearing this exact jacket at a conference this week, with red wide leg dress pants. She looked great, but of course that wasn't an academic setting.

Anonymous

Just chiming in to say I know what you mean. A patterned blouse seems so much more conservative to me (and even practical) than a patterned blazer. I do LOVE the blazer on you....and I even went online to look at it for myself, heh! It might be a little more *attention getting* that's all. And you need to decide if that's right for your professional wardrobe at this point. Good idea to let it live with tags for a bit. Maybe a tenured female professor will blaze the patterned blazer trail for you!

sarah

Veteran

Claire, does that mean I have to get a striped blazer?!

*agreeing* with Jonesy on the whole bikini thing. Incomprehensible indeed!

ETA: I couldn't even teach in boots a year ago, M, so I totally get where you're coming from. Now I wear boots almost every time I teach ; )

Makrame

Veteran

sarah, I think I made the same change with regard to boots over the last year. Now boots with a skirt or dress are my go-to teaching combo but last year I approached them with hesitation. I am finally wearing black boots that spent more than two years in my closet!

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

I think as long as it was paired with something relatively classic it should be fine. I am not an academic, but I DID go to college...I don't remember my profs dressing well at all!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I adore that jacket on you. It looks stunning! The cut and shape are lovely for you. Really, it adds a lot of pep and energy without taking away a bit from a professional image. It's perfect! But certainly, you can pick your days for wearing it. I can understand why you might want to do that.

Still shaking my head in wonder about the bikini story. Whew!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

M - my professors usually wore t-shirts and cargo shorts :p I say this is a definite step up!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I'm curious about this bikini presentation -- was her hyper-sexualized look somehow tied to the theme of the presentation? I can't imagine even the most absent-minded of professors being clueless enough to do that without trying to make some sort of statement!

In any case, I am in a field where many people have "good" hiking boots to wear to conferences, so my opinion may be a little skewed. But I don't see anything wrong with this blazer, except perhaps the dizzying stripes thing. As long as you avoid wearing it to class just on the off chance that one of your students has this issue, I can't see that there should be any problem.

In fact, maybe I should be on the lookout for one myself...

DonnaF

Veteran

I assess work clothing as to where each of their variables are located on the spectrum from conservative to edgy/fashion forward. This means I consider cut/style; color; fabric; pattern; other detailing; and where on this spectrum accompanying clothing will fit. Since we are talking about work, the degree of formality or casualness is relatively narrow and assumed. When I was young, I chose to err on the conservative side because I felt it gave me more gravitas/credibility as a professional. Now, I figure my age does that.

As to the striped jacket:
The cut: Fairly conservative; nothing too surprising there.
Fabric: Is it knit or woven? Knit is less conservative, but the fabric isn't shiny or anything radical like that.
Color: Very conservative work colors.
Pattern: Solid is most conservative. Stripes are more fashion forward, but not nearly as radical as most other geometrics (like polka dots) or a floral print.
Other items worn with it: You have styled it with pretty conservative items.

Now, as to a weekend look, I could see that jacket paired with a black and white polka dot skirt or cobalt skinnies and an orange shell. . . .

I really hope you keep and wear the jacket. To me, it conveys *smart* (vs. frumpy/don't care) academic without looking like you are trying too hard. I love pattern mixing (like putting dots with stripes) but IMHO, in some non-artsy contexts it would look like the person is trying too hard. Sorry for the ramble.

Kate

Veteran

I'm a PhD student (who makes an effort to dress professionally) and I think it's totally appropriate. However, I would shy away from the color combo in outfit #3, it seems far more loud/bold than the striped jacket. I personally focus more on limiting the number of colors that pop than patterns in neutral colors. I also don't pair red and green for fear of seeming christmas-y.

Also, I like the jacket a lot better with the black boots, and think the jacket with black footwear will help keep your outfits looking polished and pulled together.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I agree with the others about it being what you wear it with.

If you look at the recent post about adding daytime sparkle the important bit is to keep the other bits more casual.

So if you think it's too loud, wear it with a column of colour underneath, if too dressy match with a casual tee or something underneath etc.

Anonymous

This looks quite classic and work appropriate to me. I say go for it.

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