Help me pick a black leather jacket! - YouLookFab Forum

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Help me pick a black leather jacket!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

1-2 is the WIW from yesterday--Banana Republic wrap dress, Nine West leather boots, and Jack Georges brown leather briefcase. And I put my hair up with a clip for the first time, what do you think? I got lots of compliments on my outfit at work even though it's relatively simple/plain. Lesson for me to fight my newly ALGO tendencies.

I have one size M black blazer style leather jacket that I bought over 10 years ago from Macy's (#16-18) that I never wear anymore. I feel like it's too big and too plain and I don't feel fab in it. Should I keep or consign it?

If you agree I should look for a new black leather jacket, here are the two options I found at Nordstrom. Which one should I keep?
3-7 Tahari Richelle size S. On sale. Has a suede panel around the front & back that is pretty cool. And a ruched collar.
8-15. John Carlisle leather motorcycle jacket size S. I saw this and liked it so much I stole it off the mannequin (didn't see any others like it around). I like this a lot because it has multiple ways to wear the collar and it looks like more of a true motorcycle style. But it's not on sale...worth it anyways?
16-18. My old leather jacket--Couture by Macy's size M. keep/consign?
19-24. New Lafayette 148 leather jacket size 4--bought at the Rack. Love it, especially the caramel color. Goes with my favorite Lafayette 148 skirt (as shown in the catalog). It can zip up or down. Keeping it unless you absolutely hate it!
25. Does this faux fur jacket work with this skirt? It's on the potential chopping block...now that I have it, I'm not sure it's playing that well with my wardrobe.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I love 19-24. It looks like it is the perfect fit and style for you. I don't like any of the leather jackets as much. They almost seem like they are wearing you instead of the other way around. Not sure if that makes sense but they just don't seem to be your style or color. Your older jacket does seem a bit dated. You could funk it up with something modern, but you'd have to roll and scrunch the long, big sleeves.

The dress is AMAZING!! You already have an amazing figure flattering wrap dress. This isn't a just good enough for now until you find your true DVF, it is the perfect one.

DressLover

Veteran

Great job on your look in #1/2. A wrap dress with heels/boots, simple jewelry, and leather bag is my go to look/uniform as it makes an impact, yet it is simple to put together.

#3-7 looks nice to me, but I am not a fan of the suede. I think the suede will wear out before the leather and just look "off" if you know what I mean.

#8-15 is a very nice jacket, but fully zipped I feel like it flattens and widens you. I like it better partially unzipped, but then it isn't as versatile. Also, a moto jacket is somewhat rugged and doesn't match the personal style I have seen you carve out thus far. Not that it is bad to have contrasting pieces, but for a pricy item such as this you should consider how "you" it is. I notice that unless an investment piece is 100% "you" then you will fall out of love with it long before its time.

#16-18 is definitely too big and boxy. Consign.

#19-24 I LOVE! Probably because I considered the jacket for myself, but it really does fit you nicely. I adore that color.

#25 works, but I am still not loving that caplet/jacket. It just doesn't feel modern enough to me. If it were true vintage, I'd think differently.

Isis

Veteran

Great WIW! That dress is the best wrap you've posted, and the whole outfit is perfect!

I like the jacket in 19-24, and I have it too! I think it goes with a lot of things.

Not as fond of any of the other black jackets......To me the capelet seems a little contrived, like "faux thrift". I prefer your leopard jacket!

bj1111

Veteran

#1/2 is my fave outfit that you've posted so far. very streamlined, yet interesting. it makes your waist look tiny and makes you look taller.

the closest contender is the lafayette from the rack. great color great cut, but a touch long for your torso. the others are non-contenders. the suede/leather is too tricked out, too long and too loose. the moto jacket has a great cut, but is too long--if it lost about 4-5 inches, it would be spectacular. the blazer is interesting but reminds me of the 70s blaxploitation films with rosie greer.

Isis

Veteran

bj---do you mean Pam Grier? I am such a fan. I would totally wear that jacket if I could look like Pam Grier.....

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Oh I think Pam Grier would rock that cognac jacket with wide leg jeans and platforms. That would be an amazing 70's look. Natalie, Can you do this jacket with wide legs or bootcuts for OTG? That would be just beyond fab!

Isis

Veteran

Pam Grier....

OK, I gotta stop surfing and get to work!

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rae

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I just donated that exact same dress, because it did NOT work for my body - looks amazing on you, though! I don't think it's necessarily fighting your ALGO side because of the allover print.

Thoughts on the black leather jackets:
- I do think you need an updated one. The old one isn't "you" anymore.
- Do you want a jacket to wear with pants, or with dresses/skirts? For the latter, you should probably consider one that is more cropped.
- I like the first one's cool suede paneling, and it's more ladylike and fitting with your style, but that rouched collar throws the look off for me. I'm worried it might look dated quickly.
- The second one is more classic, but it also seems a little too aggressive for your style.

The caramel one I like a lot but, again, it feels a little long unless you'll be wearing with pants/jeans. Also seems like it might be a touch too big (I think the style is supposed to be fitted).

DragonflyJane

Your WiW is stunning - I think your hair looks really pretty in a clip too. My fave jacket is 19-24 (but not done up from the bottom for some reason). I like #25 but if the jacket's not working for you, ditch it!

Anonymous

LOVE the jacket in #16! The cut and color are gorgeous. I'd let your old jacket go, I agree that it looks a bit dated. I think the coat in 25 is fun, but if it's difficult to style, you may not get a lot of wear out of it.

Lovely dress! I think it may be the best you've posted!!

Sylvie

Veteran

1-2: Love your workplace look. Sophisticated and classy.
3-7: I like the suede detailing.
8-15: Seems like it doesn't have enough room in the chest and is flattening you out. 16-18: Too much ease in this jacket. I like it open but not so much closed.
19-24: I personally prefer the suede detailed jacket to this one but I think this is more in keeping with *your* style.
25: It works for "dressing up and going to the opera". I'm not sure the cut would work for more casual wear - would need to see it styled.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE #19 to #24!

Also love #4 to 7!

Both KILLER and 10's.

znip

Definitely 19-24. The color is amazing!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, I love your outfit in 1/2. Like others, I'd say it ranks among my favourites of all those you have posted so far! And Rae's right; the print makes sure it's not truly MINIMALIST minimalist, if you know what I mean.

I love the caramel jacket for you. Not sure about the others; the one with suede looks better fitting/more in line with your style but like Dresslover I would wonder what would happen with that suede.

bj1111

Veteran

yup, isis, pam grier!!!!

*humming movie soundtrack to self*

missvee

Veteran

I like the first jacket better than the second because it also looks good worn open. That asymmetrical closing on the second jacket is not all that versatile. I agree that you should consign the third jacket and let someone else love it - it's too big for you and I don't think it's really your style. I like the cognac leather that you already own - nice colour and good style. And as for the fake fur - I vote no. It doesn't have the wow factor and I don't like the length on you that much. You're in the process of assembling a really good wardrobe, so don't settle for anything that isn't just right!

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

That wrap dress is amazing on you! I actually like the first black leather jacket, not crazy about any of the others. The tan one is an absolute favorite though - perfect!

Jonesy

Veteran

I like the first two black ones, but I'm not sure if they suit your style. I like the caramel-colored one too, but it also seems like it might not suit your style. But, what do you think? Do any of these feel like *you* when you put them on?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks guys for your help! I decided to keep the cognac Lafayette 148 leather jacket...I was so excited I tore the tags off and wore it the next day! And I also decided to keep the Tahari black jacket with suede details. I agree that the other one is a bit aggressive looking for my style. I think the Tahari will be more versatile and work-appropriate. I actually wore it to work already! Plus how can I argue with Angie? They both feel really "me" and I already know I'm going to get tons of use out of them...so happy!

Rita, bj1111 and Isis, fascinating! Goldenpig does blaxploitation--that sounds like a RATE Kate Spade-type challenge! I will have to look into Pam Grier fashion and report back to you!