K/R jackets/blazers....trying to amp up my collection

I've really been feeling the need to amp up my blazer collection, which is pitifully small. I own only two for fall/winter (a tweed and a black Theory blazer) and one for spring/summer (the khaki blazer MaryK generously sent me last year). It's just not enough. Here are a few I'm considering. The kimono appeals to my emerging arty/dramatic side (it reminds me of something our artistic Janet would wear), while the two BR blazers would add to my modern classic basics.

But.....I'm a little worried that the blue/white pinstripe BR blazer is a tad too preppy for my aspirational Euro/Arty/Modern Classic style. Opinions? I'm also really open to advice on how to style these in more creative ways. Thanks so much!

#1-3 - Leifsdottir (on sale at Anthropologie) silk kimono jacket
#4-5 - Banana Republic blue/white pinstripe blazer
#6-7 - Banana Republic cream safari blazer/jacket

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13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Well I hope you can keep them all because I think they're all great! I don't think the pinstripe is too preppy for you.

Anonymous

I like all three... No help whatsoever.

Cream safari jacket? Pardon me while I wipe the drool off my key board! What kind of collar does it have? It's hard to see. I love that for me, and it looks awesome on you if you like the style. The kimono one is great for your arty aspirations. The middle one is fine, but that would be the one I'd throw out if you're headed in a different style direction.

nancylee

Claire, here's the link for the safari blazer....but WOW...it looks like all the smaller sizes are sold out already!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=903111002

modgrl

(website)

The shoulders on the kimono seem big. Is it supposed to be like that. I like all of the jackets. I think jackets can be classic, you can funk them up with a patterned blouse, skinnies and boots.

Transcona Shannon

I think these are all really good - they each give a different vibe and I can see all sorts of outfits being created with each one. Nice job!

Jaime

I like the blue kimono jacket, it does obscure your shape but I think that is the style. I really like the safari jacket and think they have a lot of potential. The pinstripe one might not be the right choice given your style aspiration. I am not saying you couldn't make it work, but if you are trying to move in the arty direction you would have to think about how to style it.

sarah

Sorry, I like them ALL! They look terrific on you.

rae

Love #1! Are the shoulderpads wider than your natural shoulders in pic 4? Or is it just the pose?

christieanne

Blue and white stripes are kind of preppy - I would take a look in closet and come up with some pairing ideas before you decide (it looks good on you but not sure it fits the description you set out). The other two are fabulous!

Jenava

I LOVE the leifsdotter and the safari style. The pinstripe is just meh in my book. But, if you can put together some outfits with it that satisfy you then I'd keep it.

Kirti

All of them look great but my fave is the kimono one

Thanks, everyone. I have the same feeling as most of you. They all look good and fit well, but the kimono and safari ones stand a little above the pinstripe. I need to think about my style direction, and maybe play around with some more combinations before I decide for sure. I'm also waiting on a couple of other blazers to arrive (one from Bloomingdales and another BR one), so there will be some more choices! Blazers are so useful (I'm coming to realize...) and I just need more of them to round out my wardrobe.

Claire, Shevia, Christieanne, Jenava, I'm going to play around with the pinstripe and see if I can de-prep it enough to justify keeping it.

Rae, good eyes! I'm going to try the pinstripe on again this afternoon (after work) and see if it is indeed a little big in the shoulders.

Modgrl, the kimono jacket came pressed flat in cellophane so I think the shoulders are wider than they will be when it hangs for a while (or maybe after it's pressed at the dry cleaners). I had the same reaction when I first put it on, but I think the shoulders will relax and hang more naturally over time.

Jonesy

Agreeing with everyone: The blue kimono-style jacket is gorgeous on you, and I love the safari style too! Especially the first one can be dressed up (with a chic black skirt) or down (with jeans) and has so much flair. The safari one looks really fab on you too, and seems like it would be so versatile. I really like the striped one--I would use it to do some fun pattern mixing (e.g., pair it with something gingham/checked, plaid, floral, etc.) which would look so fresh and modern. But maybe that's not your thing; then it should go back. Two out of three is pretty darn good :).

Angie

Fashion Stylist

These are all 10's to me. Can you keep all three?

Hope that you and hubby are doing well.

lynne

Love them all, hope you keep the pinstripe. I think it's easily deprepified.

MsMary

I think they all look great. But/and, instead of or in addition to the pinstripe, have you considered a navy horizontal stripe blazer? I LOVE mine from AT Loft and have been getting a lot of wear out of it already, and it's super early in the season. They have them EVERYWHERE at every price point so you should be able to find one relatively easily.

Sylvie

Wow, they all look so good on you, although my favorite would have to be the safari jacket.

Meghan R

Active Member

I love them all! The pinstripe seems like a great basic blazer, so I'd vote keep on it and all three:)

Jjsloane

I like them all and they look quite versatile for the most part. It can be shocking to invest in this area of your wardrobe, but you will find yourself reaching for these items time after time. I like the simple elegance you;ve shown but they can do so much more.

Thanks everyone. I have taken the tags off of the silk kimono and the other two are now hanging in my closet (tags still on, although I think I'm ultimately going to keep all three). I'm still waiting on a blazer from Bloomingdale's:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....x-xx.esn_r

So, after I see how that one works I'll make my final decision. I am really excited to have found so many great-fitting blazers. Not a one needs alterations! How great is that? Don't know how or why I went so long with this wardrobe hole, but I'm very glad I'm addressing it now. Blazers are just so useful and versatile (like jjsloane said).

Angie, DH is doing ok....it's going to be a long recovery (nerves are slow to heal), but we are taking comfort in each other's company and in the fact that he is no longer in the hospital.

Vix

Hi Nancylee --

I think 1 and 3 have more of the what you're going for and look great on, but #2 is no slouch either. [It does skew towards your classic side.]

I'd probably swap it out for the Bloomingdales one if that fits and/or -- as others recommended -- try it with partners before cutting the tags.

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