New Jacket and Button Down Shirt - YouLookFab Forum

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New Jacket and Button Down Shirt

Nicole

Veteran

When I bought my new boots at Macy's I also picked up these two items. I am unsure about them though. I always question tops on me, so I'd love everyone's honest opinion. I won't be disappointed if I need to return them.

The jacket would be for work. It has a subtle pin stripe (as does the shirt I'm wearing under it--is that a no no--two pin stripes worn together?) It has a big poufy collar, which I'm not sure is the best look for my already broad shoulders. But I do like the way it fits over my stomach. The sleeves need to be shortened.

The shirt is a simple white subtle stripe button down shirt. I'd wear it only under other things. I have felt a lack of collared shirts to wear under sweaters for work. I have tons of V neck sweaters that I could wear this under.

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....0Jan%2009/

Also, I have this linen jacket that I'm not sure if it's working. Should I keep it or donate it?
http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....%20Donate/

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Anonymous

Hi, Nicole, here's my 2 cents worth. The shirt looks like a great fit. Keep.
The pin stripe jacket I'm not so sure about. I'd like to see it buttoned at the waist or under the bust and I'm not crazy about that collar on you. The curved hem is sweet.
I'd hold the linen jacket to try belted with spring outfits. It's boxy and not the best color for you but could be worn over a more colorful or dark neutral top if you needed it. I like its mandrain collar and high pockets. If it still doesn't fit your style, donate.

marianne

I agree with Joy on all 3 items. The button down looks great. The collar of the jacket bothers me too, but I am not sure if it's because of overall fit. I really like the pinstripe though. I think you can make use of the linen jacket, but maybe keep it until you get something better?

Donna

My opinion is the same as Joy and Marianne. The shirt is flattering and if it's available in any other colors, you might want another since you've had a difficult time finding a shirt to fit. I think the jacket is not a good fit and the collar does not flatter, but I love the idea of a charcoal pinstripe jacket and I like the mix of stripes. I have the same issue with broad shoulders (although I have a small bust line) and find that a little stretch can really be helpful in improving the look. A lot of woven fabrics have a bit of spandex these days and makes for a much more comfortable close to the body fit. Also a knit style jacket, like Angie blogged about the other day or a traditional shaped one could be a solution for you.

I also wanted the thank you for your help a while back with the Clean Jeans skinnies at Newport News. I bought 2 pair and have been wearing them like crazy. I'm going to buy 2 more as soon as I get another free shipping code.

Maya

Veteran

I don't really have anything to add to what has already been said. I agree with duplicating the shirt because it's such a hard style to find for you (and me).

Ana

(website)

Veteran

The button down shirt is really great Nicole! You should definitely duplicate it because I know how hard it is to find button downs that fit you everywhere.

I actually kind of like the pinstripe jacket. It looks a bit like a retro swingy type of jacket (but not too voluminous), and it's cropped, so I think it would be especially nice with skirts and dresses. Jackets like that I have found difficult to wear with "collared" shirts underneath--they really look best with scoop necks, v-necks, or possible a turtleneck. The reason is if I wear a shirt that has a similar collar (like the shirt you are wearing underneath it in the photo), it just feels like there is a lot going on around my neck, and adds bulk up there, which I don't need because of my shoulders (I know you have similar issues with being an inverted triangle). Another option might be to have your mom hem the sleeves to 3/4 length, to give it more of that retro feeling. I'd really love to see it with a skirt or over a dress before saying goodbye to it.

I'm not such a fan of the linen jacket. I feel like I've seen other things on you that I like much better. I agree with the ladies above that a waist belt would help it out, but I know how you feel about those. So if you think you would never wear it with a belt, I'd pass it on.

tarzy

Veteran

Is the shirt from Alfani? I think I bought the exact same one! Does it have grey stripes, with sort of a metallic thread? If it's not the same, it's very close. I really liked the fit. They had another one with a tan/red stripe (but I don't like any sort of tan near my face so I didn't get that one.) I think this is a good cut for both of us! I plan to wear mine with my subtle pinstripe jackets so I hope it's okay. I noticed that there are a few brands that are carrying this open collar style, which I really like. I've also seen this style in Jones NY and Eddie Bauer (cheaper, and good variety of colors.)

I agree the jacket might not be the best, although I'm not so clear as to why. I guess it's the fit? What is the fabric? I'm also not loving the collar.

The linen jacket, hmmm ... I agree it may not be your best color and style.

But the shirt is definitely a keeper!

Tanya

Veteran

That button-down shirt fits you incredibly Nicole! Since it is so rare for you to find them, and i would definitely get few more in different colors if possible.

I agree with the ladies above about both jackets, so i would pass on them. But I love the charcoal pinstripe on you and I would try to find another jacket in it.

Anonymous

I just want to say that button down shirt is KILLER on you. It would look great with a vest, maybe in the charcoal pinstripe.
Also I can see the beautiful color of your walls! I love it. We have not begun our inside painting project, we've been involved in to many other activities, but it is still in the back of my mind and going to happen this spring. It's fun to see the intense color you went with.

Lena

The shirt fits you so well, Nicole. Definitely a keeper.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I also love the shirt and agree with what others have said. I am not sure about mixing stripes, I think that the sizes of the stripes would need to be really different from one another, Thick vs. thin? I love the idea of it and you could make it work!

Ariadne

Veteran

Great shirt! Get more if you can. I'd pass on both jackets for the reasons everyone else already expressed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you found a shirt that fits off the rack. WOW. It’s fabulous! What is the brand of that shirt? I’d love to you see in a black button down.

I really like the fabric and the cut on the bodice of the jacket. But the collar does not work. It somehow competes with your bust line. I say return. I also do not prefer the linen jacket, but I do like you in mandarin collar.

As for mixing stripes - it works in menswear, so it will work for lasses. Of course, it will depend on which stripes you're mixing.

Nicole

Veteran

Hmmm I really agree with everyone's sentiment on the jackets. I really like the way the black one fits, sans the collar. So, I think I'm going to show the jacket to my mother and see if she has any ideas about the collar. Maybe she can remove it, alter it, or redesign it. Actually, I know she *can*, but she'll be a good judge of whether or not it's worth it. I hate to disregard that jacket just because of the collar since it fits really well just about everywhere else. I really think my body type is screaming for a fitted jacket.

The shirt is 9 West and it does come in black--I will go back to Macy's this week and pick one up. The bag my inlaws bought me came from there, I can do an exchange. I'll wait til my mother looks at the jacket collar, because if she does not think it's alterable, then I'll be returning that as well.

I will pass along the linen jacket--I'll add it to the "Available for Swap" thread. I knew it wasn't working--I just didn't want to admit it. I wish there were more people here my size who could use my stuff. (Two frownie faces in one post! so unlike me) there, that's better.

Donna

I looked at your pictures again and I'm wondering if having the sleeve width narrowed a bit might be helpful. There seems to be a lot of extra fabric in the elbow area. I think eliminating some of the fabric there might help show off the narrowing at your waist. Perhaps your mom can do some pining so you can see if it helps.

shiny

Veteran

Agree you should definetly duplicate the shirt!

Donate the linen jacket - it does nothing for you (color is blah and fit disguises your waist).

The pinstripe jacket... has potential. I agree with Donna that the sleeves look baggy and need some narrowing. Changing the style of the collar should be a snap for your mom - how about just making it smaller? I would also have your mom nip it in at the waist just a tiny bit. I'm sure your mom will know what to do!

Nicole

Veteran

I brought the jacket to mom's today. We tried different pinning variations of the collar--and the one I liked the best was removal (aka collarectomy hehe). She's going to remove the collar and convert the neckline into a V that meets at the second button.

I had on the new white striped shirt with it today, and my mother said she did not care for the shirt tail hanging out under the jacket--she thuoght it looked sloppy. Keep in mind, she's almost 80. I really liked the untucked shirt with the jacket--am I wrong about that? She did say a black shirt untucked would look better.

marianne

Nicole, that's so cool that your mom can do these types of alterations for you. I hope to see the outcome soon! And I hope you'll pick up the shirt in black as well. As far as untucked shirt under the jacket, I asked a similar question here a while back and got thumbs up. Your mom's comment reminded me how my grandmother was appalled at bottom layer showing under the jacket (in the 80s). She thought it was completely absurd.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The jacket surgery sounds great. I can’t wait to see the finished product. An DOOOOOOO get yourself that black button down. It’s going to look fabulous.

Your Mum cracks me up, Nicole. My 76 year old Dad can’t understand un-tucked shirts either (he can shake hands with your Gran, Marianne). But we’ll give them that. Know that the un-tucked shirt looks great under the shorter jacket. It’s hip, comfy and flattering.

Nicole

Veteran

So my mom called me a few hours after I dropped off the jacket to tell me the alterations were complete--but she wanted to put a hook and eye between the two remaining buttons. I asked her if there would be enough room to use the button she removed from the top and place in between the two remaining buttons. She said no problem. I think the new button will help with waist definition.

Tanya

Veteran

Your mom is wonderful Nicole! She is a dream come true for very girl.

I can't wait to see how the jacket looks in the end.

Inge

(website)

I've nothing new to add really, but just wanted to chime in and say that you HAVE to get that shirt in black as well.

And your mom is so talented (and fast-), can't wait to see the end result.