Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

Thoughts on This Jacket?

I think we need a tutorial on "Sunday casual" for us older women!

I'm still looking for a CASUAL cover-up for warm weather - coffee at Starbucks, Sunday shopping at Target - that kind of thing.
- I don't really want a cardigan
- I prefer the structure of a jacket (a white denim jacket is too hot)
- I like the idea of short sleeves
- I don't want to look too young or trendy, but I do want to be casual

I just saw this jacket in white in the store. It's a fabulous cut for me, but I'm not sure it's really that casual.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....24&P=1

Thoughts or suggestions?

The latest reply was from cciele . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


18 Replies

Posted 9 months ago

I think if paired with jeans and flats or other casual ensemble it would work x

Posted 9 months ago

I saw this jacket at Eddie Bauer. I don't remember how light it felt, but it's linen and not denim, so it might be quite a bit cooler than the typical denim jacket.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/cata.....basic=true

Personally, I don't think the Halogen jacket you linked to is casual. It sounds like you're looking for something that goes over the majority of your tops and that seems more like a statement piece than a go-with-everything piece. A denim jacket is my go-to warmer layer for spr/sum/fall, so I'd recommend that but you did say they're too warm for you. :)

Pashmina's are also a fantastic warmer layer since they can be tied to your bag for a pop of color or stuffed inside when you're not using it. They're not great though if you're going to be moving around as it can get in the way then. They're also not structured.

Posted 9 months ago

Tara, I'm in love! That jacket is FAB and I think it would look great on you. I might be a bit biased because it's a) my favourite colour, and b) it has sort of an English country/land girls thing going for it, which I love. I think it can absolutely go casual, depending on what you pair it with. My vote is a resounding YES!

Posted 9 months ago

LOVE THE JACKET!!!
I also think it can be casual. Think about a faded pair of clams, a skirt in a really breezy fabric, wooden bangles and other unstructured pieces. I think you could dress it down and definitely wear it as you desire. Have you thought about that great military color? It is musty or murky (cannot remember which you were prescribed.)

Posted 9 months ago

I like it but I think it would be more casual if it were 100% cotton and matte instead of shimmery.

Posted 9 months ago

Oh, silly me. I didn't pick up on the fact that you saw the jacket in white. I just saw it in military and fell head over heels. Oh, well- I still think it would be great in white, you could work it well either way.

Posted 9 months ago

Ele - I did buy the jacket in the "military" color! I LOVE IT. It's a great olive color, and the shape is fab. I've been wearing it with everything. That's why I thought the white might work. I might end up getting the white one anyway, to wear as smart casual, not Sunday casual!

Jean - you're so funny. Although I do sometimes feel a little "musky" at my age, my colors are actually "dusky." ;)

Portgirl - thanks for the link! I'll see if they have that one in the store to try on.

Posted 9 months ago

Pictures of it on please.

Posted 9 months ago

Can't wait to see that jacket on you Tara. It is so perfect for your shape, and the climate there in LA.

Posted 9 months ago

I love that jacket and I have a similar one- mine is more safari style, sort of. I would love to see some pictures too. Could use some inspiration to help me finally start wearing it.

Posted 9 months ago

Super cute jacket! I love both colors!

Posted 9 months ago

I have loved that jacket since the first time I saw it in the Nordstrom ad -- so glad you got it in the military!

Does it fit what you were thinking of for Sunday casual, running errands and Starbucks, etc? That's about to be a problem area for me too, and I was wondering if a short-sleeve blazer might be the answer...post some pics so we can see!

Posted 9 months ago

I loved that jacket... I want one too..

Posted 9 months ago

Looks like the perfect summer jacket Tara. And a very versatile color too. I think you will look fabulous in it. Can we see some pictures please :-) ?

I'm on the hunt for lightweight casual jackets too. If only this one didn't have the puffy sleeves. With my strong shoulder line even the slightest puff makes me look like a quarterback.

Posted 9 months ago

I don't think you will look too young or trendy. I have a similar white jacket (and black and purple and khaki...) and I do find it's extremely versatile. The question is whether it fits your definition of Sunday casual?

Personally, whenever I put on a jacket like this, I feel I am more smart-casual than casual. On Sundays I'm most likely to opt for a cardigan or jean jacket because that to me says casual more than a structured blazer. However, as we age, structure comes in handy so I can see myself at some point reaching for a blazer even on a Sunday.

I'd say if you wear the military jacket on a Sunday, then you will wear this white jacket on a Sunday, so go for it!

Also another idea is to pair the jacket with a graphic tee, which will make it more on the casual-Sunday side.

Posted 9 months ago

I love that blazer! I think it could be casual if paired with jeans, a tee or tank, and low-key shoes. I really like casual outfits with one dressier piece; I think it makes the whole look classier : )

Posted 9 months ago

I did not buy the jacket. I tried it on again at the store and I just don't love it as much in white. It's not really as casual as I would like. I considered buying it for smart casual, but for some reason the slight puff in the sleeves bothers me more in the white than it does in the military color.

I also tried on a Safari style white jacket which was better, but I don't want to deal with a belt all the time, and it looked odd without the belt tied. There was another white Caslon jacket on sale, but it had a lot of seaming and details and the pockets were a bit puffy - the whole thing just felt too young/trendy. I'm trying to keep things looking a bit more grown-up, whatever that means, LOL. The search continues.

Posted 9 months ago

Hm, sorry to hear the jacket didn't work out for you. I think I know the Caslon safari ones you are talking about (short sleeve, on sale, comes in several colors). What about this linen one?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

Or is this one too poofy for you?
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....-_-Primary

This one is kinda funky, but oddly I am digging it:
http://www.armaniexchange.com/.....;sizeName=

I could see you in this, but it's pricey:
http://www.shopstyle.com/brows.....acket#94_0

Posted 9 months ago