Right now the on-trend and fashion forward jackets across a range of lengths have fluidly relaxed, straight and boxy, or oversized fits. Tailored jackets that cinch in at the waist are a fringe trend. Some of the cinched waists are created with belts, whereas others are tailored cuts. 

The split hem jacket is an example of a tailored jacket that is having a fashion moment. Most brands who sell jackets have a version of the look. The bottom hem of a split hem jacket has a small opening in front instead of being completely continuous and covered all the way around. The split creates an upside-down shallow “V-shape” opening in front that draws attention to a defined waist. The split is a design feature that drapes well, and creates ease of movement. Some versions are more form fitting than others. Some have sculptural sleeves and shorter sleeves. Some are vests. Lengths vary, however most are longer. Some have statement pockets. Most are woven, and some are knitted. Many are collarless and neutrally coloured.

The collection shows examples of tailored split hem jackets.

The idea is to wear these jackets buttoned-up like you see in the stock photos. Wear a tank, tee, or camisole underneath. You can wear the jacket open, although make sure you like the way it hangs un-buttoned since some versions hang better than others. They are meant to be worn closed, and look sharp that way.

In my experience with dressing clients, buttoned-up jackets are harder to fit. They are overly long for petites unless they come in a petite size. They can gape at the bust when they fit on the shoulder. Or fit on the bust and pull at the shoulder. They can fit on the bust and not the waist, and vice versa. They can also showcase an area of the midsection some prefer to conceal. Also, lots of people like to wear fitted jackets un-buttoned these days. More comfortable, easier to find a good fit, and less dressy.

This type of fitted jacket layers well under a coat when the sleeves are slim because it’s streamlined. That way you can keep a jacket on indoors, and pop a coat or warmer jacket over the top for extra insulation when you’re out and about.

Personally, the tailored and buttoned-up split hem jacket is a mid to late ‘90s flashback. I wore them in the longer length, and in the vest version too. Even then, they weren’t my favourite jackets because they were collarless and long. I prefer short jackets, and preferably with a collar. So if I entertain this look again, I’d go for something more like the cream version below which is shorter and collared. I do like the tailored and buttoned-up look when the fit is right.

Over to you. What do you think of the tailored split hem jacket trend?

Spanx is known for its girdling shape wear. What you may not know is that Spanx also makes wonderful clothing, which has become a large component of the brand’s offerings. Contrary to what I expected, most of their clothing is NOT girdling and quite the opposite. Spanx makes excellent soft and cosy knitted activewear, Athleisure looks, and loungewear. 

Many of my clients swear by Spanx knitted cosy sweats. Wear the items as separates or as sets. Remix items with woven casual items too.

Fabrics are a blend of natural and synthetic fibres. The natural fibres are a high percentage of tencel and modal, and the rest is polyester. Items have a slight tech fabric integrity, but with the breathability of cotton.

I refreshed my at-home loungewear capsule this year, which I wear in the evening when relaxing at home, and first thing in the morning instead of a robe. Loungewear is a wardrobe workhorse for my style so I make a point of wearing what I call “cute comfies”, and spend some money on them. My loungewear has to be great quality, relaxed, roomy, and extremely comfortable. These Spanx sets fit the bill. They are drapey yet polished, lightweight, packable because they aren’t bulky, cosy, warm, crease-resistant, and feel heavenly against the skin. They launder well, and dry fast too.

At first, I wasn’t going to bite because I prefer 100% cotton for loungewear. But after trying on the navy sweats set and seeing how small the set folds up in my drawer, I’m a convert. The tencel component is strong, and I like that. I’ll be adding the orange and red mismatched set too.

If you enjoy wearing dark greens like hunter’s green or British racing green, try wearing it with a dark neutral like black. A very dark green-based teal works well with black too. If black is not your cup of tea, replace it with dark blue, dark brown, or charcoal grey. Feel free to throw in a shade of white too. 

Onto some outfit inspiration.

1. Black Bottoms and Dark Green

Combine black jeans, pants, jeans, skirt, or shorts with a dark green top. Here, there’s a green-black-cream striped tee too. There’s also a column of black worn under a dark green coat. Black or dark brown shoes, belt and bag are one way to finish off the outfit. Or choose a shade of white or metallic.

2. Charcoal and Patterned Dark Green

Charcoal grey is softer than black, and can work beautifully with grey hair. Here, a pair of charcoal barrel pants is combined with a swingy patterned blouse in shades of green, chartreuse and grey. Pewter Mary Janes with black soles add shine and complement the palette. A dark green bag finishes off the look. The greys in the outfit work wonderfully well with the model’s gorgeous shades of grey hair.

3. Dark Green, Light Blue, and Black

A pair of dark green wide cropped pants is combined with a light blue shirt. A denim blue or chambray shirt are other ways to go. A black vest is layered over the top, collegiate style. Black loafers match the black vest, and complement the model’s dark hair. Add a bag that works with the palette.

4. Patterned Dark Green Dress

A patterned dress in dark green, black, and cream is a ready-to-go way to wear the palette. The bits of cream in the pattern add a high contrast and bright touch. The cream boots with black trim pick up the cream and black in the pattern. Add a cream or black bag.

5. Dark Green, Dark Brown, Blue Denim

Last, a dark green and tan blouse is semi tucked into slouchy faded blue jeans. Instead of black accents, on trend dark brown boots, belt, and bag complete the look. The visual effect is slightly warmer than if those items were black. The brown works particularly well with the model’s red hair. Add eyewear and watch as desired.

Wider, bigger, roomier, relaxed, and slouchy jeans and pants silhouettes have dominated fashion trends for years. There are straight legs, relaxed straight legs, flares (or bootcuts), bellbottoms, cropped flares, wide legs, wide crops, barrel, horseshoe, lantern, sailor, boyfriends, pleated styles, trouser cuts, mega slouchy looks, jorts, and statement cuff silhouettes across several washes and rise lengths. All of which are a movement away from skinny jeans and pants.

That said, skinny jeans and pants did not disappear. They simply took a backseat. They have been available at both first and secondhand retail in mid and high rises.

This year slim straights are back as a fringe trend. Interestingly, when skinnies resurfaced almost twenty years ago, and as I remember them back in the ’80s, they were slim straights with no stretch component as we know them today. As the skinny jeans and pants trend continued in the ‘00s, they became skinnier and stretchier. They were very tight and stretchy like leggings, which made tucking them into tall boots a whole lot easier and more comfortable.

Most of my clients have moved away from skinny jeans and pants, favouring relaxed, flared, barrel, and wide silhouettes. Some also wear slim straights. Some kept their high rise skinnies to tuck into snow boots, western boots, riding boots and the like because it’s a very practical way to dress in wet, icy and snowy weather. Some kept their skinnies to wear under voluminous and avant-garde tunics.

I kept one pair of slim straight jeans, which are ten years old and my skinnies. They are my least frequently worn pair of jeans because I favour roomier and wider styles that don’t grab onto my thighs. Yet they are unique and I’ll keep them until they wear out.

I tried many pairs of slim straight jeans in a blue wash earlier this year since they were a fringe trend and I’m fast to adopt to new trends in bottoms. They were essentially the classic skinnies I wore in the ‘80s. I said no thank you to all of them. None of them made me as happy as my old pair, which I suspect is due to their awesome-to-me glitzy gold button detailing. I prefer complex jeans. Bring on the bells and whistles, a bright colour, or dramatic silhouette.

As an ex-equestrian I have a soft spot for skinny jeans tucked into tall boots. Although I don’t want to wear the combination on this leg of my style journey, I suspect I’ll revisit the vibe at some point.

For the most part, never say never when it comes to fashion and style. On that note, over to you. What are your thoughts on skinnies?