YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Jacket Edit

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Jacket Edit - looong https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:30:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052469 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:18:27 +0000 Chris987 2052469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, yes I was just looking at Uniqlo yesterday, great suggestion. They have a lot of different styles in tees. I don't want to buy any more short sleeved tees this year (well maybe one or two) and they don't have many long sleeved ones (yet) but I bet they will have more over the next weeks so I'll check in again. Janet, thanks!  I know you have a great blazer collection yet do not wear "corporate" looks and you do really well with it. . Good point about making sure the underlayer looks good alone, although with the two that are knit I could see making the jacket the main item if the underlayer is lightweight enough. It's still too warm for me to wear these jackets but  we've started cooling off a little at night so it won't be long. I love the idea of a graphic tee and have started looking around. I only have a couple that would work with these jackets. The one combo I've thought of is below... Janet on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052450 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 14:55:05 +0000 Janet 2052450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I'm late to this, but I understand the struggle. I often love the way blazers look on me (if I can find the right fit), because I like structure, but I have to deliberately style them down to keep the look casual. Plus often they don't have enough stretch to be comfortable for a causal day's wear. So if and when I add a blazer to my wardrobe now, it has to be something I can style casually and feel like myself, and it has to be physically comfortable.  My preference for layering underneath is a simple knit tee or lightweight sweater. Graphic tees are good if that's something you can get behind. I strongly prefer something that still looks complete as an outfit even when the blazer/jacket is removed -- sometimes that means it looks a little too plain with the solid neutral knits I've been favoring lately, so I'll often add the option of a pendant or scarf.  I like the silhouette of a casual bootcut jean with a blazer and tee, but really need to casualize the shoes and tee to make it not look like I'm going to work, circa 2007. I think I'll be trying this with chunky sneakers this fall.  Of the photos you've shared, I think my least favorite is the dark red jacket -- somehow it seems a bit heavy on you? Maybe it's the color (I really like the brighter red underneath it on you), or the style seems a bit less modern. The purple velvet is lovely but I understand its limited usefulness so can't argue with letting it go. I succumb to that same temptation (when my brain is all, ..."it looks nice but the style is not really *me* but maybe for the right occasion...").  I love #1 on you, and 4, 5, and 6 are all great. If you still find the classic blazers in 2-3 useful, I think it's wise to keep them as they do seem to fit you well.  Good work!  Angie on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052444 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 14:18:28 +0000 Angie 2052444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, have you tried Uniqlo for fun slogan tees?  Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052435 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:50:17 +0000 Chris987 2052435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thanks julesgr!   After listening to your comments and some others I'm starting to rethink the purple jacket. Maybe I'll give it a chance before I donate it. Thanks Roxanna! waving at another pear shaped fabber! I want to thank everyone....so many great ideas here! I've decided to make sure I try on some blazers every time I go shopping to see what brands might work. I was in a Zara yesterday and did just that. As I expected, the one that fit my shoulders did not close at the waist.  My taller hourglass friend tried on the exact same jacket in the same size (which fit her well) to demonstrate how awful the yellow color was on her (yup awful). So we both had fun with retail research!   Roxanna on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052257 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 17:39:56 +0000 Roxanna 2052257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just popping in to day this was very helpful. I lean the other way - very feely - but as a petite short waisted pear, I struggle with fit issues too. Seeinf your prices gives me some guidelines to apply to my next blazer purchase. julesegr on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052254 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 17:24:20 +0000 julesegr 2052254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First of all, I'm so happy and flattered that my post was one of your inspirations! It looks like this was a worthwhile exercise for you. I love #1 on you, as well as #4 and #5. I also actually really love #8! I know you said it doesn't feel like "you," but it seems to bring the trendier look you are aiming for (that you are hoping to achieve with under layers to more classic jacket styles). Could that be your objection? Just a thought, because it looks really fun and different here.  It sounds like you have a good shopping plan. I think cognac shoes/boots will be a great addition to your blazer capsule.  Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052207 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 11:44:28 +0000 Chris987 2052207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, thanks...yeah, "looks like a different person" feels accurate...that purple one just does not feel like me. And the red one definitely needs something to give it some oomph... jenni nz yup 2 and 3 do look rather corporate...and maybe no outfit involving them will ever move far away from "corporate". Interesting that you think the red is not a great red on me. Not sure I agree about the color itself but it definitely needs something.   Sal, thanks, hmmm stripes under the red on are worth trying. Maybe a cream background with a narrow black or navy stripe.  Because the neckline/collar are rather closed-in, I'd want a tops with a high neckline or even a turtleneck, and no top would show a lot even with the jacket open. Would love to hear the styling ideas you use for your own red jacket. Do a separate posting if it's easier. I agree about pink being striking but I have a totally poison eye for it and have for several years LOL :-).  Sal on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052198 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 10:29:24 +0000 Sal 2052198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My favourite of all us the first jacket. I like them all except the velvet ( I can’t put my finger on why though). I like the red - definitely tan underneath or stripes would be nice on you. I have had a red jacket that I struggled with and I have identified now about four ways I like to wear it. The right pink could also be great and I do think red and pink always looks quite modern and striking as traditionally they are not put together. Jenni NZ on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052194 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 08:28:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 2052194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like 1, 4, 5 and 6 on you the best. I really like the striped one actually, just a black or a white top under would be fine. It doesn’t look too corporate whereas 2 and 3 look like you’re trying to go to work? I actually agree with Rachylou that maybe that particular red isn’t doing much for you? rachylou on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052192 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 07:38:19 +0000 rachylou 2052192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m late to the party. I like that last jacket on you, but at the same time it makes you look like a very different person from the others. The one I like least is the red. I find the red a little dull and the collar sorta iffy. Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052096 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 19:13:24 +0000 Chris987 2052096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I have thought of longs sleeved graphic tees..they would be a great choice. Now I just have to find some! And I agree that classic tops layer well under blazers, definitely! However, for a couple of these blazers I'm looking to create an outfit that is not entirely classic and that's the tricky part because the blazers themselves are classic. I may be able to go only so far in that endeavor.. Angie on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052084 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 18:01:32 +0000 Angie 2052084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How about long sleeved graphic tees with fun slogans?  (The classic tops LAYER very well under jackets. There is a method to my madness ) Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052056 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 13:46:39 +0000 Chris987 2052056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - thanks for taking the time to write such interesting thoughts about red!  My hair color story is a little different from yours. As a little girl I was very light blonde, but somewhere in elementary school it turned a light/med brown. In my late 20's I started getting the occasional grey hair so I started highlighting, and by my late 30's the highlighting had taken over to become the color it is now.  The "occasional grey" has now spread to become full on no-color-white, that would make me look sad and dead (to use your words) if I didn't color it. No lovely grey or elegant white hair color going on here :-). My skin tone hasn't changed much over the years. I think I've figured out the reds that work well for me, and it hasn't changed much in a long time. Reds with a little brown are best, or tomato red, or burgundy. Fire engine red works too. No reds with blue in them, and nothing even vaguely related to pink because I just don't like it. I did wear a bit of fushcia back in the 90s and it looked great on me but I've lost all interest in pinks. I've always liked to wear red, but I go through periods where it feels too bold or something, but I haven't figured out exactly what is going on. I like to wear slightly dark red outerwear (coats, scarves, etc) in winter maybe because my climate is all about grey and white in winter (with a little dark green from the pine trees that don't lose their leaves). In summer not so much, maybe because there is so much bright color around me. I do have a surprisingly large number of red pieces in my wardrobe right now, but for the last 6-12 months I just haven't felt like wearing most of them. I always get a LOT of compliments when I wear red so I really would like to figure this out Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052051 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 13:30:39 +0000 Chris987 2052051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ missvee...I agree the tan faux leather is a better color than the lighter tan blazer, but I think they both work. The blazer does need some color or something - for example if I wore it with a white top it would probably be a very washed-out look. Yes 2, 3, and 6 do have a somewhat corporate vibe, that's why I'm trying to find ways to "casualize" them. on #4 I do roll/scrunch the sleeves sometimes although I seem to remember if I scrunch they don't stay that way :-)  Yes, you've hit it on #7, it's part shirt/part jacket. That's the nature of the safari style I think. Maybe I should try wearing it closed.....with a scarf....hmmm... Yeah that purple velvet is so nice but it just doesn't feel right and I'm tired of trying it on over and over and coming up with the same feeling each time Someone said recently here on the forum that doing that takes up so much "brain space" that could be better used...soo true nemosmom - thanks! and yes it's the feeling of an outfit/garment I need to hone in on better.  Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052050 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 13:21:58 +0000 Chris987 2052050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Torontogirl! Yes the twill jacket could work late summer to fall as an outdoor jacket....with varying weights of tops underneath. Hah..the land of extreme heat or puffer season....my climate is almost like that. The transition periods for me are maybe 10-12 weeks total (4 weeks in spring and 6 in fall, but I can see wearing a lot of these jackets indoors in winter with the right tops under them. And a puffer coat added when going outside If I had tried them that way this past spring the outerwear would have been a waterproof coat all the way through June! Angie, I like your choices of tops under jackets, but I think I want some less classic styles than I would normally go with. Time to introduce a ittle trendy into the mix.  And I certainly could try longer blazers, but I just get a bit exhausted from the effort. First, finding petite blazers in stores has become a rarity for me, and the ordering and returns are a lot of work because it's a heavier/larger item. I already find that most blazers I try on even if "normal/average" lengths are too tight in the hip/thigh area if the shoulders fit well, and if they are loose enough in the hip/thigh the shoulders are too big. I just get tired of the hunt JulesGR looks less pear-shaped than I am which I imagine makes all the difference. I will promise to keep an open mind, of course! Suntiger great suggestions! ...salmon is a color I DO wear I've been off turqoise for a long time but maybe should put it back into my color pallette...especially with the warm brown theme i've staeted working on f or fall. Suz, I need to go fully digest what you wrote...will be back! Joy, funny that you like the purple one best. I just don't feel like it's my style. I've put it on a bunch of times and that's always how I feel. It doesn't have much to do with the fit etc which is really good.] cardiff Girl, thanks ! and so true about the supporting acts. nemosmom on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052045 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 13:01:17 +0000 nemosmom 2052045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>What a great read, Chris! It sounds like you've had some valuable learnings lately. This in particular resonated with me: I focused on fit, fabric, color, price, and quality, without being clear about whether it was a style that made me feel good. </div><div> </div><div> </div>Your shopping list sounds spot-on! Especially the cognac footwear. missvee on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052040 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 12:15:17 +0000 missvee 2052040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, here’s my 2 cents worth - I love #1 and much prefer this colour to the blazer in #2. Both #2 and #3 seem a bit corporate to me. Do they have a place in your wardrobe? #4, #5, and #6 look great. Do you usually roll or fold the sleeves up in #4? #7 seems to fit well. I don’t love it though. Maybe it’s the style - part shirt, part jacket. Hmmm I don’t know. #8 love the fit and the colour. I think it suits you very well too but if you’re sick of it then pass it on. Cardiff girl on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2052013 Sat, 10 Aug 2019 08:31:02 +0000 Cardiff girl 2052013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that you have nailed the type of jacket that suits you and you look great in all of these.l find jackets hard to fit as well and personally would hang onto ones that fitted well unless I really wasn’t feeling the love.As you have identified sometimes it’s about finding the right support act. Anonymous on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051956 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 23:48:18 +0000 Anonymous 2051956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The purple velvet jacket style is my favorite on you, st least in that photo. You will love longer jackets when you find your sweet sport length. I am 5’3” and like the length as skimming o er the lumpy bits. I feel more streamlined. Worn open, you can still show where your waist is. Suz on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051955 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 23:34:02 +0000 Suz 2051955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, coming back to give you some thoughts on red.  Here goes. FWIW. Which might not be a lot since my complexion is cool-toned and you are much warmer. So take with a grain or ten of salt.  Although my skin tone is cool, I actually was fairly neutral overall for most of my life. Born a red-hed, turned towhead, then darkened to a wheaty-honey blonde, not unlike your current colour -- there was plenty of warmth in it but no real yellow. As I got older and started to highlight, I had to be quite careful to keep the yellow restrained. Too much brass made my complexion look red and just felt wrong. On the other hand, too much ash, and I looked sad and dead. Also not a good look!! ;) Anyway. As a kid, I looked BRILLIANT in red. All reds, pretty much. As a teen, too. And well into my 20s. But from my late 30s on (probably when my hair and skin tone started to change a bit and I started assisting nature more)I had to be more careful with my reds. I still looked good in them but I had to choose more carefully. The clear ones were too clear. The muddy ones could be too muddy. Etc. etc.  By the time my hair was really turning grey under the dye, there were hardly any reds that still worked on me.  Then, when I went back to my natural colour (now silver) -- BINGO.  Once again, there's barely a red that doesn't work! I can even veer into the warmer ones -- of course they're not my best, but they look acceptable.  I think for blondes of all types, red can be fantastic but it needs to be handled with special care. That might be part of what is going on for you. It may be that the tones that used to work aren't quite the right ones any more and you need to experiment a bit for what will work at this stage of your life?  Anonymous on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051952 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 23:27:06 +0000 Anonymous 2051952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the tan jacket especially too! Agreeing that lavendar would work well, but also salmon, or turquoise. Great jacket collection! Angie on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051946 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 23:18:37 +0000 Angie 2051946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis, Chris. A pleasure to read.  My favourites are #1, 4 and 5. I like to wear fluid shirts & blouses, tight knitted tops, and t-necks under jackets.  BANISH the thought that you can't wear a long blazer as a petite. Of course you can! Look how well julesgr did just that, and you will too as long as the fit is great.  Helena on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051860 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 20:11:31 +0000 Helena 2051860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the cognac jacket! It would look amazing with a rich colour underneath, such as you suggest. I really like your 'on the fence' items - I totally get what you're saying about the seasonal confusing of a rich fall colour in summer, but is the twill jacket the right weight to be a summer to fall transition piece maybe? I love the idea of a pattern under the striped blazer; a pastel sprung to mind as well. Jackets are THE most fun part of wardrobes ... too bad I live in the land of either extreme heat or else puffer season!! *sigh* Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051838 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 19:21:11 +0000 Chris987 2051838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz! You are so astute about how we all lean one way or the other in terms of intellectual vs. emotional. Angie seems to figured out how to balance it so well, and thank goodness we have her to advise us :-)  The tan halogen jacket is one I'd really like to wear more...just need to find some supporting acts. Great point about the striped jacket being good for travel. I had not considered it that way but now I will.  I have a goal for this fall of building a more cohesive black/neutral travel capsule that is a bit more "dressy" than my everyday wear, and this jacket certainly would fit into that idea. And because the jacket seems to crave some color, the color I choose could also be the accent color for the travel capsule. I keep coming back to red and need to figure out why I'm not into it so much right now or whether it's just certain reds...I still like burgundy although only in fall/winter.  And yes, a tan/camel top with the red jacket would indeed be earthy, maybe that's why I'm kinda liking it. Lavender with the red strikes me as an "ummlila" look - she does that color combination brilliantly. Again with the "why am I off red" question. :-)  Suz on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051835 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 19:11:43 +0000 Suz 2051835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Terrific analysis, Chris, and it seems as if you are set for fall, with a good plan.  So interesting that the ones you're letting go of are the ones you didn't feel quite right in. I have this theory that most of us sit on one side or the other of a thinky-feely teeter totter when it comes to our closets. (And maybe all else, too). Either we lean too heavily to the side of analysis and forget to factor in our feelings and end up with very workable and efficient wardrobes that fail to make us happy, or we lean too heavily to the side of feeling and wind up with a bunch of pieces that make us smile but don't really work together. All of us could use a bit of Angie's guidance. :) I really like the tan Halogen jacket on you, by the way.  The striped jacket seems like a good travel item to have. I'd definitely try pattern mixing and colour. I'd try just about any colour underneath -- and/or add a colourful scarf, depending on time of year. For me, this kind of piece would often come into play in spring when it is still too cool not to layer.  Love the idea of lavender with the red jacket. It would also work with camel/ tan maybe for an earthy kind of look.  Chris987 on "Jacket Edit - looong" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---looong#post-2051824 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:15:54 +0000 Chris987 2051824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Inspired by a few fabber postings, especially one by Julesgr, (waving at my “height” twin) ….<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alllllll-the-blazers">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....he-blazers</a> and one by Janet <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jacket-edit---lots-of-pics">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ts-of-pics</a> I decided that I need to review my current jacket collection, and do it BEFORE I start fall/winter shopping for a change. Would love to hear any suggestions, ideas, etc. you all may have, if you have the time and patience to read through this LONG posting. I almost always need petite sizing in jackets, because I’m 5”1” and short waisted. That limits me a lot in what brands I consider. All these jackets excetp two of the denim ones are petites. I tend to avoid long styles because they are so difficult to fit and not super flattering on my pear shaped body. I’m not planning to add any classic blazer styles because they look too “office-y” for my retired lifestyle, and I have a few already. I’m leaning toward more structured styles (classic motos) and not flowy ones (motos with big floppy collars) because I think a very structured look is more flattering on a super short body (just my personal taste). However knit jackets are good because they are easier to fit and can function a bit more like a sweater which is good in my book. (I’m planning to review my knit sweaters like open cardigans at another time) What I’ve learned I like variety, because I have three distinct seasons and just for fun. (I rarely wear a jacket in summer because it’s usually too hot). I’m ok with having some I wear a lot and some I wear only occasionally. I love the structure that jackets add to an outfit, and the additional “visual volume” they add to the upper body. I’m pear shaped so beefing up upper body volume is a good thing for balance IMHO. After reviewing all the items listed below, I’ve noticed two patterns in my purchasing over a period of 5 – 10 years. 1. I’ve done well over the years with classic styles. I wear them less now than I used to but the ones I have work well. 2. Jackets bought at thrift stores in the last few years have been iffy, but I’ve figured out why and it’s a big aha moment. I focused on fit, fabric, color, price, and quality, without being clear about whether it was a style that made me feel good. I paid close attention to my intellectual analysis (including thrift goggles), but didn’t  check in on what my emotions were saying. Hah. Story of my life, across all aspects. I need to do that style refresher thing again….off to Angies posting. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/11/17/seven-steps-to-style-renewal/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/11.....e-renewal/</a>. I  need to make a conscious effort to ask myself how I FEEL in a jacket (or any other item) before I leave the store, and again when I get it home. I often feel differently depending on the location. Winners/Keepers 1. Faux leather jackets (P): in black, duplicated in light tan. Bought in 2017, on sale for under $50 US each. A+; great fit, classic but also modern, great price, nice quality faux leather. I wear these as outdoor jackets in transition seasons and indoor ones in winter. Great for layering under a lightweight coat. I don’t like much else in this brand (Alfani by Macys) but they do faux leather jackets really well, with some new styles every season. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have this fall. 2. Classic Blazers (P): Two non-stretch blazers in cotton blend twill/gabardine. The tan is Halogen and the black is JNY. These were part of my work wardrobe, purchased 5-8 years ago. They both fit really well and the fabric is good quality. I don’t wear them often but am keeping them.   3. Black Stretch Blazers (P). 6 -10 times a year I need an all-black long sleeved/long length concertwear outfit (although it can be a top and not a jackets) and these are part of that collection. The stretch fabric is a necessity because I’m a flautist so I need room to move my shoulders and upper body. I tend to keep them a long time, occasionally adding new pieces as the mood strikes me. 1) Macys/Charter Club Velvet – great fit, use it for concerts around the holidays 2) Eileen Fisher – I also wear this one for travel. (No Photos) 4. Checked jacket (P), Rafaella, bought in 2017. I wear in spring/summer. Perfect a few times a year, classic enough to keep. 5. Nic & Zoe Tweed Jacket (P) – don’t wear a lot but it’s perfect for a “business casual” outfit that does not include a classic blazer. 6. Black/White tweed moto sweater from Banana Republic (p). I was thinking this was too small, but I’ve lost some weight and now the fit seems very good. I’d like to find something more interesting to wear under it.   7. Denim - I have classic denim jackets in dark wash (P) light wash and white. They all fit well and I wear them and like them. The white and light wash ones are a very cropped regular size, with too-long sleeves but I always cuff them so no problem. (No photos) 8. I will include my light blue faux suede moto jacket although it’s too heavy for indoor wear. Surprise find (more like shock) at H&M in May of 2018. Removed the waist belts – too fussy and noisy! Don’t wear a lot but it’s fabulous when I do. (No photo) On the Fence 1. B/G striped knit blazer, bought in Jan ‘18 at a consignment store. I really like this but have not found a way to style it that feels good. It needs “casualization” and perhaps some color but I can’t think of a color I want to wear with it. Shown with an Anthro b/w tee. This type of pattern mixing feels promising so thinking about looking for a long-sleeved top with a similar vibe. 2. Red twill safari jacket (P). Talbots. Bought at a thrift store in Dec of ‘18, never worn. I had to shorten the sleeves a little. I also found a beautiful substantial-weight cashmere turtleneck at the same time, in exactly the same color. (Who knew that Costco once upon a time sold cashmere!!?)   I want to give it a chance this fall. I like the idea of wearing it with my lavender lightweight merino turtleneck and darkish jeans, but I don’t feel like dragging the lavender sweater out of storage today. Maybe look for a light tan turtleneck sweater to wear with it and dark wash jeans for a more classic color combination. Could also wear the red turtleneck I bought with it. A turtleneck seems a good idea with this jacket - other types of tops will not be very visible. Too New to Know 1. Macys/Style&Co Cognac faux leather jacket (P)…bought last April and didn’t seem like a spring color so haven’t worn yet. I plan to build a warm brown capsule this fall and this will be part of it. I’m also thinking of looking for a dark cobalt (not ink) top to wear with it and dark wash jeans. Time to let Go 1. Purple velvet jacket. Bought at same thrift store as the red twill one, in Dec ’18. Also Talbots Petite with a great fit. I was in a velvet-for-the-holidays mood. I replaced the purple plastic buttons with some nicer pewter ones. The style is either vaguely Edwardian, military, or “craft-fair”…all great styles but NOT ME. Never worn. I’m planning to donate it, after putting back the original buttons so I can keep the pewter ones, unless I can get my head around a way to wear it. I think I focused on fit, fabric, color, and quality, without being clear about whether it was a style that made me feel good. Overall Conclusions: I have a pretty good selection of classic jackets. What I need more of is tops to wear under them. I’d like to find tops that are “very” modern classic or even a little trendy. Classic blouses are probably too “formal” as much as I love them. My Shopping List 1. Long sleeved tops or lightweight sweaters with graphic-tee patterns or artistic prints in black/white to go with the Black/Grey striped jacket 2. What other colors would work in general? Light blue. Not into bright colors generally, prefer neutrals, and no navy – it just never looks right to me with most of the colors I wear. 3. More fitted long sl top/sweater in a leopard print 4. Dark cobalt top for the cognac jacket. (the one exception to the no-navy rule) 5. Tan turtleneck (classic is ok) for the red twill jacket. 6. Would like to get a solid black faux leather or knit/woven moto jacket. Would prefer gold hardware but not wedded to it. 7. Wild cards of course….would love to find something in a darkish chocolate brown 8. I’m planning on looking at brown/cognac footwear…could work with many of these jackets…. Photos: for most of these I wore light wash jeans, black booties, and either a lightweight red sweater or a new H&M sweatshirt. The sweatshirt is a little too big to fit cleanly under these jackets but I wanted to try the overall vibe, and I like it a lot. Not feeling much like wearing red these days but keeping this sweater in case I change my mind. 1. Tan Faux Leather 2. Tan blazer 3. B/W checks 4. N&Z Tweed 5. B/W tweed moto jacket 6. Black/Grey Knit Striped Blazer – shown with b/w print Anthro top. 7. Red Safari 8. Purple velvet THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING!