Hi Angie,
With my recent posting of a Theory jacket I’d seen in the stores and your great help in showing me photos of your charcoal grey pinstripe Theory suit jacket, and then Annagybe’s post “I think I want a suit,” I realized I was clueless on how to buy one.
I would love it if you would write something on the “anatomy of a well-made jacket, suit or blazer,” and “how to find the perfect one for your body type.”
Spring Fashion Week is coming up and I love your articles from the road. I am hoping that you can shed some light on this as I’d love to buy a jacket and/or a suit that can be worn individually as you have so beautifully shown in your articles. I enjoy the idea of wearing the pieces individually, so the pants are also an important factor in the selection. Here are a few of my questions and I’d love to read more on how you analyze this type of purchase, especially with the fine details.
On pockets, when pockets are sans welts, and others have flaps, is this a style preference or a practical one?
For shorter or petite women, is the length of the jacket important? I like a well-cut, fitted and tailored jacket, but anything too small (think J. Crew’s schoolboy blazers), looks more child-like and less classic. How does one determine the best length for them?
Do color and pattern matter to achieve a timeless jacket that can be worn separately?
Is it important to buy matching pants at the same time?
What is the best pant leg to buy? Flared, skinny, straight-leg?
I loved the striped lining on the Theory jacket. Is this also an integral part in the decision-making process?
What about lapel size, number of buttons and pick stitching elements?
Thank you, Angie, for your reply. I am happy to wait for a later article, if that’s a better fit for this.
