Athletic luxe...where did I go wrong?

Carla

...and can this jacket be saved?

Last fall I purchased the Laura jacket below (#1-2) in an attempt to have a more corporate/work appropriate topper for meeting, etc. at HO. My 'go to' third piece of late are boxy Jean or moto style jackets, so I wanted something a little more formal without going back to the lapelled suit jacket. I had hoped to adopt the sporty luxe look (see #3 and #4).

I don't think I got it quite right and sometimes wonder if it looks downright frumpy! The jacket is nicely made, comfortable, and fits me well. Where did I go wrong? Can this jacket be saved (through styling) or should I donate?

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10 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

sarah

Veteran

I think this style of jacket is really tricky to pull off without it feeling frumpy - the neckline and welt pockets give it a "corporate" feel that is very different from #3 and #4. The "hoody" in #3 and the kangaroo pocket in #4 give both of those a sporty feel that is missing from your jacket. So, I don't think you can get a sporty luxe look with your jacket, so if that's what you're after, I think you'll have to pass it along. However if you are after a "corporate" look, that jacket will certainly work.

10 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

Can we see it on? I think it depends how you style it and what you pair it with. Could you put a fine gauge cashmere hoodie under it or would that be too casual? Brainstorming....

10 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I would really need to see this on to comment. I think these styles can be tricky but it would be helpful to see it on you.

10 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Good deconstruction by Sarah and good call by Jackie to see yours in action. I'm very interested because I have a collarless J. Crew jacket I love but struggle with, Runcarla. Although I don't have a need to dress corporate, I've considered layering a long scarf underneath to add volume to the neckline.

10 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Deborah -- let's see it with your intended styling.

10 years ago

Carla

Veteran

I see what you mean Sarah. Will try to get some pictures tomorrow. Thanks all!

10 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Runcarla, I wonder if you could layer a hoodie under the jacket, as Angie did here.
Or wear the jacket over silky track pants, if you have them.
Wear it with skinnies and sneakers.
I agree with Sarah that the jacket doesn't have the sporty elements of the ones you've shown. It does have a bit of the scuba style going, with the color blocking and zip up front. So I'm thinking you can add more "sporty" to the outfit to take the jacket in that direction.
If you want to simply make it less corporate, maybe try a sequin top underneath--do you have something like that? Or a plaid blouse (not a flannel, but a plaid, which to me reads sporty in a non-athletic way).

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I need to see it on!

10 years ago

Jeweled

Veteran

To my eyes, the Laura jacket in pics 1 & 2 has very classic style lines, although it's been given some modernized detailing.
However, I think classic style lines can look frumpy on non-classic-looking people.
And Runcarla, to me you have more of a beautifully natural / sporty look - so I think jacket #3 feels most like your vibe.
The jacket in pics 1 & 2 feels too classic for you - and it would probably be happier in a home where a classic-looking person could wear it!

10 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

The jacket is very St John Knits which is very classic. I think the jacket could be styled very well but I don't get anything athletic out of it.

10 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

It is a very classic jacket. I beleive it could be styled in a more current way, but not sure if it can be done in a sporty luxe manner.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I would like to see it on too. I'm sure it can be saved.

10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Interesting. I quite like it and feel it's pretty sporty. I suppose it depends on fit... a short torso like mine, I think, would lend to some frump in this jacket. Jewelry would add frump. Court shoes would add frump. As would a scarf and button down.

Cigarette trousers and retro sneakers, or a skirt and sneakers turn up the volume on the sporty. A "fancy" tee would help...

Hmm, interesting. I don't think you can throw this over regular business clothes and get "sporty." You probably need a few more sportier pieces and eliminate dressy accessories.

10 years ago

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