black swing jacket.. dated or fringe classic?

Queen Mum

I fell in love with this swing jacket 4 years ago... bought it, returned it, and bought it again. I originally wore it with a wine turtleneck, black pencil skirt and boots.

It has gotten less and less wear over the past couple of years. Part of it is that I realize it's not the perfect jacket for my shape, the other part is I am not confident that it is not a dated silhouette.

Can I update it with skinnies and boots.. possibly a scarf? Maybe my oxfords?

I'd kindof like to make it work as I don't have a black jacket or cardi of any kind (I returned the black moto jacket that I bought on my birthday)

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15 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Kate

Veteran

Hmm, I agree that the fit isn't perfect for you, but I think you could still get some great use out of it with the right outfits. Have you tried it with any dresses?

Also, the buttons were what first stood out to me in the pictures. Maybe putting some new buttons on it could give the jacket a whole new life!

15 years ago

Srujana

Veteran

I like it, but then again, I like the slightly retro silhouette that swing jackets provide. I think it looks fabulous in pic #3....but I think that might be in part because the buttons are covered by the pretty scarf. I think the cut of the jacket isn't dated, but perhaps the buttons are? Try replacing them with something more textured or shiny or....? and see if you like it better?

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

It is a classic shape--I don't think it's too dated. In fact, I remember Angie defending a swing jacket on another recent thread, saying she currently sported the look. I think it looks good on you!

Is it a black tweed? What do the sleeves look like unrolled? I like the idea of it with a pencil skirt or skinnies. I also prefer the neckline unobscured--so, without the scarf or the shirt collar over it. Something about having the neckline open helps to offset the looser, cropped shape, IMHO. Just my two cents, of course :).

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Yes, Angie loves the swing jacket shape, and I do, too! I'm not all that in love with the cuffed sleeves -- would it be possible to unroll them, or have it altered so the sleeves were plain? And I agree that some plain or faceted shiny buttons would be fun.

If it were me, I'd wear it over a black-and-white houndstooth or plaid or checked or tweed pencil skirt.

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I LOVE swing jackets but struggle with the same issue of how to wear them. In fact, I have one that I also bought, returned and bought again at the consignment place. I'm interested to see how you style it. I've only worn mine open over a fitted dress so far, but would like to use it more casually.

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Kim, this doesn't show off your figure.

If you love it and want to wear it, maybe try sticking with a very fitted underpinning with the skinny black pants and boots? This might let your thin waist be visible?

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

That brings up the interesting question of whether we should always aspire to show off our figures. I know since I've been hanging out here I've gotten away from that idea a little bit, what with Angie's "surrendering the waist" concept and all. I think part of the charm of the swing or trapeze shape is that it's big and you have a much smaller body inside it. And I think that's why it turned out I liked wearing my trapeze jacket better open -- to give at least a glimpse of my waist. (Oops -- maybe I am coming back to showing off one's figure after all and finding a way to do it even with a non-fitted jacket.)

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I vote nay, it is a very boxy shape. The length does not look good for dress layering. And I would wear this with a longer top than the one shown. If you have a lot of long tops then I say keep but the real question is, does the jacket fit a wardrobe hole? (maybe it fits black jacket category but did your black jacket category have an add on to it? ie, " a black jacket to wear with skinnies, or dress, etc." and does this jacket fit that hole?)

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback.
Mary-- interesting observation on the hiding our figures. I don't mind hiding my figure, but I do mind an outfit that makes me look like I don't have a figure. I think that is why this jacket needs to be paired with skinnies and probably worn open.

It hadn't occured to me to switch the buttons.

I realize it isn't the most fab thing I own, but there are occasions when it seems to fit the bill.

Angie... do you have an opinion?

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Trapeze jackets are totally fab! I still wear mine and just posted the outfits on AG's thread.

There is nothing wrong with boxy in the right places. Trapeze styles are supposed to be boxy, ladies :).

After all of that though Kim, I vote pass because this is not the right trapeze style for your body type. You needed a style with a V-neck revere collar.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here are my trapeze jacket outfits and I still absolutely wear these jackets. Love their retro flavour:

http://youlookfab.com/2010/01/.....-outfit-2/

http://youlookfab.com/2009/09/.....ollection/

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Angie, those are gorgeous jackets - they seem to have a more subtle trapeze shape, or maybe it's just because you're taller.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you. I'm taller and straighter I guess, but the jackets are just as boxy I think. They just look more streamlined because my arms are hanging by my side in the photographs - which flattens the volume. Does that make sense?

15 years ago

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