Does this Pendleton jacket read as too staid? - YouLookFab Forum

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Does this Pendleton jacket read as too staid?

unfrumped

Veteran

I’m pretty tempted by this Pendleton jacket with its tweed fabric and pocket detail. It’s easy to toss on over black pants/skirt and almost any solid color , and some degree of pattern-mixing (or tweed/pattern)—it’s hard to see, but I showed it with a burgundy-black print blouse and a camel dot blouse-- so I think it is good for no-brainer mornings and I could likely wear it 2-3 times a week. The downside is that when I got my size from online, it isn’t as “sharp” as I thought it might be (the store sizes were too big, so I couldn’t tell) and does not read quite as sporty (safari/military-esque) as I thought it would.

I’ve bought the matching trousers, which are definite keepers due to being a heavier fabric and nice for winter, and not solid black!

Pic 4 shows my AT tweed blazer which for some reason is not getting much love—longer—still good with pants but for some reason it has not been a toss-on& go jacket.

What do you see? Does it read as too rounded, too staid? The fabric has a nicer drape than the BR blazer that I just could not go with. It’s kind of the opposite from that one for outfits—that one would have been a bright color to go over solid neutrals; this one goes over colors and is better than a solid black jacket with black bottoms.

Any comments appreciated!

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26 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

Kristin L

Veteran

I like they way it looks on you.

pil

Veteran

Well, *I* like it but I don't know the ins and outs of jackets. Do you want it to be sportier? The pockets on the outside make for a more casual look. I love that AT jacket with your skirt.

unfrumped

Veteran

Tnanks, K, and pil.
"Casual" is okay, meaning, being a type of tailored jacket is enough--it doesn't need to be "corporate", but I keep wondering if I'm not getting enough style quotient from it (if I have such a thing). But it can be hard to get something that has its own sort of style and can go with a lot of outfits and be comfortable. (ha--leather! but haven't found my second leather jacket and even then, a fabric jacket can be easier to wear, sometimes).

Carole

Veteran

Seems like a classic piece to me, and you could jazz it up with a fun and modern shoe, bag or accessory!

Thistle

Veteran

I think it is classic, but because of that, it doesn't add the style quotient you are looking for. The cut seems almost frumpy, and for some reason, I am not loving the pockets. Perhaps it is just my eye as I prefer the streamlined look of the Theory jackets I have seen Una and Rae wearing.

kellygirl

Veteran

I think it looks very safari inspired. I quite like the fit and cut on you. It looks more sporty than the AT and the color looks very versatile.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It doesn't look bad -- the colour seems versatile. But it doesn't look modern, if that's what you're after. It reads more as a classic than a modern classic, to my eye. Nothing wrong with that, if that's what you want. The fit seems good on you.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

It reads straight classic to me. I think the pockets make it more casual & therefore not as versatile. I'd really like to see how it stacks up beside a modern classic piece before making a decision. How do you feel about trying a Theory (or similar) jacket?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am getting finger tied trying to answer this question! What do you mean by staid? It is not super modern or directional but is that important to you? From what I understand from Angie and wherever longer jackets with lower stances (more like the AT) are the most modern looking. As Suz says this reads more classic.

catgirl

Veteran

I'm not sure - I see it as very classic, but I don't think that equates to staid (which is the opposite of what? dynamic?). It has a certain groundedness to my eye. I think the key is in the fit and styling with items like this.

unfrumped

Veteran

Thank you for offering analyses.
I think I have a kind of split personality.
I'm drawn to these seemingly classic looks and especially fabrics, but then I'm ... surprised.... by how it looks .. As in, that looks like this? I thought it would look better. So somehow it seems I have a certain look in mind's eye and am not translating it into real life. I guess some of that could be unrealistic expectations, but I'm not so sure.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Do you have any pictures of the sort of look you are wanting to create? I'd love to see them if you do.

DonnaF

Veteran

I haven't touched any for years, but Pendleton at least used to be know for wonderful fabrics. From their reputation and online pics, I would imagine they are cutting their garments for an older body even though the models' garments are probably pinned all over the place. My sense is that you are seeking an edgier cut in a quality garment. Since you are slender, you might get the look (and feel!) you want in Theory or other designer quality garment. I don't think you have unrealistic expectations at all. Even if the price is too high for your budget now, I think you should still try stuff on. (And then stalk it on eBay or the Rack or consignment, lol.)

JAileen

Veteran

I think this piece is classic. You can modernize it if you want, by how you put together your outfit.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I like it! To me, this seems to be the same case as when I'm drawn to classic pieces, because I also often have a different image in my mind than what I see in the mirror. Like you said on my Chanel suit thread: how you combine it is important to up the style qotient. You might try to set it off with something a little unexpected if you want it to look more modern.

unfrumped

Veteran

Thanks--this is what I'm seeing, too. That for it to be best, I should "up" some other parts of the outfit. So I'll have to think about that. I can use it--not too worried about that--but I am trying to think whether it would take up "space" that I should put toward something more modern.
caro, DonnaF, and other comments on better fitting, quality items--that's it, I haven't found "my" brand, or retailer, that has things that are not super trendy, not super classic, but good fabrics and fit. So far everything I've tried in Theory did not get me. Will need to browse some other brands.

Anonymous

I agree with what the other ladies have said. It is a classic piece and needs pairing with more unexpected and modern pieces. The fit is great on you BTW.

rachylou

Veteran

I think this jacket works on you. You know, I see you as straight up classic and traditional...

unfrumped

Veteran

Uh oh, rachy you may have my number, but it sounds a bit...limited!
I'm pondering how to blend my aspirational style ( or my imaginary style--as it may be only in my mind and not in reality) with what is my apparent default.
These are good critiques, though--I think that will help me get closer to the mark.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The trick might be some hi-low shopping. You know...like the Leith pants, which really revitalized your spring looks. For only a few dollars.

But I see a danger, too -- because this kind of jacket won't work with something like those pants. And then we get into all the troubles with proportions. Ugh.

So ultimately, at least as a beginning, I think you're spot on -- you need to find "your" brand. The brand that both gets your body AND is neither too "out there" trendy nor too staid and frumpalicious.

Because there are two ways of going "modern classic." One is to take classics like this and modernize them with other items/ accessories/ etc. That is totally do-able, probably economical (to those who get it...due to possibilities for thrifting said classics, as Ingunn does) but also quite complex and you really need to have an eye (and time on your hands).

The other way is to get it from the designer him or herself. Holus bolus. Go for a designer that just does "modern classic" vs. classic.

I do think your body type gives you options that many in your situation might not have. You have a lithe figure and can wear lots of silhouettes. Yes, it's true, fitting pants can be a pain (but that's true for most of us). It does occur to me that the brand that "gets" your body might differ for top and bottom.

I wonder if Angie or Inge might have ideas here. Maybe if you post a thread for brand suggestions for slender body type, woman-of-a-certain age (i.e. over 40). And then I will eagerly read along!

Vince Camuto comes to mind as a lower priced option, but I do think the sizing is on the very generous side and might not work across the board for you. And the fabrications are sometimes less than one might dream of.

Deborah

Veteran

I do find it a bit 'staid' looking. It is not particularly modern looking IMHO. The lapel, the pockets... it is a lovely looking jacket but it doesn't read modern and current. It really comes down to what you are wanting to project.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Chiming back in but I don't think anyone who was 100% traditional would wear those Leiths so well. I think you are drawn to fine fabrics & this is why you try the more traditional classic pieces - just my opinion.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes. I agree with Caro. I understand the appeal. That's why most Vince Camuto things might ultimately leave you cold even if you liked the style -- if they don't feel nice to the hand you won't get lasting pleasure from them. I have this problem, too. It makes hi-low shopping a tricky proposition. I have to read the fabric composition carefully when I am doing it online.

I think you are looking for the modern in your classic and want a bit of zip to your looks -- yet hate to compromise on quality. And no wonder.

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes, yes, yes, Suz, Deborah, and caro. You hit it. I so appreciate your adding sime more ideas. I like modern classic more than I realize. If that makes sense. I drool over Pendleton and Talbots drapey Italian wool and tweeds, houndstooth, herringbone but then the item just holds back that little bit of edge it should have. And so i will veer off the road into frumptown to get that. Where IS that stuff in more modern cuts? I lack
the innate style sense or body flair to wear them " ironically" or youthfully- or the creative energy to find the zingy
combo. Ingunn ( waving) creates these fab outfits that have zip from classic pieces but I struggle.
I need the clothes to do more of the work.
Also, there's a work- appropriate aspect. A lot of "modernizing " relies
on some styling ideas that could be too playful or off- hand for work-- for me. So rachylou isn't too far off! But
somewhere there is the right balance.
Suz-- I ought to ask Angie, is there pants life beyond AT, Talbots and Eddie Bauer? ( having just got pants from each place-- waving to Sveta, queen of pants). I tried VC silk pleated print pants that were an almost, but wrong fit.
Hmmmm. You all have provided good food for thought. Will plan some more
SYC to focus on which items, outfits, "uniforms" feel both professional and fab-not- frumpy. Some things are working-- what do they have in common?

unfrumped

Veteran

I think my style descriptor ( for work) might be " modern serious".

It's okay to laugh....

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I DID laugh but with you not at you Modern serious - this I need to think about. The only label I can think of is Hugo Boss - they use some great menswear inspired fabrics in their women s suits.

http://store-us.hugoboss.com/%.....2_Dark-Red

This is amazing

http://www.lanecrawford.com/pr.....product.lc