Jacket analysis:time to cull?

anne

I bought this jacket some time in my first 5 years on YLF - so over 5 years ago. At the time I was very fond of it. I haven't worn it much of late and pulled it out today (worn with bootcuts- felt very 2009). I may be over it.

Reasons against

colour - not the cool red I prefer, practically rust
sleeve width - quite wide
ruffles are pretty much unable to be ironed
I think the pockets are too high to be flattering to my small bust
"waist" band (which is way above my actual waist) is a bit loose, though for some reason that bothers me less now at 5pm than it did in the morning when I dressed.

Do you agree with this analysis?

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8 years ago

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

plonkee

Active Member

I like it, but I think that's just that I really like that style of jacket. It's very 'pretty' which may or may not be your style nowadays. I agree that the pocket placement is not ideal although in the photos that's hidden quite a lot by your hair. The colour I actually like on you, but you're right that it's not a cool red at all, in the photo it looks almost coral.

If you haven't pulled it out for a while and when you put it on now it doesn't make you really happy to have found it again then I think it probably needs to move on.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I like it a lot on you, but I support donation. My rationale supporting donation is the difficulty in ironing. If my clothes (or kitchen ware) are not easily maintained, out they go. No discussion.

8 years ago

jill58

Veteran

It sounds like you don't feel very good in it any more. For me, the pockets, ruffles and color (all of which you say you have misgivings about) would be reasons enough to place it in the donation pile.

8 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think I agree with you that it looks a bit 2009 somehow. If you're over it, then maybe let it go. However as you know I find culling difficult. My 2 washed jumpers and my 2008 square toed shoes and a pair of dated black pants I didn't need to ask about are ready to go. Just need to get a chance to drop them off now. I am glad that you were very fond of it at the time. It feels like getting something good from the purchase/life of the item.

8 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I like the color for you, but I can see what you mean about the fit of the jacket. If you don't wear it, than I would give it away. It isn't bringing you joy.

8 years ago

Jane

Veteran

I like it but if you are fed up with it, then let it go.

I think I would have a go at wearing it with different colours, with say olive or may be even blush pink. It is a lovely colour on you.

8 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I actually quite like it on you. The color looks coral, which is very nice. I don't see fit issues so much, but I'm looking on my phone so maybe on a larger screen issues are more apparent? But if you're over it, maybe it's time to let it go. I know how that is!

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks everyone. Am on my phone and should be asleep, so just quickly.
Definitely rust and not coral.

Not fed up, but hadn't worn it for awhile and then thought it not as great as before.
Would love more opinions on datedness.

8 years ago

Laura G

Veteran

I actually like this jacket on you. The color especially seems more flattering than a cool red would be, but maybe the photo is under artificial light?

But regardless, if you don't feel happy in it, then it's time for it to go.

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks Laura. It was natural light.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I agree with Sterling. I like the jacket on you although I can not see the high pockets very well. I like the color and overall fit, but if you are not happy, it is time for the jacket to go. What looks off is the fit of the jeans. They look too big or something.

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

It's a great colour on you, but yes, I think you can let it go. The waistband construction is odd and the ruffle too tiny to be 'now.'

8 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Anne it's such a pretty jacket! I do find the pocket placement a little odd. I would prefer it without pockets. Is it dated? Maybe yes.

I honestly think the future of this jacket is down to 'do you feel good wearing it' and 'do you like what you see' when you look in the mirror. It's the type of jacket I could see worn over a white or cream shift dress and pumps for a wedding or event. But as I said above, the pockets compromise the look of the jacket to my eye.

I would probably donate.

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I am on my phone so not able to see all the details. I do like it on you - but I think donating it is fine. Sometimes we do just get over a piece with the best Will in the world.

I would wear it with blue jeans open with a navy top underneath and maybe a pendant?

8 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

It sounds as though you won't wear this even if you keep it, so I would pass it on instead of having it take up room in your closet.

From the photos, it looks nice on you, but if it truly skews rust and not coral, than it probably is less flattering than what we see. Your hair obscures the pockets and the other details that seem to bug you, so again, what I/we see may be misleading. . .

8 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Although I think the color looks nice on you, the ruffles are a bit of a problem it seems, and the pockets are positioned quite high. I'd probably pass it on if I hadn't been reaching for it.

8 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I say bye- bye, it doesn't do you justice. I think it's too short and fitted for trousers also. Make room for something more strongly clean- lined & classic.
That said, I occasionally cling to shorter jackets for wearing with skirts or a
sleeveless dress. But I recommend you be more ruthless!

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I'm so sorry I didn't respond to you earlier. Life has been very busy and I haven't had time to get to a keyboard.

I appreciate everyones taking the time to comment - but - am a little sad that so many of you wrote along the lines of "if you are even asking you shouldn't keep it". Because

this is my ONLY coloured jacket
I'll have a small budget, so culling has to be done carefully
I have heaps of problems finding jackets that fit my long waist so don't expect to find a replacement
I'm very indecisive and perfectionist and without help from YLF I may never buy anything at all (Before YLF I dragged my DH around to make my mind up). Sometimes I need you guys to say -It's JFE go with it!. I'm not saying you shouldn't say to cull, just don't presume I should because I asked about it !

Thanks for all the other feedback as well.

8 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It's a jacket? What does it look like when it is open? I ask because the side view looks really nice, but in the front view, the high waist on the jacket combined with your actual lower waist exaggerates the size of your middle section, if that makes any sense.

I like the color on you, and can see it going with lots of other colors well--pretty much any indigo-blue-green, obviously with neutrals, and some reds, in a version of Angie's pink & red post a couple weeks ago.

How does it work in place of the moto jacket in the "accidental outfit" you posted? If it's open, can it still provide enough structure to work with that skirt?

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I think you look lovely it it both color and fit! However I think you have had your joy from it and you can easily let it go to a new home.

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Fashiontern - funnily enough, I was going to wear that jacket on the accidental outfit day. I pulled it out and it went well - but was dirty so had to wash!

I do have a very long torso - constant fit and proportions issue (my main one)

I'm not sure I agree with the colours you mention, but I think it isn't showing up correctly, judging from other's comments. It's rust coloured. That makes it a bit odd in my wardrobe, which is almost exclusively cool toned

8 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with others that it does not look rust here. I wish there was a tool to adjust colors on here to their real life versions. Maybe you can find a paint color that it matches or something.

But rust...I think of most of the colors i listed as cool colors, so am not sure what you mean if not those. Does olive fit your description and work well with it? I think of the dress I wore today as rust, and it goes well with indigo.
I'm probably not much help, because I don't really understand what color the jacket is or what colors you mean.

One last comment, on the people who said "if you have to ask...". Your original post reads like a pro/ con list, except it starts with the cons and never gets around to the pros. Later on you seem a little wistful/defense about the idea of tossing the jacket. I think I can see where they're coming from. If you find yourself resisting the idea of passing it on, maybe to take a minute to figure out why that is. Is there a feature about it you particularly like? Do you associate it with good memories? Hate the idea of shopping for another? That may give you the best answer.

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8 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Anne you only wrote what you didn't like about it! Go back to the start and read quickly. You didn't say anything nice about it except that at the time you were very fond of it. I think this pre-selected the responses?

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Yes you are both right Jenni and Fashiontern - I only listed 'cons'. I have only myself to blame. I listed them because I wasn't sure if they were obvious to the reader, but I shall start asking opinions without giving any extra info - I've noticed Janet doing that. I'm not good at culling, specially of things I bought myself (better at handed down items)

I think I'll wait for Angie to come back and ask her!

8 years ago

Anonymous

The fact that it is your only coloured jacket isn't a great excuse to keep. But if it completes several outfits, then you might consider keeping.

I find the pocket placement a bit awkward but with your hair covering them, they look alright. I don't notice the sleeves. I do notice the higher waist but I think it looks good. The ruffles look good to me.

8 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Hi Anne! I hear you. I am trying to address the question this year, "Do I have to keep items forever, if they're not obviously and clearly worn out? This is not just a question about preference, since it means I have to find replacements in a challenging retail environment, with less money and time than I've had before.

What about........
A steamer? Yep. It's a purchase, and it's not as fun as lipstick or a new pair of shoes, but I"m looking into it. Most of my items aren't easy to press on a traditional ironing board, and many of the fibers won't take the high heat, either. I wonder if a steam, instead of a press, might be easier on your clothes, and faster, overall? I think it would help with the ruffles --- and the morning rush out the door!

Also, some ideas:
Pairing with a tube or pencil skirt and boots
Wearing open over a white tee, with cropped or ankle pants
Wearing over a dress, or a skirt and top that form a column of color --
Wide leg, flowy pants

The last two would embrace the retro element, since women used to wear ensembles topped with jackets. You could think of the jacket as 40s inspired, rather than 2009 inspired!

8 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

P.S. The sleeves could easily be narrowed, and, since I think I spy a placket in the front closure, you might be able to narrow the waist by moving a snap or button. Sometimes the cost is prohibitive, but it might be worth getting an estimate!

8 years ago

skylurker

Veteran

I like it on you. Doesn't look dated, on the contrary the ruffles and sleeves look trendy to me (I'm no expert on the subject though).
I can see it worn open over a white tee - because white will make the colour pop, and there's already a lot going on in the jacket design - and with high waisted trousers - because I think the proportions would look better with the short jacket and your long torso.

8 years ago

anne

Veteran

Just quickly. Beth Ann, your first paragraph. YES. You get me!

8 years ago

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