Jacket pondering - help me think it out. - YouLookFab Forum

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Jacket pondering - help me think it out.

anne

Veteran

So, those who know me here know that I tend towards the minimal in clothing purchases. Specifically I'd like to discuss my casual jacket situation. (Note: winter starts tomorrow here in Australia)

Generally I only have one casual jacket (I'm talking indoor topper, as opposed to outerwear)at a time and for the last 20 years it's been a black cropped faux leather jacket (not the same jacket, I replaced a few times). I wear them with jeans and (less so) with skirts. I particularly like them for casual friday and other "smart casual" occasions.

But

I am sick of having to replace them when they perish
I'm not sure if black is the best colour as I get older
I'm not sure if cropped, fitted jackets are the best look on me as I get older and less trim

I have discarded

the idea of denim jackets - tried on a few and just don't like the stiffness

What next?

I like the idea of something softer - I tried on a faux suede jacket the other day that I liked the feel of (though the zips looked tacky and the torso wasn't as snug as I have been liking.
Should I abandon the fitted look and go for teddybear or chore?

Love to hear your thoughts on this . Please don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions.

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Sisi

Veteran

I suggerst cotton jersey jackets. They look casual /dressy and are soft and practical.

rachylou

Veteran

You would look so cute in either a teddy bear or a chore jacket!

Lucy

Veteran

I have two soft pseudo suede jackets and I really like them. They are kind of motto style. One is black, the other light grey (the grey one was Just Jeans last year). I also like that they are washable.
Being a slightly shorter, more fitted shape, they do work with dresses and skirts as well as jeans. All of my other jackets work with either one or the other!

kkards

Veteran

Anne...i think of teddy coats as actual outerwear, can you share a picture of what you are thinking of? re chore jacket, this style could work, but in my experience most are very casual which i think may not work for what you are looking for....i really like Sisi's idea of a jersey jacket...

Anonymous

For wearing with skirts, cropped (at least somewhat) fitted works well-so maybe a fabric moto, bomber, or knit blazer. Softer is easier to layer under coats. If you'd wear with coats, try them together (read: learn from my mistakes!). You may want to have one longer jacket for pants and shorter one for skirts.

Column

Veteran

Hi Anne,

Since we share the same body type and warm coloring, here is what I have learned about dressing with age (guessing I have 20-30 years on you):

Your proportions won`t change, regardless of weight. You will always prefer a cropped topper or long blazer/duster cardigan on your beautiful long waist. Anything that hits you at hip length, emphasizing that horizontal line and hiding your waist, is a mistake. The long topper is the exception, since it acts as a sort of “dress” that goes from shoulder-to-leg, extending past the hip. All toppers will look best with a low contrast or analogous (light blue + darker blue, blush pink plus red/burgundy, for example) column underneath. </p> <p>Your coloring might change. While I suspect black is still fine for you now (no drastic skin changes until you stop menstrating), your taste might be ready for something neutral in the brown family, from cream to cognac or anything in-between. I, personally, would be comfortable with a favorite color—tomato red, coral, orange or mustard. Most warm colors “blend” if your wardrobe is consistent (and black underneath works with warm).</p> <p>So, suggestions:</p> <p>Moto jackets: These still might be your best look. Motos are current, youthful, and in all colors and fabrications. Jersey is a great idea, as is cotton. How warm do you need to be? BB Dakota`s vegan leather is far too warm for me indoors—more like outerware. But BLANKNYC has cotton varieties. You might get lucky on sales in the Northern Hemisphere for your current weather.

Cropped blazers: Tweed with fringe still had a strong showing last season. Express had some nice blazers of all lengths (see long blazers, below):

Long blazers: I mean really long—not hip length! These were and are all the rage last season here in the States. My eye sees them going longer, too, sort of tunic length, which is good news for us if we keep them open.

Long cardigans: Same idea as long blazers. Chunky knits can be cozy and fab in winter. Boden had some last season.

I`m afraid to recommend too many vendors, since the ones I shop don`t always sell to Austrailia. But I love Cue`s style and sale prices. Maybe Bijou and Brooklyn can help? Let us know what you find!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

What on earth is a teddy bear jacket? I only live across the Ditch but have never heard of it? I adore my soft black ponte jacket. Onto my second one since I wore the first one 150 times!

anne

Veteran

Thanks so much! I have a party at my house and will respond later in more detail. Just reading do far is so helpful. You guys are so great.

Column

Veteran

Oops—forgot to mention olive (weirdly called “khaki” this season) as a great dark neutral to black! Olive is having a great showing right now!

RobinF

Veteran

I like jersey blazers and have a few. They work well as casual toppers and are as comfortable as a sweater. Or you could always go with real leather, I assume it wouldn't wear out as quickly as faux leather? I don't have a lot of leather so can't speak from experience.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would stick with a shorter, fitted option since it seems that would play best with your skirt/dress outfits and your pants and jeans, and the proportions are nice on you. But how about changing up the color rather than the silhouette -- something in white or cream, blush, or a shade of blue, perhaps a modern classic bomber or moto jacket. Since you say you are tired of constantly replacing this piece and it's a workhorse, I would consider investing in a bit more quality than faux leather. I saw a nice moto in a stretch twill not long ago that would fit the bill nicely for you, but I can't remember where it was.

Joy

Veteran

Winter indoor jackets are tricky. I have a couple felted wool or something with stretch but still a jacket and a NAS faux leather in a sort of medium taupe color with asymmetrical hem and worn open as it has no way of closing it that saw the most wear. Color wise, you may always want something black but look at what neutrals will work with your wardrobe. As I age, greys from charcoal to dove, navy and taupe are working better. For short jackets, try some on. Bombers are casual and come in many fabrications.

anne

Veteran

Sisi - I'm wondering if cotton jersey has enough structure?

Lucy - great to hear your positive experience with pseudo suede jackets

khards - I think I might be already over the teddy jacket idea! Someone sitting close to me at work wore one today and I was distracted

Column - thanks for all those considered suggestions and experience from someone with a similar shape. I'm not sure I'm of warm colouring though.I feel l like clear cool colours without yellow in them.

Jenni - ponte could be an option indeed. Teddy jackets are everywhere this winter. Here's a random example https://www.asos.com/au/new-lo.....?&
Janet and Joy - yes I'm definitely very open to a different colour and possibly a lighter one, And I'd be willing to pay a higher price for something just right.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

BANISH the thought that you can't wear short and fitted, and are less trim. My word, you wear the look extremely well, and like tailored pieces. ROCK ON and continue.

Black either makes you happy or it doesn't. Follow your feelings.

Would like to see you in a long blazer too.

anne

Veteran

Angie dear, you are super encouraging, but I AM less trim. My weight is back up to 3 months post-partum, just like when I joined the forum. My waist is 2 inches bigger, I overeat and I haven't even started menopause with all that may entail. That photo of my new wide crops that you liked a few weeks ago was after a week of calorific restrictions and I am not even sure if they will fit now.

Not sure about black. I don't think it is great near my face but of course it so available.
The long blazer idea is interesting. I did the wear my dad's old jacket thing on the 90s! Maybe time to try that look again.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thanks for the info re teddy jackets. No, I did not know that was the name of such a thing. I think that doesn’t look smart enough for you somehow? I think you said you wanted casual but that looks too casual?
Could you spring for real leather? Ezibuy does some nice ones and quite often has short sales of decent discounts. My older daughter ( the recently married one) bought an olive one a couple of years back from them and looks great in it. Think of cost per wear if you didn’t have to keep replacing it every few years?

Jane

Veteran

Faux suede could be a super choice and a chore jacket in a soft fabric sounds super too.

Bijou

Veteran

A chore jacket will be like a denim jacket in that it can be worn year round and would be fun for a change in style from your leather moto. As for weight gain, this time of year is tough (I have a couple of kilos to move too) - but remember, only you notice it - the rest of us really can not tell and posture makes all the difference.

StyleDetective

I like suntiger's idea of a fabric/knit blazer or moto and Jenni NZ's suggestion of ponte. All good fabrics for winter and allow for a similar to look to a faux leather jacket with more colour options.

I'm an Aussie too If you do want something softer and more relaxed, I wondered whether Saba's Karlie cardigan would be a good option for you? It comes in different lengths and fabrics and can be worn closed up or open. Or you could stick with the faux leather and try a more relaxed cut, like this.

I don't know what cuts you should or shouldn't wear, but I do know that your perception of your body shouldn't stop you from wearing pieces you enjoy.

bj1111

Veteran

if you like black but it's getting a bit harsh for age, try charcoal or ink-blue or a really dark navy that isn't flat.

no advice on the fit as you look fab as always. i can vouch for menopause weight gain. it is real and really frustrating.

smittie

Veteran

I like the idea of treating yourself to a real leather black jacket. Something that you know works.

Sisi

Veteran

Sorry Anne, only now I saw your post. Yes, jersey jackets can be structured. It depends upon how they are "built".

anne

Veteran

Sorry to have taken a while to get back to you - I have been having a very active long weekend

Jenni and Smittie- I'd have to look into it (ie buying a real leather one) Always a bit scared that I'd lose it.

Style Detective - always great to hear from another Aussie (and yes I knew you were one I saw a lot of people wearing the first style of jackets you linked (i.e., the Karlie cardigan) to last winter.

Thanks Jane and Bijou (I hope you are right!) and Sis for getting back to me. I'll have to keep looking and see if I can find some actual examples to try out on you.