Keep/toss/return: Black & ivory jackets, Talbots cotton suit

Hi ladies,
I'm upgrading my closet in preparation for a career transition (college professor - not super-formal, but more formal than my current business-casual/smart casual life), so I'm trying to find some structured blazers that fit my style. I'd love your advice on keeping or returning the following, as well as styling ideas.

1,2: Zebra print swingy jacket (from Express Studio, thrifted - cotton pique washable fabric, nice and breezy for the summer)

Does it make me look pregnant? I'm working on losing the belly from my last baby (who will be 2 this summer), so I'm very sensitive to items that make me look with child.

Are the short sleeves unflattering to my upper arms?

3,4: Striped 3/4ish sleeve jacket (BR, cotton/nylon/spandex blend but says dry-clean)

Does the sleeve length cut off my arms in an unflattering way?

1-4: How do my pants look?

5-13: Navy blue cavalry twill cotton skirt suit. (Talbot's, dry clean)

How is the skirt fit? (It's cotton so it will stretch, but it's lined in polyester, which feels icky and defeats the purpose of the cotton's breath-ability for summer, so I may cut it out) I like the slight A-line of the skirt and the little gold buttons.

Are the sleeves too long? They have buttons so it would not be a cheap alteration.

How is the fit of the jacket? I have a prominent behind...I'm wondering if this cut accentuates that, and if so, what kind of cut should I look for?

When is a cotton twill skirt appropriate? I was thinking it would be a nice spring-fall piece but the lining of the skirt and the sleeves really bothers me...if I cut it out, do I risk the fit changing, and how much will that affect its seasonality?

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12 years ago

Peri

Veteran

I don't care for the look of the zebra jacket but I think the striped one is cute. The pants are great!

And as I'm learning from smart ladies on the board, if something bothers you return it! Don't "make do"...it will continue to bother you and make you unhappy each time you wear it, if you ever do. Return it and find something you love.

Suz

(website)

The zebra is a jacket? Wow! I thought it was a top. Interesting. I am not a fan, but please take that with a grain of salt; I have a bit of a poison eye for puffy short sleeves. I do like the pattern on it. However, I think it does perhaps stand open stiffly in a way that might make some (foolish) people think you are pregnant.

The pants look good.

I am less sure about the BR jacket. Are the shoulder seams off your shoulder? It looks as if they are, which would indicate a poor fit. Are the sleeves supposed to be 3/4 length? (If the shoulders are supposed to sit higher, the sleeve would be a 3/4 length). Maybe you can scrunch the sleeves and see how that looks?

The skirt appears to fit pretty well although there is some wrinkling/ buckling over the tummy area that gives me pause. That might be worse if you take out the lining. That type of fabric can wrinkle a lot, which the lining may help prevent. I like the detailing too and see why you were drawn to it.

The jacket also looks pretty good, although you might want to shorten the sleeves a bit.

As for cuts, you would fill out a peplum jacket beautifully! A cropped one could also work well.

Where will you be located? Because that will influence cotton twill's usefulness (or lack thereof). Cotton twill can stretch and bag out, you are right, so I would be wary of that. It can also fade if you wash it.

For my climate, this would probably be a spring and fall item as well, But the lining probably wouldn't bother me in our spring and autumn. If I were to try to wear it in our summer it would feel icky.

Marley

Wow! You are much more dressed up than any college professor that I've ever had! I'm amazed - I didn't realize that they were dressing like this these days! As far as your outfits go: 1st jacket - sleeves are too short and puffy - I'd get rid of. 2nd jacket - looks good to me - I'd scrunch the sleeves to give it a little more texture and structure. 3rd jacket - looks too big across the shoulders and I think you could find a cut that would work better for your bum - a peplum perhaps? I think that the skirt is appropriate for the classroom - but then keep in mind, that my college professors all wore distressed/dirty jeans and t-shirts!

Liz A.

Well. I'm gonna go against the grain, and say that I think #1 looks cute. Not sure what else you would do with this jacket, but I don't think this look is bad. I also don't think the sleeves of the third jackets are too long, especially if it's an expensive alteration.

hedgiehog

The zebra jacket looks cute, but more of a casual item, imho. The navy twill suit looks really good on you. The sleeves may need just a tad taking up and the striped jacket.....do what Suz said...try scrunching up.
I do notice a bit of pulling at the tummy/hip area with the navy skirt but that may relax as the fabric warms up. I don't know that I'd cut out the lining as that may alter the fit of it. Would you be inside with air conditionning? This would be an all season outfit for me. Really pretty, especially with the printed top.

rachylou

I like the zebra. A little bit rock n' roll. Don't know how useful it is to you tho. Pants look pretty good. Striped sweater jacket looks a little short in the sleeve to me. The suit fit could be sharper, the skirt seems to ride up a little and jacket is a nano-bit boxy. I don't know if there are any tailoring solutions to these things.

texstyle

I'd say move on from the zebra jacket. Those puffed sleeves don't do many people justice and a "jacket" with sleeves that short just feels wrong to me. Maybe you could remove the sleeves and turn it into a vest... The print is cute.

The pants look good from what I can see.

The second one may not be fitting exactly right on the shoulders but it is workable - and I think you should definitely scrunch the sleeves.

The suit is okay, but I also feel the sleeves are too long - so I guess it depends on if you are willing to get it altered or feel it is okay as is. I agree with the others that a peplum style jacket might be a good option.

saramir

Active Member

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the collective wisdom. I think you all pinpointed what I couldn't about the zebra jacket: the puffy sleeves. I hate them. I didn't realize it though, and I really love the print, but it's getting donated. (The Goodwill giveth, and the Goodwill taketh!)

Looking at the pictures makes me question the striped one. I normally take petite sizes but this one was all lonely on the sale rack - my size but in regular. I don't think the fit is perfect, so it's going to be returned.

I'm on the fence about the suit. I am feeling like the jacket isn't worthy, after the mixed comments here, and I'm ambivalent enough about when I would use it, so I think I might return it. I do love the skirt, though, and full confession: I also bought it in fuschia! I will wear one of them first to see if it stretches a bit before I commit to both.

Thanks again for your help, everyone! Love this forum!

Fuchsia! Oh, that I would love!!!!

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