K/R? - I think my shopping trip was disastrous

My first K/R request, and it's a doozy. (I can't upload photos yet, so please excuse the links below. Also excuse the lack of shoes - I initially took the photos just for me. I do think everythign would look better if I were wearing shoes).

Jacket #1: Bought this at Nordstrom, thinking it would be a great basic. Really liked it on me in the store, but when I got home and took a photo, I see that the jacket hits me right at the widest part of my hips. This jacket was a bit of a hit to my budget, so I think I will return it, but I wanted some other opinions.
https://docs.google.com/open?i.....3dvNXFKS0E

Jacket #2: Bought on a whim as I was leaving Sears. It was cheap ($35) and I love the colors. I have a few other items with the same color family in my wardrobe. I don't have any other non-solid jackets, so I thought this would be fun. But in the photos I realize that it makes me look boxy. I really do have a waist, even though you can't see it with the jacket on.
https://docs.google.com/open?i.....FdxcXdtZVU

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I prefer the 1st jacket but wouldn't want to judge on one photo. I'd like to see it done up & from different angles - oh yes & with shoes:)

MsMary

I really like the first one! But I agree the second one is boxy -- maybe a size down?

cjh

(website)

Great job doing the photos. Nice and clear and easy to see.

I personally like jacket #2 best. The colors are great, as you say. The shape may be a bit boxy but it is structured and really classic/Chanel inspired, and this would take well to a variety of stylings. As you have it, with shoes. Or edge it up by wearing a turtleneck, statement necklace, high boots and dark skinny jeans. A bright geometric print scarf with blues and blacks, over a black knit sheath. So I can see this jacket going to the office, to a funeral or serious reception or awards banquet, out for drinks, shopping, theater, church...

The gray jacket is very plain and since it doesn't flatter your shape like you thought it would, you should return it. I don't know - maybe the fact that it doesn't close rubs me wrong. But there are no standout details: no lapels, no shaping seams, and the sleeves are too long. However, if you have some other items that would go, try taking some more photos. If you have a dark gray and cranberry print skirt, medium plum sheath dress, or a skirt that has a panel like the ones with colored front and leather look sides... then this jacket could serve as a good piece with them.

Is there a wide part to your hips? ;o) I'm not seeing a problem there.

The second jacket would probably look better buttoned, IMO. But it's a boxy jacket, it's supposed to look boxy. Which means not emphasizing your waist. In any event, I certainly wouldn't wear it as you have it in the photo. MaryK's suggestion about sizing down might work.

It would be easier to judge both of these if we saw them as you actually intend to wear them. At least for me.

MNsara

I'd like to see you pursue styling #1. I don't see wide hips at all. I see an interesting, not just horizontal hemline that could be fab! Try it with shoes, buttoned, and unbuttoned, with your arms a little out of the way (not lifted, or that lifts your jacket too)

#2 looks too big for you. That might be contributing to the boxiness, or it could be one of the boxier chanelesque jackets. Do you have enough space to try a size down?

Ann in New England

Active Member

Thanks, all, especially those of you who don't see hips!
The 2nd jacket (blue/green) is size small, so there's no going down.
I'm learning that my biggest problem may be that I don't know how to style at all. And really, that's why I joined the forum.

I'm going to play with both jackets in the next few days and maybe take some more photos. Thank you!

Special note to JT: thanks for your honesty. In return, I will confess that the photos were at least one way I had planned to wear them (with shoes of course). So if you don't mind, will you share your thought on why that would be a mistake?

I've also never been a white dress shirt kind of girl, so maybe that's throwing off the look as well. I don't think I look very comfortable in my new white shirt. Maybe I need to return it, too.

I didn't think the jacket was hanging well at all in the second photo. I associate that kind of jacket with a very sophisticated, sleek kind of look, and you had it there looking rather casual, hanging open, no accessories. And no shoes. ;o) It might work well with those items, but it just looked like you had thrown it on over what you had on for the purposes of the photo. I do understand that this wasn't intended to be the final, polished outfit, so don't read too much into this.

CJH has some great ideas on how to wear it, but then, she usually does.

kellygirl

Just chiming in to say that I like the first jacket as well. I like the lapel-less collar and the leather trim. How about trying a drape neck knit top instead of a button down? It would be a softer look and probably more comfortable too. It looks like a versatile jacket.

Lyn D.

Not disastrous at all!
I can see the potential in both of these jackets.
#1 might look more streamlined with the button done up and sleeved cuffed. At the mo. the belt buckle on the pant is drawing the eye to your middle rather than letting us see your slim shape.
Love the colour of #2. Not sure about the sizing though here.

jayne

1 is lovely.

now for 2, I remember reading somewhere that this shape and style, the chanel style, is actually one of the hardest jacket types for us to actually use. It looks lovely on slender models in general, but what doesn't. But for us with hips, well, boxy is the result. I would return and find something with a nipped in waist or a cardi you can belt

Scarlet

1 is really nice. I would keep it.
2 would be really nice if there were just a little waist definition.
Honestly, your hips look very slim to me.

Everybody, you have been so helpful. YLF is an amazing community, thanks to all of you. Thanks for helping a newbie, and in such a detailed way.

I spent about an hour in my closet this morning, and have decided to return both jackets. While I do think I could make them both work by following the excellent suggestions on this thread, the truth is that I don't NEED either jacket. That money would be better spent on scarves, bags, shoes and jewelry -- things that I really don't have to properly style the clothes that I already own, and the dark brown dress that I bought yesterday by accident and have fallen in love with.

So this has been a very valuable exercise, and it is very much due to all of you. Thank you again. I have learned a lot.

Anonymous

I am so glad you decided to return. That was going to be my vote. The fit is not as sharp as it could. Off to big and better things. You are awesome!

Jules

I agree with the others - what hips?!?!?
How about a pic of the fab brown dress?

Category