K/R Looking to fill Wardrobe Hole - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R Looking to fill Wardrobe Hole

Thistle

Veteran

I have a serious wardrobe hole in terms on toppers, more specifically, jackets. I love the structure and polish they add to an outfit, and I really want to add a few of these workhorses to my wardrobe.

I like to wear my jackets both open and closed. Open when at my desk, closed when at meetings or other things that require professional "armor". So, I realyl need the jacket to be able to do both.

The wonderful Inge pointed me to these Ponte Knit jackets at Nordstrom's. I tried them with a basic v-neck, and honestly, I am thinking of returning all three. I think I need a longer jacket than any of these are.

However, totally open to the thoughts and suggestions of the amazing stylish YLF ladies.

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Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from ironkurtin

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I like the second and third ones. I think they are more flatting than the 1st one. I like the 1st one, but I think because it's a little longer and slouchier that it doesn't flatter your shape as well as the second two.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I like the first jacket when open, but when closed I think they are all too short. I do agree with you, I think you need a longer jacket. Maybe a longer jacket with a shorter top under it, instead of longer top, shorter jacket?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I'm afraid that a longer jacket is going to be difficult to fit in the shoulders AND at the hip for you. I like these lengths on you. You might want to try them with a top that is lower-contrast with your trousers.

Gaylene

Veteran

Hands down my favorites are the last two jackets, especially when buttoned. I agree with Jenava that finding a longer jacket might be hard unless you are willing to put up with alterations. I also second Jenava's suggestion to pair the buttoned jacket with a top that matches the pant more closely for a "column of color" effect under the jacket. Or maybe try tucking a top into your pants so that the top doesn't show below the jacket. I also think that either of the last two jackets could work over a dress or with a skirt.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Jenava try a darker top under the jackets & take some more pics. You are going so well - remember it's the clothes not you:)

Thistle

Veteran

Thanks, Caro, I needed that! I sometimes feel like Nordstrom's just doesn't sell clothes for my body.

I tried with a darker top. And while I think that they all look MUCH better than they did with the white top, I don't think any of them rate a 9 or 10. I am also not sure they are going to have much versatility as I won't be able to layer them over patterned tops or longer tops. Like, popping the blue one over my blue, grey and black Ann Taylor wrap top.

While Talbots is much frumpier from the style secton, their jackets tend to fit me much better than Nordies.

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rachylou

Veteran

I like the first with the dark top - maybe just staying monochrome would do it. But I agree, the jackets are short.

Stores/lines do carry different fits. I'll never forget talking to a local designer who told me there were something like 38 general body types and a line will only cut clothes for maybe 1 or 2 of those body types. Lines/stores do change models every now and then, so I will check few years to see how things are.

So, I'd go to Talbots. Talbots' displays are frumpy, but I quite like their clothes. They can definitely be styled more... stylish

Gaylene

Veteran

Wow, Thistle, you've got a smile that lights up the room.

Oh, but we are here for the clothes, right? I think you can totally work this column of color idea, but I'm thinking you need the final touches to make the outfit sing of YOU. Scarves, necklaces, bags, interesting footwear--whatever works for your style. Personally, I like to keep things streamlined, so I'd work with a scarf and interesting footwear to push the look into a higher category. Add that smile, though, and you'll be hitting 9s and 10s all the time!

And, I don't think Talbots is necessarily frumpier than any other retailer. If the Talbots' fit works for you, I'd definitely check them out. It's the fit and how you style the piece that makes an outfit frumpy--or stylish.

ETA: I just noticed that you do have on a necklace, but maybe consider trying something a bit more definite and bold to give more impact to the outfit?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Caro had a great idea! It really helped me "see" the jackets. I second Rachylou! I think Talbots has upped their style quotient in recent years, particularly when you look beyond their displays.

Also, what about a wrap jacket?

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm going to go against the grain.

*spanner*

I like the first jacket best by far - unbuttoned.Great with the column of colour. #2 and #3 are ill-fitting and too short.

A longer jacket will work, Thistle. Try a knitted version first. Where is the striped jacket from?

Emily

Veteran

I like the last two best, especially the blue. Are they the same jacket in different colours? The length is a bit short, but it isn't as apparent with the black top and pants. What about the blue jacket over the top you had on today?

If Talbots fits you well, why not give them a shot for jackets? I'd say their styles are classic, not necessarily frumpy...

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I like the striped jacket a lot unbuttoned.

I've also found that jackets with peplum work nicely for those of us with a small waist and larger hips.

The column of color makes a big difference doesn't it? I'm really starting to embrace that myself.

Isis

Veteran

I like them all UNbuttoned and the striped one best.

Sara from Minnesotta has great jackets from Talbots. I keep trying them on when I see her WIW's, but they don't fit me. So definitely give them a try.

Anonymous

I like the striped one the best and yes, this combo needs some accessorizing. If something does not feel fab, I vote return.

Day Vies

Veteran

I was going to suggest exactly what your second set of pictures do -- wear a top that's darker than your jacket then wear the jacket open. I agree with what others have said that it will be hard to find a longer jacket that also fits in the shoulders. Long jackets are not the thing right now.

I would also suggest wearing one of your fabulous printed wrap tops under these jackets. Print acts as a wonderful camouflage -- it tends to minimize depth perception (flattens things out) where ever you wear it. (I am discovering this wonderful fact!)

You may also want to buy a jacket that you feel comfortable wearing closed -- then have it tailored to fit correctly in the arms and shoulders. I had that done with a peacoat and it was so worth it.

Beth Ann

Veteran

OOH! I like Amy's idea of a peplum. And, naturally, Angie's suggestion to try knit (ponte?) jackets first. I have a black ponte moto that I love. A moto jacket is a little more "casual" but also boosts the shoulder line and highlights the waist.

Thistle

Veteran

Angie - all of the jackets came from Nordstrom's

Thank you all for the tips. Only way to figure things out is to keep trying!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's true, Thistle.Talbots and Anne Taylor are a great place to look for jackets too. Can you get to stores instead or ordering online?

Thistle

Veteran

The closest Nordstrom's to me is over 3 hours away, assuming Chicago traffic is kind (which it never is!)

Yes, I can get to Ann Taylor, but they don't carry my size in the store, only online.

I tried Talbots the other day, which I can also get to in person, and I was terribly disappointed. I was at their main store in my area, and I asked the sales associate if she could pull some coats for me in a variety of sizes for me to try on. I wasn't concerned with color as much as fit as I could always order the right color through the store. She told me they didn't have any in stock. That I should order all three on line, try them on and then return the ones that didn't work. I asked her if this was normal, and she said the stores just weren't carrying much in stock anymore.

I am not trying to make excuses, but I am remembering why I hate shopping so much!

My hope is to get to White House Black Market to try the ponte knit jacket they had (and maybe the bad for me dress, just to be sure it is so bad!). If I can get DH to stay home with DD!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh no! No wonder shopping is hard! I get it.

Which sizes are you currently ordering online?

Belted jackets are another great way to go.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's frustrating, I know. I have a similar problem - all good stores are at least 3 hours away. And ordering online in Canada is mostly a nightmare of extra costs and lost items. So I feel your pain.

But once you find the right fit, you will be SO happy. I can just tell that the RIGHT knit jacket is going to look and feel so good to you that it will help your style fall into place.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Thistle, try Eileen Fisher!

Thistle

Veteran

Angie - I am currently ordering a size 16 and 18 online from Ann Taylor. I wear a large or XL in knits, depending. From Talbots a 16W for bottom. I wear a L or XL in knits, usually L. And I wear a 16 regular in jackets there usually.

IK - I will check to see if there is anyone that sells Eileen Fisher around here. Our shopping choices are pretty limited. We have a single Macys and a couple of Boston Stores, Sears and JC Penny. Too many Kohls (this is the state where they originated)! I am guessing the only one that might sell her is Macys.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I like the first and the third best! But all of them look nice and are well tailored to fit you.

I am so sorry for your bad Talbot experience. How frustrating!

ironkurtin

Veteran

You can purchase EF online and return it. It can be very pricey. However, it wears EXTREMELY well and once you know your size, I have had very good luck buying it used off ebay.