Leather jackets - k/r/alter - YouLookFab Forum

R, of course, is for resell! These three jackets have been in my closet for a while but I don't wear them as much as I should (or in the case of the third one at all).

#1-2 This one is a really beautiful blue Calvin Klein leather jacket I thrifted a few years ago but the sleeves are too short and I am not sure about the fit overall. Ever since last year when Angie posted about shorter sleeve leather jackets I have considered having the sleeves shortened (to about #2 or a bit shorter). I guess it will not be cheap - is it worth it?

#3 is a Donna Karan leather jacket my fabulous niece gave me a few years ago when she worked for DKNY and got stuff like this all the time (!). The leather is beautiful and I like the side view, but I am not sure about the front?

#4-5 is a thrifted pleather local chain jacket that I originally planned to resell. But I sort of like it. Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks - I have stared at these jackets for so long I really need fresh eyes.

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13 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm no expert but I love the last one. It's very cool in a Speed Racer kind of way. I like the CK with shorter sleeves. I'm not sure about the DK one.

Anonymous

When I saw your title I knew this would be a great post and didn't disappoint me! I think you saved the best one for last though.

I think the first one would be served well by a bracelet length sleeve, especially since it is cut in that "biker Chanel" kind of cut. The sleeves are too wide to scrunch, obviously. If it really suits your style, it might be worth it.

I like the DKNY a lot, but I think your high necked shirt is throwing me a curve ball. How about over a button front shirt?

The last one looks super cool to me, and really different, but you said it's from a local store. Do you see these all over Israel? That would make a difference to whether I kept it or not. You could always try consigning it and then wear it if it doesn't sell. I did that with some of my purged items recently (although I'm not quite sure what that says about my style, lol).

annagybe

(website)

I like the Donna Karan and the last one. The first looks too big in the body. There are some bigger leather jackets around now, but they're longer.

MNsara

#1 - At first glance I was thinking resell. Then when I tried to envision elbow or 3/4 length sleeves -- maybe alter. If you do alter, be sure to get styling advice too, because I think the end result will still be a short boxy jacket that isnt' wildly versatile.

#2 - Like this style and fit on you! The length is shorter, so maybe wear with skirts? And the high crew doesn't flatter it. Try a button down with shirt collar - as claire suggested. Or try a v-neck with or without a scarf.

#3 is super fun and unexpected! If you're okay with the pleather, then wear the heck out of this one with pants, jeans, skirts.

Jaime

Oh thank you everyone. I don't know why I don't post more of these things, because I certainly have plenty of question marks in my closet. I think each of you has picked up on an aspect of my indecision - I will try restyling the DK one as suggested. I am torn about the CK one (DK,CK how confusing!) Anna is right that it is boxy and sort of big on me, and probably out of date at that, but it is such a pretty color...I will wait and see if others weigh in.

Claire, you crack me up! Are you suggesting keeping rejected from consignment clothes is wrong? Doesn't just show how original we are - we only want what no one else will take! Along those lines, the third jacket is from a chain, but I have never seen this jacket anywhere but the big pile of clothes from which I nabbed it. I will have to try to wear it when it gets cooler.

Thank you Sara for your detailed and very helpful thoughts and Kelly for basically summing up how I feel and thus making me feel quite validated!

bj1111

the calvin klein may gain a mod feel if you shorten the sleeves and wear a lower neckline.

Caro in Oz

#1 - I would roll the sleeves back a couple of time & wear it around to see how you feel - maybe with jeans & a tee.
#2 Would love to see this as a "suit" jacket with a pencil skirt & shoes or boots & a lower neckline (that top is throwing me too).
#3 Is a fun look - what other clothing do you have that you could wear this with a plain dress, jeans, wide leg pants? If it is something a lot of people wear I think you would need to really feel like all the other pieces you were wearing are really "you".

jayne

Just adding my voice to wear the last one, but pass on the first one. It is not your size and a great color doesn't save it. Let it go and you may find the right thing in that color instead.

Glory

Love the last one on you and the second. Both are so different and could fill different needs and I think they fit you well. I am not so sure about the first one due to fit, but you could try the idea to roll the sleeves and see how you feel wearing it about before deciding.

Makrame

I really like #3. With the CK jacket, there is something about the boxiness/length of it that feels off, and I don't think it is going to be remedied by shortening the sleeves.

Ok, I think the consensus is to consign the CK jacket and start wearing number 3. I will keep #2 as well, and try styling as suggested. Thanks - soon I hope to move on to my oversupply of winter coats.

rute

1 - I would take to the tailor to do a 3/4 sleeve!
3 - I love this one!
4 - is not my cup of tea, but it fits you well!

morethanbeige

I'm no expert, but the last one really jumped out at me as very fun and different.

Transcona Shannon

I absolutely LOVE that last moto jacket Shevia - it's fun and fits you well. I'm not crazy about the other two.

That sounds like a plan! Maybe you can get some clothing cash from the first one. And let's have some cooler weather so we can wear our pleather! Mine would melt right now if I left it in my car.

Jonesy

I like all of them. I think the first one would look great with the sleeves shortened to elbow-length, and then worn with skirts or over a dress (or with a longer layer underneath, if wearing with pants or shorts--just too short with tucked top and pants). I like the second one the least, but the fit is nice and I could see it, also, with skirts or over a dress (ditto about its length), maybe with a striped or graphic t-shirt to make it look less like a business jacket in leather? I love the third one! Very fab.

I like the first one too (with shortened sleeves) but I second Jonesy that it would look better over a slim skirt or dress.

As for the others, I'm with the consensus. ;o)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love the first one if you alter the sleeves.

I like the second and third jacket too!

That was easy

Suz

I am going to echo Jonesy and Angie. I think all of these have great possibilities. For ideas to style the first one (with altered sleeves) check out that neat Angie pick jacket Beijing wore in the NAS post.

Oh dear. Ok, I will take the first one to my wonderful tailor and see what she says. I do have just the long skirt for it, and I really must at least try if Angie (and Jonesy and JR and Suz) say to!

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