Less is more or a step too far?

So....I saw this cropped length check jacket in a thrift store and liked its bell shape sleeve - but not so much other features - the fussy double length buckle ties for the cuffs, the epaulettes + the funny buckle thing at the neck.

With seam ripper in hand I got stuck into some renovations! Now have spare buttons plus able to take some fabric strands + do a burn test to confirm its made off wool.

Now I'm not so sure about the sleeves - too long? too elephant leg like?

Hoping that it might have looked good with a plain black dress or an a-line skirt (my best shape).

Does anyone else see potential in items from the thrift store - or for that matter items lurking in their wardrobe, or even new in store?
Is this a case of less is more or a step too far?

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8 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I like the changes that you have made to this jacket and think it would look best with an all black or all white/cream base. The sleeves do look long - only about half an inch - but I think it would help with the proportions of the jacket. Alternatively, if you wanted to, you could go for bracelet sleeves (which may be more practical, given long bell sleeves can be tricky to wear).

Sisi

I think in this case less is more. I like this jacket much better now. I generally like clean, simple things without too many details. I would shorten the sleeves. I would even do bracelet sleeves, as Bijou suggests (but again, this is my personal taste). And yes, sometimes I see potential in clothes that I see but in another way. Most times I wish the item was made of natural fabric instead of the horrid, ever-present synthetic.

JAileen

I think less is definitely an improvement. I think the sleeves are too long, though.

I have altered thrifted items. One was a Pendleton 49er jacket. I reduced the collar size.

BrieN

I am nodding my head to your comment of "elephant-leg like". I would suggest shortening the sleeves, and also tailoring them to follow the arm more snugly until the start of a bell. Or just tailor straight to the bottom. Cute jacket.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

You made me think of Cinderella's birds and mice, altering the dress her stepsisters discarded!

This is a great jacket! Definitely a winner.

Bijou had the same thoughts that I did, about the sleeves - but when I covered the photo with my thumb, to imagine a bracelet sleeve, I realized it might look a bit seasonally confused with the heavy collar and trench back. I think I would pin the cuffs under 1/2-1" and try it on and see if you like it.

I also really like Brie N's suggestion about slimming the sleeves, just a little. But I don't know if the fabric and lining have any stretch to allow for a slimmer fit that is still comfortable.

I had to google burn-testing on fabrics. I had no idea you could do this! Maybe keep an extinguisher handy.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You are creative.

I think the sleeves are still too long.

The jacket doesn't fit that well on the torso. It looks a little big on the shoulder and does not lie flat on the waist. Perhaps leave it un-buttoned? That might improve the drape.

Sara L.

I like it better with your adjustments. I think the sleeves are too long and a big too wide. I agree with LBD about cuffing the sleeves and seeing how that looks before making any big changes. I think the cropped length will look really cute over a black dress.

shedev

I do sometimes buy thrift store items with plans to alter them. you did a nice job with the jacket. I would shorten the sleeves a bit.

lozz_oz

Thanks ladies for all the feedback. I'll do a bit more tinkering and see what happens - if it doesn't work, back to the thrift shop it goes!

Angie: I suspected that the reason the epaulettes didn't sit right for me was that the shoulder fit is a bit off on me - your very trained eye detected that + the not spot on torso fit - I'll see how it sits when left open! - otherwise it goes back to the op shop or to a friend!

Anonymous

I really like where you were going with this. I cannot offer you any concrete suggestions, but before you do too much more wait for Approprio and/or Firecracker to weigh in.

Great advice Sterling - I'll see if more ideas come in!

tulle

Nice find--good for you! I really like the alterations you've made, and I would also shorten the sleeves by a half-inch to an inch. To solve the torso problem Angie mentioned, I would consider moving the buttons: Try the jacket on, move the edge to a place that allows the torso to drape and skim your rib cage without pulling, then mark that place with a pin or chalk mark through each buttonhole, and replace the buttons on those marks. It looks like there is plenty of cloth; the buttons may even have been moved before to make the jacket tighter. Good luck--I think it will be great with a black skirt or dress. Or red!

I'm a happy thrifter, too, and given the low prices of things I find, I don't hesitate to dig in with seam ripper and pins. Once, after I'd seen some beautifully tailored (and very expensive) long velvet English jackets in a magazine, I found an espresso brown pin-striped velvet coat for $10 in a thrift shop. It was too long, had cheap metal buttons and an ugly half-belt in the back, but the fabric and silhouette were perfect. I removed the belt, shortened the coat to a flattering length, and used the leftover velvet to make covered buttons. With a pair of dark brown bootcut jeans, boots, a high-collared shirt and patterned silk scarf, the finished product was a dead-ringer for the Edwardian-style outfits I'd admired in the magazine. I felt very dashing at Christmas that year!

Jaime

Yes to finding items with potential! I have no sewing skills but have had changes made by others. I totally get why you were drawn to this jacket!

Thanks for the tweaking ideas tulle - I think that the fundamental problem is a slightly off fit on the shoulder (I'm narrow shouldered + small busted) so shifting the button position can't change that!
As the old saying goes - 'Nothing ventured nothing gained'
The velvet jacket you altered sounds divine - how about a photo some time?
Thanks shevia - this find hasn't even involved sewing skills - no creation but more like subtraction + destruction!

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