OK Blazer ladies, help me style these Theory Lanai's - YouLookFab Forum

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OK Blazer ladies, help me style these Theory Lanai's

jackiec

Veteran

First off - I am not a blazer person. I am a stay-at-home, yet still goes out for lunch once in awhile mom. However, for special occasions I have found that I have a BIG hole for dressier toppers that I can throw over a dress or slacks. On my last girls trip to Vegas in late May I marvelled at how put together my girlfriends looked as they boarded the planes wearing jeans or black leggings and various cool blazers. I don't think I looked bad - I usually wear a big cardi or pullover and ginormous scarf - but was impressed with how effortlessly chic these girls looked.

So as we shopped I kept this in mind. I picked up these two Theory Lanai blazers at the outlet mall. So, I don't have the option to return them - they are definitely keepers. I've had these since early June and have yet to wear them. Maybe because the weather has been too warm and I just haven't had a chance. Maybe also because I'm worried that I look like I'm trying to hard and they don't fit properly.

Just wondering if you fabbers could help me out. Is the fit passable? I really don't want to spend $ on tailoring but would if you think it's necessary. And for those of you who have seen much of my wardrobe, any styling tips? I have the black one on with the VC tube skirt only b/c I just bought it and was trying various combinations. I've noticed that both jackets feel fab with just a white tank underneath, but realistically I'd never do this b/c I would feel crazy-uncomfortable if I had to take the jacket off.

Last 2 shots are of my advisors who I am looking at most of the time in my photos. My kids are at camp and DH is golfing. As much as I love our pets I think I prefer the real-life advice of YLF Thanks in advance!

ETA jackets are 2 different sizes...can u tell?

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23 replies

Latest reply was from jackiec

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I especially love the tan on you, Jackie. Super gorgeous and matches sweet little Lincoln. Both jackets are great - versatile and on trend. I slightly prefer the fit of the tan. I'm guessing that is a size smaller. xo

Anonymous

Hard to tell fit difference, but I also love the tan one. And, I'm all about wearing blazers with tanks when I have a day that might include meeting with customers, lunch out somewhere and some general running around. I can easily keep the jacket on in a restaurant and at a store with a customer, and then take it off in the car to preserve it's shape etc and to cool myself off

I especially love it with your easy jeans, pony and tank - you rock the casual look !

Nicole D

Veteran

The Lanai has quite a storied history here on the forum! I won't bore you but basically it's a lovely blazer if hard to wear for some of us. Not for you though, you wear this blazer well. I too like the smaller size but both are passable I think. I think you are on the right track, these outfits look good. I prefer it with the pants, it's a bit bombshell with the skirts - but that's just my preference. Would you throw on a scarf with these?

ma

Veteran

I like them both, they seem to fit fine, and no, you don't look like you're trying too hard. The tan is my favorite and looks great on you, especially with the column of white and also the jeans. You nailed 'effortlessly chic'.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ack!! You are making me super jealous! Because I think they are working on you!

So...I need to ask, are these made of the cotton twill?

If so, I am going to get myself one, and that is that.

Please tell me the fabrication....I SO want one of these babies.

I tried a wool one and it did a bit more of what the black one is doing on you between the shoulder and bust...sort of creasing along the sides if that makes sense. I'm not sure my photos adequately show the fit issue.

When I tried the size down it was a bit better in the front but then the back didn't fit right. DH noticed it immediately and said, that jacket is not tailored right for you. And I am usually an easy fit in jackets.

I especially love the lighter one on you. Looks amazing with the faded jeans. I agree this style looks best with a simple tank or tee underneath but it can also work really well with a buttoned shirt collar or t-neck or with a simple boatneck top. Like the Vince boatneck tee.

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Nicole D

Veteran

Suz, I'm glad you chimed in with your Lanai experience. I remember feeling your pain. Maybe a cotton twill one would fit better - go for it!

shedev

Veteran

I love the blazer and jeans.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, I love both of these on you! Super chic!
I have a black one too, with leather trim.

jackiec

Veteran

Oh wow - thanks for the love, ladies. I will try to work these into some WIWs, maybe as the weather cools off. I appreciate every comment.

Angie - surprise! The black one is the smaller of the two sizes! Go figure!

Actually, I loved the tan one, and was in line to purchase it when I spied the black one on a mannequin. They only had the one size left, which was smaller. I purchased it anyways thinking it would more than likely just be used to throw over simple dresses. I think the fit of the tan, slightly bigger, is best, but I will try to wear both in some real-life WIW's...

Suz - OMG I feel so totally ignorant. Can you believe I never even checked the fabrication when I purchased these? Duh! I assumed they were the same, and both cotton. What do you know, but the black is actually 96% wool and 4% elastane. The tan is 58% cotton, 38% rayon, & 4% spandex. Maybe this is why it is getting the love here. Funny huh? I must say, that when I first went into the Theory outlet store, the first Lanai I spied was a gorgeous tan with navy blue specks. I fell in love with it on the spot, but alas it was a size too big. I settled on the tan, and then grabbed the black for good measure. Thanks for the heads up on the fabrication. Jeez I feel kinda dumb not even having checked that in advance Hey, I tried it on with the Vince boatneck tee underneath but was experiencing some bunching which was taking away from looking at the fit. Great minds think alike!!! I think you should try a cotton one....any chance you can hit a Theory outlet. Amazing pricing....but that was last weekend of May...

Jeanie

Veteran

Sounds like you are all sorted out. The jackets look great on you. I think I like the jacket best with jeans on everyone that I've seen it on. I guess it's just the mix of casual and dressy that makes it cool. Your advisers look eager to please..so cute.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Theory outlet, eh? Hmm. Are those only in the US? Where can I find one, I wonder?

It's funny about the sizing. The fabrication might make a difference there, too. I think you are lucky that the black one is wool -- it can be worn all year in your climate, pretty much. While the lighter one will be best for summer.

You scored big time with these. Enjoy them!!

catgirl

Veteran

I don't think you need any help! I think I was one of the early Lanai folks here and can tell you they go with EVERYTHING. Just throw one on and go. You have impeccable style from what I've seen - these will merge right in!

Anonymous

Love, LOVE, the cream jacket with the jeans. Exactly what you posted about your girlfriends, effortless style. The other outfits work but seem to be just so, if that makes sense. I like them but am not sure if they fit your occasions. They seem more refined business trying to be casual. Maybe it is the juxtaposition of the clean line jacket to the boyfriend jeans that makes the last outfit interesting whereas the skirt options are clean lines topped with clean lines.

jackiec

Veteran

You know I do think the fabrication affects the sizing. Good point. I got mine at the Theory outlet in Vegas. I know there's also one at the premium outlets north of Seattle as well. Other than that I have no clue. The tan one only cost me a little over $100 or so, so I think it was a great deal. Wonder if any one else might know....

Suzanne

Nth-ing the blazer with jeans look. If the tank top feels too risky, maybe try a t-shirt underneath instead? A lightweight scarf could be a nice addition too.

Marley

Veteran

I'm dying here - because I have tried and tried to make the Lanai work on me - and no matter what size I try or what fabrication I get they always have a bit of bunching between the shoulder and the bottom of the armpit (same problem that Suz has had with them.) I just want to cry!
But - enough about me. These look wonderful on you! They appear to seamlessly fit with your style - and definitely not trying too hard. Just casual, chic. LOVE!

crutcher

Veteran

Great choices...I think the tan one "fits" and looks awesome with each choice..especially the jeans and tee..However, that said, I wouldn't spend the money to alter the black one..It looks great with the stripe skirt...Both are winners as is your precious audience...

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Lots of envy here that you can buy jackets off the rack not needing alterations! (I usually need to shorten the sleeves.) I too love the version with the cream jacket, white tank and blue boyfriend jeans. The white jeans work beautifully as well. Some ideas to stretch the styling possibilities of these jackets:

Add scarves. It seems this neckline is suited to a scarf.
Add necklaces, especially ones with bold color to counteract the neutral aspect of the jacket colors.
Try a gray-white-black color scheme with the black jacket.
Try a black-out look -- put an asymmetrical top underneath the black jacket, combine with skinny jeans or leggins + heeled footwear.
Try a cream and gray color scheme. With an accent color via accessories, for example coral or teal.
Do you have distressed boyfriend jeans or skinnies? If so you could wear a white cotton or silk button down shirt under either color of blazer.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Another Lanai owner and lover here and agree that they pretty much work with everything. I like both since the two colors offer great versatility.

Neel

Veteran

Beautiful steals!! I think the tan fits you better too but the black is great too. The length is such a versatile one because you could throw them over anything and still look perfect!

unfrumped

Veteran

I think you did well and will get a lot if use from these.

Sounds like you nee a relatively thin top underneath but wang mor coverage when jacket is off. I'd look for some fluid rayon dessyT shirts with a short sleeve, and neckline you like-- probably mild scoop or generous crew. These would fit under jackets, go withe skrts or jeans, not be bombshell but still look polished. Places like TJ Maxx have Tahari and off- brands, or try Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and they're frequently o sale.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

HAH. The size difference in the photos is negligible. Not to worry. You look killer fab in both. xo

jackiec

Veteran

More good suggestions - thanks!

Denise, I am writing all of these ideas down - will try them out for sure! Thanks a million