Please help analyze this BR blazer-- "almost" but not-quite right

I’m trying not to over-blazer, but thought I might work a strategy of finding a happy- colored jacket to wear with neutral grays/black, and a gray or tweedy jacket to wear when I’m wearing tops in berry, teal. Sort of the flip/flop color scheme.

I saw this BR jacket in “burgundy” that is really a berry color, on-line and ordered it to try. Then found they have it in store, though the locator said not!

Anyway, I’m not loving, it but please help me see what’s wrong, or not.

For some reason it doesn’t have the “look” I was going for. The color? May be a bit flat though it "ought" to work. The fabrication is a bit stiff—a flannel but not soft and drapey. I feel a bit frumpy and like I’m in a blazer work uniform, and it’s not working the way I’d expected, and need it to—I wanted some kind of luscious color pop. Also, maybe I do need a style that is cut differently even though this one "fits,"

I bought probably the same style brown tweed jacket at BR last year, and for some reason it looks better—not super quality either, but maybe the tweed fabric is just a bit softer.

Just for reference I’m showing an older CK jacket, that’s long but survived the great black jacket purge because it was the only one that is cut kind of slim through the top and seems to fit better. It's a rayon blend, not a nice wool, but does have a bit of drape to it.

I know it’s up to me to “love” or not, but can you see what’s missing? It would be easy to ignore my misgivings and keep and throw on with neutrals, but it isn’t fab.

12 years ago

unfrumped

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Suz

(website)

Well, I actually like the BR one on you a lot -- and I say that having expected not to like it!

I'll tell you why. I was curious about that jacket, too, since it's in such a lovely colour. And I found it and examined it in store. I didn't actually go as far as putting it on, because, like you, I was turned off by the fabrication, which somehow felt a bit cardboard-like, if that makes any sense. I knew I wouldn't be comfortable in it.

So, based on that experience, I suspect you are reacting as much or more to the feel of it as the look of it, and I completely understand that you don't like the feel.

I also think it is a very classic style. The only "modern" element is the colour, really. So to feel good and current it might require more trendy items to go with. At minimum, sleeve scrunching.

I do think if you liked it more you could easily make it work for you, though.

From what I can tell, the black one looks okay, too.

kkards

i think you wanted WOW and this is just nice.
if you are looking for burgundy --maybe try this. i think it has more drape, and the shape maybe closer to the black one that you are wearing.

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/w.....ogId=33060

viva

I agree with kkards and Suz. When I looked at the picture, I thought it looked FINE. It reminded me of when my hairstylist is having an off day and my short cut goes slightly conservative instead of slightly edgy. It still looks fine but it makes me feel stiffer and boring. I like the option kkards posted, or Suz's idea of scrunching the sleeves. I think you might just need something (an effect, or a different jacket with more fluidity) to lift this out of its basic box.

Sarah A

I looks like a classic blazer to me. Taking notes on that not quite right feeling, ive not handled this fabric but i know for myself a blue blazer that drapes stayed whilt a wool red one that stood stiffly left. Couldnt see it in the pic so much as it didnt ferl great. I have a particular time with texture in the wools (ESP. 100% wools) as well.

Thank you, all!

Suz, that is right--I just expected this to work due to color but I'm put off by the fabric.
kkards, I really did not want true burgundy--though may re-think that--as it could be that it won't be just color, or just fabric, but somehow the right combo will feel right.
viva, thank you for comments. I did try turning back the cuffs--there's a nice gray lining--and I actually like turned-back cuffs, though I suspect it's considered not as stylish. I can't do scrunching well, they do not stay, in jackets, only sweaters, and definitely not this fabrication. Also, one thing that interested me is that this morning, with a nip in the air, I did not want any scrunching or ruching--so for a wool winter jacket, I need it to look good with sleeves down.
Sarah A--yes. I think I'm pining for some kind of nice color but I believe I'll regret the fabric. If it were a "steal"--maybe I'd use it as a placeholder or to experiment with whether a colored blazer is a good option, but it was full price, That would be okay for a can't-wait-to-wear item, but I'm concerned I'd be scanning the horizons for the "better" version.

Also there is this annoying detail on this jacket--they've used white thread to finish the top corners of the chest pocket and one of the sleeve buttonholes
. Gues they thought that would be distinctive. I think it's stupid, but would actually not be a deal-breaker if everything else was perfect.

Isn't it funny how I feel like I ought to make this work when the lesson I need to learn is, something better will come up. It wouldn't have to be a blazer--could be some other topper. I am very susceptible to color-goggles.

Mia

Maybe it is the pocket treatment? Looks classic for sure but in kind of a dated way. I agree your older blazer is better judging by the photos.

I think your blazer is still out there or maybe consider another jacket silhouette for your "frosting" jacket. A moto, collarless or bomber?

I am susceptible to colour-goggles too. Especially rose coloured ones!

I don't at all blame you for wanting this to work and I think you could make it work, but eh, a better one will come along and you'll be happier.

Beth Ann

This is a well shaped, if slightly conservative, blazer. Perhaps you either need a little more give and play in the fabric, or a stronger, more modern silhouette in a structured fabric.

Keep following your instinct for a happy color, and the right jacket will show up!

DonnaF

The cut seems awfully conservative for BR. How do you feel about the patch pockets? I've been blinded too by color goggles, but the right fabrication is so important as well. The right one will come along eventually.

Anonymous

I think it looks fantastic, color, cut, fit and everything. But if it doesn't feel yummy, pass. Go with your gut on this, or I fear it may hang unworn in your closet. Pity, because it's a gorgeous blazer.

Mia and DonnaF, I think you are hitting it again--it is more conservative overall than I realized, because the color is the first thing you notice, then the detail. Beth Ann, clearlyclaire--thanks for more hand-holding.

I think my instincts are that it looks frumpy and stiff on me, in what would be my usual outfits. My other items in an outfit tend to be pretty conservative and so I think what I'm seeing is that a very conservative jacket, and a cardboard-y wool, move me further toward LLBean-mom. Someone else, maybe 20's, or in skinny jeans, or heeled booties, or whatever, could look stylish or "ironic".

This may be part of a new epiphany, for which I'm grateful for your taking the time to analyze with me, that I need the topper to do more than someone else might, since I may typically be wearing trousers, more conservative shoes. I think this is in part, along with fit, why I had to toss several blazers and jackets recently. And that might be part of maintaining a "leaner" jacket/topper capsule but finding ones that do something. When I look at it that way, it helps me see more of what I might be looking for and not just that this one is not right.

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