Safari Jacket - fit and styling questions - YouLookFab Forum

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Safari Jacket - fit and styling questions

Elizabeth

I hope this doesn't give Angie a stroke, but I have never owned a jacket before! However, I found this jacket at LOFT - http://tinyurl.com/loftsafarijacket. It looked cute, so I bought it during their 40% off sale, BUT I'm not 100% convinced I should keep it.

First of all, I have no idea how a jacket like this is supposed to fit. Are you supposed to have full range of motion in the shoulders or is it supposed to feel a bit tight? I bought a size 6 and a size 8. I like that the 6 is more fitted through the waist, but I think the 8 fits my shoulders better. I don't know if you'd be able to see the difference in photos, but I can post photos later if you think it would help.

Also, how should I style a jacket like this? This is definitely out of my fashion comfort zone, but if I never step out of my comfort zone then I'll never up my style quotient (at least this is what I'm telling myself).

As always, I appreciate any input!

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Hi Elizabeth - I can't help at all but I DO think it would help if you posted pictures. It would also give you a chance to try things out yourself and I bet you'll have more ideas than you think at the moment about styling it once you start putting it on over things.

I have lots of jackets BUT only one that I wear comfortably (as a pants suit and more recently as a boyfriend jacket). The other ones are hanging uneasily in my wardrobe until I have the nerve to post some pictures and ask if and how I should wear them.

I hope you get some more directly helpful replies soon!

rute

Veteran

So GORGEOUS!
Love it, please keep it!
Can't say much about the fit because we have no photos, I've always learned that jackets need to fit well at the shoulders and bust and then, if necessary, adjust at the waist!

This jacket will be lovely with a pair of skinnies, brown flats and wood bangles (to complete the safari look).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love the jacket. It will look great with fuchsia on your skin tone. Lets see it on!

Tanya

Veteran

Very pretty jacket! I would also like to see photos of it on you. I love olive green with pinks, purples and berry colors.

Kristine

Veteran

I love the jacket! I have a similar problem with jackets, when they fit in the shoulders they often are too large in the torso. You should have a relatively full range of movement in the shoulders. If we can see it on maybe we can help determine if it fits well.

I used to never wear jackets either. Now I have one that I love and I want more! When I run out to the grocery store I throw on a jacket instead of a hoodie. It's so easy and looks a lot more stylish.

Traci

Veteran

Another vote for pictures of you in the jacket. I think with this style, you can go with the comfortable fit in the shoulders b/c you can bring in the waist with the belt.

Nonie

i got a similar jacket at Gap..im so happy with my safari jacket...it goes with anything...its great for toning down brights

florida

Veteran

It's a gorgeous jacket, but can you give us a pic of it on you? Must see!
Your comment on never having had a jacket before--I am a recent convert from Team Cardi to Team Jacket. The only jackets I ever had were ones that were a part of a formal business suit--well, those are all worn as boyfriend blazers, now! I never wore jackets because they always felt too constricting and I felt that they made me look too wide across the shoulders. I have Laura's same problem, too--that any jacket that fit me through the shoulders was too big through the torso.
Anyway, back to you--I think that there are a lot of ways to style this. I'm thinking that it would look cute over a tank with your new Bermuda shorts, and some wedge sandals!
As far as fit and comfort, well, wearing jackets takes some getting used to. You don't have quite the full range of movement that you would with a cardi, but you shouldn't feel too too constricted!

Inge

(website)

That's a lovely jacket Elizabeth, you really are on a shopping roll lately! Fantastic!
The other lasses have already given you great advice about how it should fit (and yes, please do post a pic;-)
I too love the idea of purple, fuchsia and berry colours with this colour. Bright blues also work really well.

It's an incredibly versatile jacket methinks. Love Amanda's suggestion of pairing it with your Bermuda shorts!

I've worn jackets like these with pencil skirts, skinny jeans tucked into boots, bootcut jeans with pumps/ankle boots... Lots of tops go with this as well, more flowy blouses, more strict button-down shirts, knit tops with a cowl neck, turtlenecks...

Have fun experimenting!

taylor

Veteran

GREAT jacket, I am familiar with this one. I like my jackets ~snug~ as a longtime jacket wearer that is my preference, otherwise they can look boxy or a bit sloppy(unless boyfriend style of course.)

Try styling it up as shown to start...cute top or blouse and your favorite denim:)

Lisa

Veteran

Don't mean to side track but Taylor, do you wear your jackets always opened or sometimes closed/buttoned up too? I always wonder how to style a jacket. Thanks!

Maya

Veteran

I'm guessing since it has the belt, it might be better to err on the side of big...but only pictures will tell.

taylor

Veteran

This has a self belt, I almost always get rid of those.

Lisa, I wear my jackets closed 95 % of the time. I have posted several photo's a while ago in several jackets, but I wear them snug, very fitted, so when the are closed there is a clean, close fit:)

Anonymous

I love the military and safari jackets too. I have been collecting pieces but have not yet put the outfit together. The jacket you chose is really nice. I bought one from Martin and Osa for half price because they are closing the store. That one is OK but no comparison to the Kenna T military jacket I got from Nordstroms which looks nice and neat like the one you showed.
I found a couple of jewelry items I hope to incorporate into my military jacket look. These were items for sale that had been used in a large style magazine photo shoot. One brooch is an Eagle, and a second brooch is a star hanging from a bar. I am a little leary of offending someone if I wear them wrong, so please let me know if there are any rules I should be aware of.
I did buy a cool bag to go with my outfit, but won't know what I will wear for bottoms and shoes until I start polaying around with the look. Maybe you will beat me to it and your pictures will inspire me.
Does anyone recall if Angie has done a blog post on doing menswear outfits? I'm sure there would be alot to learn there.