Should I pass on jackets with patch pockets?

pil

Going through my clothes I now realize that most of my jackets have pockets. After looking at these pictures, I'm thinking that pockets are not my friend. Do you agree?
The green jacket is something I already had but have always liked. The Halogen sweater and white denim jacket were purchased before this realization and can still be returned. Thanks.

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13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

christieanne

Veteran

I am not an expert but I think it isn't the pockets that are bothering your eye but maybe the short length/square cut of those three items? I am wondering if you have any jackets with slightly longer hems and less boxy cut? You could try for contrast possibly? I also think something with a stronger shoulder might be a good balance for you.

I think the white denim is an option for you though! And the green with the black skirt - I like the low contrast between them as it lengthens your waist a bit.

Take this as constructive feedback from one who has learned to slowly let her boxy jackets go (mournfully!).

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I think I agree with Christieanne:)

I would like to see you try a jacket that nips you in at the waist a little to create some shape. Please don't get me wrong. I actually like these three looks on you however I wonder if they provide the most figure flattery.

The way you wore the first jacket in your other post (open with the blouse) was flattering. I am thinking jackets with a deeper v at the neck will also be very flattering.

13 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

These all look fine to me!
To be very picky the high contrast of jacket in pic #1 between pockets and the rest of the material does draw the eye to that area, but it isn't 'unfriendly' or unflattering at all.
That said Deborah and Christieanne's advice is worth keeping in mind for future purchases.

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I also agree with Deborah and Cristieanne's advice; maybe something longer and with a more defined middle will look more lean on you

Of these, I think the white denim looks the best; maybe because it provides the most contrast!

13 years ago

Anonymous

Return them. I think it is the length and boxiness of the garments. I too have to avoid that same thing.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If these jackets would have usefulness in your wardrobe, please don't return before trying to style in a few different ways. I agree with others that it is not the pockets per se that is the issue; it is the boxiness of the cuts. A jacket that curves at the waist will give more shape. A different neckline will also flatter more.

With the first two, try scrunching the sleeve so they do not end where the bottom of the jacket hem ends. This will improve things instantly. The denim one, don't forget, will relax a bit with wear; right now the fabric looks a bit stiff but that will change, at which point it will seem less boxy overall.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I am not a big fan of the first sweater, just because I find that type of sweater very hard to style. You can go really frumpy with it. However,I think Shannon has it and it looks killer on her. You might want to check her pictures for inspiration.

I personally don't see anything wrong with the jean jacket. I think the camera angle is playing tricks on you as well.

I think the last blazer would look really good unbuttoned, with jeans and a cream blouse.

13 years ago

Krista

Veteran

I think everyone has given some really great advice here. As someone who has just bought a new white denim jacket, I can confirm Suz's point that it does relax and starts to look less boxy. It has also become the new "go-to" item of my wardrobe, so I would caution you against returning yours - once you start styling it and wearing it with items in your wardrobe, you realize it's value.

I'm not sure the sweater needs to be returned either. It seems to fit you, so why not try styling it differently and posting it on the forum for opinions? I have been on the verge of returning many things until I've seen people on the forum wearing them in different ways and I've realized that if I just wore the item differently, it would look (and now looks) great on me.

Maybe what is looking boxy is that you have both the purple and the green toppers buttoned up. If you wore something underneath and opened them, I think they would provide a more flattering line.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I echo what was said above. I think it is the length and boxiness of the jackets. Might be the pockets as well, but for my untrained eye, I can't separate that from the boxiness.

I would return them and perhaps try a jacket with princess seams.

13 years ago

pil

Veteran

Thanks a million to all of you who replied, I've found it very helpful! I never really realized how boxy they are. I've always gone for trying to fit the shoulders in a petite blazer/jacket feeling anything longer was only going to emphasize my hips. While I don't have any longer jackets, I've added a couple of pictures (photos 1 and 2 in this post)of longer sweaters and tried restyling (photos 3, 4, 5) what I've already posted. I also just picked up another jacket (photo 6) a while back that I think has the features you are suggesting would work best - lower neckline and more defined waist. I think it is a little dressy for everyday with jeans though - it's kind of an alligator print with a sheen.

Think I'll keep the denim as I had not considered it relaxing with washing and wear. Still not completely sold on the purple sweater, although I think I like it best with the houndstooth blouse. Zapotee had mentioned Shannon having this sweater - seeing her in it is what prompted me to buy it.

The white jeans in the first picture don't probably do the sweater any favors. The friend who picked it out for me suggested a wide leg linen pant. The sweater also has a tie for gathering the waist. I've just tucked them in the pockets for this picture. The shirt in this shot is a new ruched tank from the Ann Taylor sale. I bought it with the bubble top I posted about in another thread.

Picture 2 was just thrown together earlier to get a shot of the skirt. Picture 5 is with my favorite scarf, although it is a little unruly here.

Thanks again everyone!

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13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

See how #6 gives you a waist? That's because it's only got one button. Try only buttoning the middle button on #4. I suspect you will get the same effect. That said, the cardigan is a bit snug and is pulling at the buttons. I do not mind the length OR the patch pockets on that one. My eye immediately went to the patch pockets, which called attention to your waist just above them. That said, I'd return simply because the fit is off.

I love #5. Please don't let that one go! Yes maybe #6 is your "ideal" blazer shape, but I think you wear #5 quite well! Even buttoned it is defining your waist.

The jean jacket is fabulous and has lots of potential. If you want to make it perfect, have a tailor nip it in ever so slightly at the waist, and see what difference that makes.

Another trick with boxy, shorter jackets is to wear a longer layer underneath. To my eye, it balances out the proportions. Wear unbuttoned for a "surrendering" look, or only buttoned at the waist, to nip it in right where you want it nipped.

13 years ago

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