This jacket for a petite hourglass?

Hi all, I'd value some opinions on a jacket that I've seen.

Since starting my new job, I've been identifying gaps in my wardrobe. I have to walk outside between buildings quite frequently during the day, so it can be cold outside but very warm inside as the heating is turned on. I've been wearing a suit jacket with layers underneath, and that's worked quite well so far. However Scottish weather being what it is, it's bound to get a lot colder before long, so I started looking for something smart I could wear until I have to haul out the winter coat.

This jacket online caught my eye. It looks fairly understated and classic, but I'm a bit concerned whether it will actually flatter my petite hourglass shape. Is it a little on the boxy side? UItimately it will depend on how it looks on, of course, but I guess I wanted the ylf opinion on whether it was worth checking out. I'm drawn to the black colour, but I'm aware that's my default and am trying to keep an open mind about the other colours. Thoughts please?

http://www.marksandspencer.com.....&pos=

15 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Firefly, from the back the jacket looks like it has great structure and shaping, so it *could* have good potential to fit your hourglass shape well. (I'm personally quite drawn to the blue color!) The main concern is whether it would be small & proportionate enough to fit your petite sizing.
You never know until you try, though - do you have a way to try it on or return it risk-free if you order it?

Vix

Hi Firefly --

I agree with Kari -- the seaming looks like it has good potential to call out your waist and enhance your curves nicely, and the length shouldn't overwhelm. Sleeves can always be shortened.

IME with coats it will be the shoulders that are the do-or-die point, so good luck with fit!

As far as color, a lot depends on *your* coloring. The Dark Violet might be a good half-step away from your default, black.

Personally in grey climates like mine I find brights like the blue and scarlet-y shade a nice change from the usual coat colors...on others, ha. I hear you on the black, and have to admit I've only gone to plum and deep brownish-green for myself.

firefly

Active Member

I went to the shopping centre tonight after work and tried on the jacket in a few different sizes and colours (sizes are UK); in red in a size 8, in black in a size 10, and in blue/violet in a size 12.

I discounted the size 8 and 12 fairly quickly; the 8 pulls under the armpits, and even I can see the 12 is too big! However I'm still unsure about the 10; the bottom of the jacket hits me about 3 inches below my hipbone which seems to be the widest part of my hips. Also I'm not sure about the slightly puffed shoulders. Like I said above, my default is to gravitate to black but I was quite pleasantly surprised by the violet! I think the red might be a bit too bright for me.

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I tried on a few other jackets while I was in the shopping centre, and actually found another one that I rather liked. It's described as a salt and pepper colour, which does play into my neutral default, but I like the collar, especially open - it looks to me almost like a revere collar effect - and the bottom hits me a bit further down the thigh. I took pictures in different variations of open and closed.

Thoughts?

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Srujana

I agree that the 10 looks best...and if you already have a black jacket, then my vote is for the red. The purple is nice and soft but I don't think it really pops against your skin tone. I like bright colors on dreary winter days

Oh! The grey one is pretty sweet....I like that you can do up the collar or leave it unbuttoned...and it fits you like a glove!

How badly are you wanting to move away from your neutrals?

catgirl

I love the grey one! The collar is so cool and it's a great fit. Were there other color options? The colors in the first set are great, but I am completely biased against puff shoulders on me, and can't see objectively on others either.

Scarlet

Whatever the size in pic 4 is seems to be right. The arms look a little long in photo 1 and some other photos. I actually like this jacket more than I expected. The violet is a nice color on you, but if you want this to throw over whatever outfit you happen to be wearing, then black is probably a better choice. The turtleneck or a scarf keeps color on your face nicely. I think the sleeve detail suits you and the cut does not appear to emphasize your hips. You look well-proportioned.

elpgal

The 10 is a good fit but you are right about the poofy shoulders. I prefer the length of the second one but after seeing how flattering the purple/red are on you, I'd be inclined to find something in those colors.

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I realised I had to get the second (grey) jacket when I woke up the next morning feeling anxious that someone else might buy it meantime. As it was on sale and was the only one in my size, it would have meant a bit of detective work if it had sold. Thankfully I got it!

I hear what people are saying about the colour of this and the other jacket, but I felt that fit was the most important thing and this one fit better. I can always add colour with a scarf etc. I also thought it was smart enough for work, but I could wear it casually too. I've just picked it up from the tailor who shortened the sleeves for me, so I'm set. Thanks again!

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