WIW - hard to style jacket and low color mixing affinity

I bought this jacket 2 or 3 years ago and really like it, but it is a) not the most comfortable thing ever, and b) hard to style. It also contains orange, a color I love but find difficult to wear. To my eye, it really looks best on me over a black turtleneck and that's about it. But most of my wardrobe is much more versatile, so I don't fret the occasional hard-to-style piece if it's already in my closet. (I have, however, changed my shopping tactics to be more practical since then).

I've seen this jacket styled with outfits that contain more color, but for me, the bold pattern calls for really simple supporting acts: Paige skinnies, black turtleneck from Lord & Taylor, and black Calvin Klein bag. I like the play of the colored heel on the new Topshop booties with this.

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Nordstrom

Topshop 'Mistic' Ankle Boot (Women)

$140.00

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Top Pick

8 years ago

AviaMariah

Veteran

I love how you're wearing it and that's how I'd wear it. The new boots are perfect with it.

DonnaF

Great jacket! Would you consider flipping the colors by pairing a navy top with black jeans/pants? How about off-white/light pants/bottoms?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer to the Power of Killer. One of your best this year. WOW.

You are wise NOT to fret about styling this jacket in more ways, Janet. Just wear it this way because it couldn't be more stunning. The new boots are heavenly with it.

unfrumped

great jacket and I agree, best done simply. Also agree that other flipped black/navy items would work because it's about the same thing, but only if you have the items---wouldn't fret to add anything.
And, inspired you are to wear the new boots with the echo of orange. Isn't it great how some little twist like that, instead of being limiting, actually opens up new fun combo's? Also the silver metals on the bag tie in with the jacket, so really you've got quite a lot of interest going on, just polished and simple.

retailgirl

I think they way you have it styled is perfect. Let the jacket be the star of your outfit. Not every item in your closet needs to go with many other things.

Sal

What everyone else has said!!
I think it looks brilliant as is. I can imagine a range of jeans with it - bootleg, flares, coated black etc...and maybe other black tops but I see no reason to mess with a great look.

Brooklyn

I like the way the black top picks up the black in the jacket. YLF!

Jenn

That jacket is so interesting on its own, it doesn't need much of a support act besides the neutral canvas you've layered it over. You look great!

Suz

Gorgeous!! I am with Angie. Don't fret a bit, just love it and wear it like this!

K. Period.

Love it! And it loves you--you look fantastic in it. Very wise to just love it as a limited piece. I've owned a few like that and I drive myself bonkers trying to figure out alternate styling. If I just accepted them as they were, I'd have so much more peace and so much more enjoyment out of them. From now on, I'm just going to take a deep breath and say "be like Janet!"

And I adore the booties--I have them too. Mine had to go back a few weeks ago for a repair. The zipper was sliding down on its own. Nordstrom had their cobbler tighten it up, though, and it worked brilliantly. Thank goodness, because I think that heel is a thing of beauty.

Janet

K! My zipper is sliding down too, just on the right bootie. I never thought to have their cobbler work on it, but I will do that. Thank you!

Wow, thanks, all, for the lovely compliments. I felt guilty that this jacket does not get a ton of wear, and I realized that is better wear it now while the weather is perfect for this kind of outfit without a heavy coat. Glad you all like the styling!

Bonnie

I love this jacket and the way you styled it.

shedev

I like the way you styled the jacket.

Maneera

It looks really good here, Janet. Sometimes the simplest styling is the best, right?!

Deborah

Janet the jacket is stunning , and you look stunning in it. Fabulous item. Wear and enjoy and if you can only style it one way, so be it, because your styling here is killer.

Karie

Beautiful! The jacket really shines in this outfit.

Jaime

Yes what Angie and Suz and others said. Just wear it like that and it is super with the new booties.

abc

Lovely!! Love this jacket and the simple styling is perfect.

In this world of non PC comments I am at risk saying this but wow you look really thin in the side view.

anne

I echo what everyone is saying - it's great. Go with your thoughts to wear it as much as possible while the weather makes it a good choice.

Marley

I LOVE this jacket!!!!!! WhatisitWheredidyougetit????
You look fantastic in this outfit Janet!

Marley, it was from Nordstrom 2-3 years ago. I think I actually saw one in a Rack at some point later on. The brand is Parker. I poked around online to see if I could find a link to it anywhere but no luck so far.

Nebraskim

I love how you style this. It is interesting enough on its own to carry the load of the entire look without a lot of support. Wearing it against the neutral black allows this to take center stage. I think trying to style it differently might veer it into the "trying too hard" range and right now, it looks effortless and chic.

approprio

Fabulous jacket! My take on trophy jackets (and I have a few ) is to vary the silhouette. This one looks like it could work with wide tailored pants or layered over a tunic with leggings and boots. It might not come out to play every day, but when it does, you'll always feel brilliant.

milehighstyle (Linda)

I LOVE this jacket! I agree with the others who say that it's so very ok to wear an item the same way all the time. I love mixing my wardrobe in all kinds of ways, but there are pieces that I wear only one way because it looks great and why mess with perfection?

Laurie

You have posted so many amazing looks the past week, I have been almost paralyzed to comment! I love the pink and blue poncho from your MIL - really beautiful and such a great look for both ranch and city. This jacket is so you - unusual, gorgeous, eye-catching. This is one perfect outfit....

Those boots are starting to whisper my name, darn it.

I am only getting about 1 ride a week in - the temps have certainly been mild enough, but the days are so short. Too cold in the morning, and dark by 5:45. Sigh. No running and unfortunately no walking - I just saw my orthopedic surgeon this morning to discuss the OTHER hip. Going to try cortisone, but I might be looking at having a matching scar soon. I feel so bad for my kids - my husband also has terrible arthritis, so our genetic contribution in this regard is unfortunate! Bike is still my best option, so I'm considering finding good spin classes for the winter.

MsMary

Oh my gosh! You look so fab I am having palpitations!! The jacket looks amazing as styled, and you could definitely do all kinds of different bottoms to mix things up. And maybe try an ivory or orange turtleneck, just for fun?

Edited to add I could really see it over a column of ivory!

Mellllls

this looksgreat!

UtahDesert

Active Member

I love it and I love the way you're wearing it here. It would also look great over a black sweater dress. Or with black pants as well as the same black turtleneck.

Ann Taylor

Mock Neck Sweater Dress

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