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WIW: Jacket challenge: all black to court

catgirl

Veteran

So this is an OLD jacket - it's long and has 4 buttons. It's from Nordstrom Preview back in the day. I like it with a sheath dress because it makes me feel lean. I realize the hose should be sheer but it's far too cold for me to deal with that. The contrast in blacks is not as bad IRL as in the photo though.

I'm also wearing my wolverine necklace and the DV booties because walking to court in snow in pumps is just too much. And sporting extra choppy new do!

My client (who admittedly has mental health issues) was wearing a t-shirt with a wolf print on it and jeans, and her brother was wearing a denim jacket and jeans. This is not L.A. Law!

Does the jacket need to go? What warm legwear can you suggest to avoid the black on black?

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26 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Aida

Veteran

Not sure on the jacket, it has a retro feel that I don't usually associate with your style but the occasional mod element does pop up so it could be fine. Re the tights, how about a dark moody color? Burgundy, dark green, navy, charcoal, etc. And perhaps a charcoal/cream/color top underneath so there's a peek of non-black in there. Having the sleeves pushed up makes this work as opposed to if they were down, IMO, since otherwise it's just so very DARK.

Raisin

Veteran

I actually like the dark tights, but then again I like black on black. But I agree with Aida, some navy, olive or burgundy tights would look great. I don't know if I have the right eye for jackets because this one looks good to me, I can't tell that it's retro.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hey! That jacket reminds me of my consignment Hobbs jacket. It has a definite retro feel but (maybe because it is black?) it doesn't seem incongruous on you at all. Aida, as usual, is spot on in her recommendations; I like all her suggestions and agree with the observation that pushing the sleeves up really helps.

As for the DV booties, in my personal and completely unbiased opinion, what else, really *is* there to wear? I am seriously wanting a black pair for myself, you know. They do not have my size in the store and I do not really need black booties so I am trying not to order. But on the other hand, these booties would be different from my other booties. They would be my DV black booties. You know?

By the way, I love your hair. The hair and booties are a nice contrast to the retro feel of the dress/jacket.

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bj1111

Veteran

agree with aida. the pushed up sleeves with the booties feels more modern.

Sara L.

Veteran

I like the all black, but I agree with others that other dark fall-ish colors would work for the tights. The jacket looks fine to me but I'm definitely not a jacket aficionado.

Anonymous

You look streamlined and professional. I feel like the jacket works. With your classic sheath dress and stylish booties and cutting edge hair style no one would think "dated" seeing you, especially for court.
How does the jacket look worn open? Could you wear nude hose under micro black fishnets for court?

taylor

Veteran

I like the all black...the tights with the booties...You look slim and sleek in the jacket and skirt.
The style of the jacket really doesn't look dated to me. I prefer a longer jacket like this myself....unless of course it has huge shoulder pads!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Overall you look great but the jacket is my favorite - you have so many more wonderful ones. The black tights don't bother me, but Aida's suggestion for dark colors sound good too. Love your hair! I am intrigued to learn that pumps are the norm in Alaskan courts - the law culture trumps all apparently.

Gaylene

Veteran

I also like the all black look for a court setting, Your hair, necklace, and booties add a modern vibe to keep the jacket from looking dated. You'd never see anyone wearing this jacket like you've styled it a decade ago. I also don't mind the black tights; it keeps the focus on your face (and mind) instead of your legs. Colored tights might change that. But I like Aida's idea of a cream top peeking out and keeping the sleeves scrunched to add a bit of relief.

Freckles

Veteran

I disagree on the jacket, I love it. I think that it is the difference between fashion and style sort of. A timeless silhouette. I would prefer it paired with classic trousers but that is totally a personal thing.
I find the longer length and shape/style of jacket suit IT's perfectly.

shiny

Veteran

I actually love this jacket too and I'm puzzled why it seems retro to some, but then maybe my style filter is off.

As for the all black, if anyone can pull it off, it's you. Your coloring works really well with all black! If I was going to tweak it I'd tweak very little... I'd maybe even just choose one or two of the following:

1) Different eyeglasses in a color other than black.
2) Add a cuff bracelet
3) A fabulous day clutch (I think that would work for court, no? To carry your papers and such)
4) Shoes that aren't black

As for the stockings, I like textured/patterned hose, it's subtle. However you need warmth, right? I say stick with the opaque black but change up something else.

MsMary

Veteran

I love this look, too! Yes, the jacket is a little retro, but you (your HAIR!!) are so super chic, current, and fab that on you it just looks super individualistically stylish rather than passe. I vote keep!

Anonymous

Una, you look like a kicka$$ lawyer, with lots of character. Mission accomplished!

catgirl

Veteran

Aw, thanks, ladies - after all that, my hearing ended up being continued for a procedural reason! However, my guy client (who is a hunting guide - not my cuppa, but that's life here) admired my wolverine tremendously, which was kind of nice.

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, you know you need these in black!

Shevia, I actually meant that no one wears pumps here to court at least in winter. You'd be up to your knees in snow!

Deborah

Veteran

Una, forgive me but I feel this jacket does look dated. I could be wrong but it doesn't look old enough to be retro and its not current enough to truly reflect your personal style. it's not that this outfit doesn't look good, it just doesn't look as edgy and modern as your usual looks. I would love to see your Theory (?) jacket with this outfit instead.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I like the jacket too, although I love the idea of adding coloured tights!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like the jacket, it has an equestrian feel which is on trend. It appears to fit you well.

I love someone else's idea of burgundy tights! The booties are perfect.

Other ideas:
a red lip (and since when was it no longer cool to say 'red lipstick')
bracelets
bib style necklace
colorful clutch

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

... Hmmm... a wolf tee and jeans to court. It's casual where I live, but folks do dress up for court, if only for perceived better treatment from the judge. You cannot accuse someone like your client of being affected.

Anonymous

I think the high button line is what looks "dated". That being said, I think it works over the sheath. I too would like to see different tights to get some colour into the outfit. Th all-black looks good on you but it is pretty heavy.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Your hair looks amazing - love the "choppiness"! I don't mind the all black look, especially for something like court. Others have suggested fall colours for tights and I like that idea. I won't lie - the jacket isn't my favourite as I find it a wee bit long but the fit is fabulous on you and it still works.

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks ladies! I see some mixed feedback here. Will try burgundy tights for sure - I know colored tights have been a little contentious here, but I have several pairs. Just don't think to wear 'em. I appreciate the suggestions. I felt this jacket retained a certain equestrian look - maybe I should try it with BF jeans or skinnies next.

Deborah, agree the Theory jacket would work - it works with EVERYTHING! I feel like that is cheating for the challenge!

JR

Veteran

I have never seen you looking quite this sleek. :o) It is a wonderful silhouette on you.

If being too black is a concern for you, may I uncharacteristically suggest a scarf? LOL. Seriously. Of course, you might not be comfortable with that in terms of personal style, which I totally understand, but there are so many possibilities in terms of textures and colours and even shapes, that you could probably find something you would feel like you in. With a plain black background like this, there are almost no limitations at all.

catgirl

Veteran

JR, I actually thought about a scarf, which would not only add some color but would actually keep my neck warm and not be out of place! My problem is learning how to tie them without feeling stuffy. I should look at all your amazing scarf posts!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

At first I wasn't sure about the jacket, but then it seemed like something Tilda Swinton would wear so I like it more.

These fleece tights are on sale and come in colors

http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Cu.....ghts+women

catgirl

Veteran

Anna, thank you for the tights link - they are a reasonable price too!

Tilda Swinton. I can live with that.