Your opinions please. Jackets to keep or pass on? - YouLookFab Forum

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Your opinions please. Jackets to keep or pass on?

Mainelady

Veteran

This post begins with a huge thank you to Angie and all you Fabbers. You have all helped me learn more about my style and look at pieces with a more critical eye. I am learning a lot!
I have been on break this week and have been editing my closet. I have a nice pile of items to pass on to my colleagues and to donate. Here are two jackets I am undecided on. I tried these on over a lightweight sweatshirt, so they are a bit more snug than what I would wear under them (lightweight sweater, blouse or dress).

The jacket in pics 1-3 is a buttery soft Italian leather. What do you think of the fit? The color? The style? Is it too far out of favor with the French cuffs?

The jacket in pics 4-5 is a very soft faux brushed suede. I love the feel of the fabric and the comfort. What about the style? The fit? I have a few black topper options that I am keeping (knit short blazer, long open cardigan with black leather trim, black above the knee jacquard with lapels and a fit and flare style, black Moto inspired zip front cardigan sweater). Should I add this to the keep pile?

Thank you for your keen eyes and thoughtful observations. My goal is to finish my closet edit and have the piles ready to pack up for drop off on Monday.

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

jussie

Veteran

Well I prefer the 2nd jacket. It seems like it fits better but some more detailed photos might help to clarify. The first jacket I fear is somewhat boxy across the chest, just not quite sitting right on your frame. But I’m no expert- it’s just personal opinion so feel free to ignore me lol.

unfrumped

Veteran

It’s hard for me to see the dark jackets details well.
Thad first jacket is a good color “ depth” - is it a versatile color for you? and nothing wrong with the style. But for you, on the jacket everything seems to be focused too high— not sure I know what I mean— the shoulders a bit wide, the spread lapels up high. So maybe jackets with a different lapel and stance? But I know some of that is what happens when you are in photo-taking positions.
That doesn’t mean to toss a perfectly good jacket. For me if nay have to do with whether I want to go in a different direction, whether an existing item is “ blocking “ a better item or whether I want to wear what I’ve got and then think about it more if I happen upon something later.

Mainelady

Veteran

Jussie, I appreciate your comments and would never ignore them. I see what you mean about the chest area. I think the seams add to the bulkier look when the jacket is open. I like the fit when the jacket is closed, but I will not wear it closed, so I have to get real with how each item will work for me.

Unfrumped, the jacket has a metallic sheen, which I love, but I am not sure the color works on me anymore. You make a very good point about considering whether an item is blocking something better. I have done a lot of work with color and think I have a better handle on that. I am now looking more closely at fit and details as I go through my closets.

Here are a couple of pics of details.

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RobinF

Veteran

The leather looks beautiful, I actually have a similar leather jacket that I got at a consignment store but the sleeves need to be hemmed so I rarely wear it, but I love the color. I don't think these would date easily so it would depend more on whether you have a need for them. The black jacket is short so maybe would be a useful topper with dresses but if you have something else you prefer then maybe not.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I see the same thing as jussie. It could be the camera angle, so I don't want to put too much into it, but I see a lot of fabric in the outside of the chest area on the first jacket, which does make your top/shoulders look wide. I do like the colour on you, it's a question of if you like the fit. Maybe get someone else to get some photos, so you can get a better idea how it sits on your body?

I think the second one is worth keeping, at least to see if it gets worn.

Thistle

Veteran

I like the first one, but I have struggled with leather jackets. They are too warm for the office, and either not warm enough for my cold weather or leather, so not a choice for rain etc.

As for style, I like the first one. But then, I don't like short toppers, so I am biased against the second.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Second jacket looks like a good fit.

First leather jacket - although it's hard to see exactly what's going on - looks off on the armhole and bust area around the armhole. Too much fabric? Sleeves too. Maybe take another pic?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Angie said. The detailed photos help explain it...there is seaming, and the details do date it, IMO. But, it sounds like the quality is lovely and that is always a consideration. How do you feel when you wear it? Would you buy it again?

Katerina

Veteran

Oh, this was a difficult one, Mainelady. I am actually the last person to answer about wardrobe editing - when an item is beautiful and beautifully made - I usually can’t let it go.
The first jacket is so lovely and from how you describe it, the leather is delicious. On the other hand, it looks a little bit wide over the bust and shoulders which might date it. It is all about what YOU feel about wearing it. Personally, FWIW, if it was my decision, I would keep it. I like pieces from various times, especially leather jackets, and this one is beautiful. I would try to style it in a modern way and I would enjoy the lovely quality, colour and unique touch.

The second jacket fits well and it is a nice jacket. To me, it is not as exciting as the first one though.

Helena

Veteran

I agree with the group Mainelady - but I like Katerina's point, if you love the first one, I would be inclined to keep it, even if the fit is not perfect ... I also think something long (a scarf or long necklace) could counteract the extra bit of width visually, if that makes sense, and make it JFE. It doesn't look bad at all; it's just not perfect, since we are inspecting it so closely!

Important question - what's its happiness factor for you?

Cee

Veteran

I prefer jacket number two, but the first one has a certain charm

Mainelady

Veteran

Some decisions are easy, like keeping the black jacket. I do wear it over dresses Robin F and to my eye it looks better than my other black pieces with my slim fitting dresses.

Elizabeth P, Angie and Suz. You are right. The area under the arms and beside the bust is the trouble spot. It makes my chest look wider than it needs to be. I put on a soft blouse with it and it looked much better, but even still, my chest looks so wide.

Toronto Girl, I like your idea of trying along scarf, or necklaces, to draw the eye vertically. I will give it a try.

Thistle, my classroom runs on the cold side so I could usually wear the leather inside. I can only make a leather coat work outside for a couple of months a year.

Suz, Katerina and Torontogirl,you ask really good questions. I feel beautiful in the jacket ( lots of fond memories and a big happiness factor). It is deliciously made. Truly one of the nicest pieces I have had. Would I buy it again? No. I would think the fit wasn’t quite right. So that answers a big question right there.

Cee, I agree. Katerina said it well. The second jacket is a great one, but isn’t as exciting as the first one.

I have worn the black jacket recently. The metallic leather I have not. She was hanging out in the same closet with the embellished denim. I imagine they were having a regular gabfest about the good old days, when bold shoulders were the latest.

Maybe I will hang onto jacket 1 for a while. I just cleared out two shopping bags worth of clothing to pass on, so I have room. Now I have to ask myself some hard question. Why do I want to hang on to pieces that really don’t fit well? It isn’t because I lack options. Is it because they were expensive? If they have served me well, I shouldn’t be hung up about the money. Cost per wear made the leather jacket and my old embellished denim worth the price.

Katerina

Veteran

It is interesting, that the embellished denim jacket and the metallic leather jacket were hanging out together I love both of them for their boldness and great quality. They are special and unique....
Should you keep them? I don’t know, but you ask yourself really good questions. I relate to this dialogue so very much as I have it often with myself. Usually, the pieces stay, if the size is right, even if the shape is slightly dated. I just can’t help it...
The question is if you feel you are done with the jacket. To me it seams like you are not there quite yet.

Mainelady

Veteran

Admittedly, I don’t think I am ready to say goodbye, despite the great feedback and my own answers. I think I might have some regrets. While not as fancy, maybe the jackets are like a ball gown......splendid in their own way and needing to be admired for a little longer.

Anonymous

I actually like the first much more.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, they are wardrobe pets. And you might find some way to use them. How about putting them in a "holding zone."

Elizabeth P

Veteran

If you have an emotional attachment to the first jacket, keep it. It IS beautiful. There's absolutely no reason to get rid of it if you aren't ready. I'm the worlds worst purger... trust me, no judgement here!! Angie even has a category of clothes to keep that are for sentimental/emotional reasons.

Mainelady

Veteran

Thank you Joppa, Suz and Elisabeth P. I have decided to accept that while I can be decisive and ruthless with letting go of most items, there are going to be a few that I struggle with. I’m not going to be so hard on myself and relax into a decision. The only person putting pressure on myself is me. It dawns on me that that not a good use of my energy. There is no harm in a holding zone.

Kathie

Veteran

I agree with all the comments thus far. The black one is an obvious keeper. The first one doesn’t fit as well through the shoulders/bust, but I think I’d hang on to it, as long as you have space to store it. It might be just the right piece with different styling. I’m fairly ruthless with my closet edits, but even then I do have a few pieces that are special or sentimental, and I keep even though they’re not perfect.

Joy

Veteran

I like the first one but am drawn to the metallic. I would probably keep it. You can wear it in the classroom and not feel like you are wearing something too precious. If you let your hair go grey when you are older, you will love the color. You might try the scarf I put in Finds ( an Angie pick and it is soft. It can easily be worn more like a regular scarf). It is still available, I think.

Metallic Lightweight Wrap

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4

Christina F.

Veteran

Nothing wrong with keeping the first one if you just love it and can’t part with it, Mainelady! It’s pretty cool looking, so I think it’s far from a piece that you shouldn’t be caught dead in or anything like that. The color in the overall vibe are pretty cool, even if the fit is a bit off.

rachylou

Veteran

I honestly much prefer the first as well and would pass on the second... the first has pizazz...

Sal

Veteran

I like both jackets. The second one is practical and flattering - but the first one is a special statement. I have s handful of similar pieces- that I don't wear much at all but have an attachment to. I think it is fine to have these pieces- thd key is not to have too many of them!!

Mainelady

Veteran

Thank you Kathie,Joy, Christina F, Rachylou and Sal. I just packed up two bags of clothes to pass on, so I have plenty of room in my closets to hang onto this piece.

Joy, thank you for the suggestion of the scarf. It is beautiful and may give the jacket a better look....at least a little camouflage, perhaps. I am letting my hair grow gray, but quite a bit is still blond. On the top of my head I have a lot of white and ashy blond with the gray. It doesn’t show up much, though, thanks to the artful highlighting of my hair dresser.

Rachylou, she does have pizzazz!

True, Sal.

Maybe my jacket is just meant for me to throw over my shoulder, while I try to look nonchalant.

Deborah

Veteran

Haven't looked at other comments so as not to be swayed.

The metallic jacket looks like it's not your best colour. Purely my opinion based on the photos. I feel the jacket tone doesn't work with your hair colour? While it appears to fit on the shoulder, it does seem a bit bulky, just like the embellished jacket did. If you don't have an emotional attachment I might be inclined to pass it on

I can't see the black jacket all that clearly. Does it have a collar, it looks like it does. I do find the style dated BUT I think true style is about wearing what you like and what works for you so you create a look that actually transcends what's 'in' or 'out' so to speak. With the black one, I think the question is how often do you wear it?