Even though I’m no longer working in an office, I find that some of my jackets are still getting a lot of wear. Nothing puts the “polished” in Polished Casual like the right jacket. (Above: one of my style muses, Emmanuelle Alt, is also a fan of jackets.) For me the “right” jacket is one that isn’t too corporate, bulky, stiff, shrunken, or tailored to within an inch of its life. I like my jackets a little longer, and softly structured. In our climate, unlined tends to work best for most of the year.
The past few years have seen jacket styles leaning toward the boxy, short and shrunken, and I’ve often been frustrated trying to find options that feel right for my shape and style. But lately the Jacket Gods have been smiling; I recently found a longer bouclé tweed jacket, something that’s been on my wish list for years. And in the last few days I’ve run across a few more with serious Wardrobe Potential. Most of these are what I’d call Elevated Basics: simple and classic enough to have lots of versatility and longevity, yet with an interesting detail or two that makes them stand out.
Let’s start with the most casual one, above. Denim jackets can be a versatile option, but if the traditional western style jackets aren’t your thing, here’s one with a Parisian vibe. It’s from the French brand Sézane, which I first became aware of when they did a collaboration with Madewell. It reminds me a little of the classic blue French “workman’s” jackets. I love the length and easy silhouette, as well as those pockets and stitching detail on the back. I’d wear it with my ponte knit pants, or even with mis-matched denim as shown above and a tee or silky popover shirt. And I’ll bet it would look great with white jeans too…
This basketweave knit jacket is SO much better in person than it looks online. That texture keeps it from looking like a wall of black. It’s cut generously, so I recommend sizing down. The fabric is really, really nice, softer than you’d think, and it’s washable. This could be a travel-friendly option for mild climates or shoulder seasons. Wool-free fabric. I’d wear this jacket and the rest below with my jeans or black ponte knit pants, and a tee or sweater. If you wear skirts more often, these would look great over simple sheath dresses or pencil skirts. IMO, longer jackets work best with a narrower bottom half, so if you’re a Long Over Lean gal, they’ll slot nicely into your wardrobe.
Tweed without fuss. Love the longer length and the raw edge detail on the sleeves. Plus-size option HERE. Wool-free fabric.
Yes, it’s another black jacket, but this one’s also worth a second look. Sharp and modern lines, wonderfully textured, drapey knit fabric (wool-free and washable) and pockets too. Travel-friendly! Petite and Plus options available. (Online: use code NEWYEAR for $50 off until 1/13/17.)
I’d wear this tweed jacket open, but that one button closure does create a nice nipped-in shape. It’s available in Misses, Petites, Women’s and Women’s Petite, and is on sale now. There’s a little bit of wool in the blend.
What’s your favorite style of jacket? Do you wear your jackets with casual outfits?
Emmanuelle Alt images via Pinterest, sources: here and here.
