I believe in having an office jacket, that piece that stays at the workplace. Whether you keep it on a hanger on the back of your office door, or sling it over your chair in your cube, it's good to have on hand not only for too cold A/C, but those last minute meetings with a client or an unexpected interview. Nothing says business more than a jacket, and if you choose wisely, it can even make jersey sundresses and jeans look semi-professional.
The soft jacket is more structured than a cardigan, but not as crisp as a classic blazer. Think one-button blazers, jackets with a waterfall front, moto-inspired toppers, and structured elements like mandarin collars, epaulets, buttoned cuffs, and seaming.
Unlike a hoodie, there are no athletic details - no knit cuffs, hoods, or traditional closures and hardware found on anything from Sports Authority or REI. Steer clear from the details that will make this jacket look more casual: unfinished hems, exposed seams, garment dyed or contrast stitching, the incorporation of waffle/thermal knit, anorak-style drawstring waist, visible snaps like a denim jacket, or lots of pockets and closures like a safari jacket.
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While prints and patterns may seem like a smart choice to offset solid clothing, it can actually read more casual and more wintry. Other than heathered greys and other dark neutrals, I recommend if you're picking a jacket for the office stick to a solid in a color that complements the majority of your office wardrobe. For some, that would be black, navy, grey, or olive. For others, that may be a soft pink or taupe. You may find a jacket in peacock blue or deep plum may be more versatile than brown or black.
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This is the kind of jacket you can own more than one of. While you may have a classic black, navy, or charcoal version in your office, consider a different color to wear for the weekend with a striped tee and jeans or a tank and chinos. If it comes with coordinating separates, consider buying the matching trousers or skirt for a comfy version of a work suit. When I used to travel regularly for business, my black ponte pantsuit was the hardest working item in my closet and put in my suitcase for almost every trip. I find ponte matches ponte quite often, even if the pieces are from different retailers. Pair a ponte blazer with a ponte sheath dress, a ponte moto jacket with ponte trousers, a ponte pencil skirt with a ponte trench-inspired jacket. Knit jackets can offer much style beyond the cold summer office.