Jackets are arguably one of the most underrated garments in our wardrobe. What’s your jacket story? Do you wear them? Do you have some but they just hang in your closet? Do you only wear them to work but can’t imagine that you’d want to wear one casually? Do you love them…hate them…aren’t sure?
I regularly hear all kinds of reasons why someone doesn’t wear one. These reasons often include one of these:
- “Every jacket I’ve ever tried feels stiff and uncomfortable.”
- “Blazers are boring and old-fashioned.”
- “Jackets just seem too formal. Where I work everyone is casual.”
I have to share that I am a huge (yes, huge) fan of jackets personally. For those of you on the fence or just curious about my fascination with this particular garment, I’d like to share why jackets are so fabulous!
1. They Hide a Multitude Of Sins (as my mom would say). Isn’t this just the best reason! Whatever is going on under a jacket is a mystery to everyone but you. Lumps, bumps, extra tummy, fuller hips, wiggly arms…no one else can see it.
2. They Keep You Warm. This is a key component for me because I’m always cold. A jacket adds warmth without feeling like I’m the abominable snowman (like I sometimes feel in bulky sweaters). And, for someone who runs hot and cold or goes from inside to outside a lot, a jacket is a must because it allows you to easily adjust to the temperature changes.
3. They Add an Extra Ounce of Authority. Do you work in a male dominated field or one where you are in a managerial or supervisory role? Wearing a jackets adds visual authority. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about authority as a way of being intimidating or an abuse of power. It’s more about lending an air of self-confidence so you hold your head higher. It can add structure to an outfit and a feeling of purposefulness.
4. They Add Visual Interest to an Outfit. Want to add spice to a simple blouse and pair of pants? Adding a fabulous jacket is one way of bringing a bit more personality and flair to the outfit. It doesn’t have to be over the top – again, it’s all about expressing who you are and what makes you happy.
5. They Create Illusion. Have you ever put on a top and pants and thought…yikes, all I see is my belly. Or, perhaps you notice that you have a straight figure (no noticeable waist definition). Maybe your shoulders are a bit narrow and sloped so all you see are your hips. Whatever the situation, a jacket is a miracle-worker. There are days when I feel like I have all three of those situations going on on my body at once! A jacket can create curve where I want it and boost my shoulders when I need it. Whew! What a perfect garment.
Here’s a special fashion tip: If you do not have well-defined waist, here’s a little trick that can give you the waist you never had (or lost) – especially for those of you who have been avoiding belts. Wear a jacket and then belt the top underneath so all you see (when the jacket is unbuttoned) is the belt buckle and a little bit of the belt on either side. No one else can tell if your waist is big, little, thick or thin. They just know you have one because the belt gives the illusion of a waist. It’s like magic!
Jackets do not have to be ho-hum or stiff. These days they come in all fabrics and designs, and range from casual to trendy and from sophisticated to outrageous. You get to choose the right flavor for your personality and the occasion. Plus, so many of them now come with stretch in them that it’s almost impossible not to be comfy!
Here are a few ideas – just know that the possibilities are endless:
Want a little drama?
Click here for more information.
This one has a feminine feel, is longer and is kind of a cross between a jacket and a sweater:
Click here for more information.
How about a fun and flirty but casual jacket:
Click here for more information.
These are just a few ideas to help you think beyond the traditional blazer to jackets that work for different aspects of your life. There is something out there for everyone. Just keep in mind your coloring, body shape, lifestyle and personality and have fun picking and choosing.
Do you have a favorite jacket? Please feel free to share with us in the comments section.
37 Responses
Ginger, I absolutely love this post. I, like you, am a huge jacket fan-for all the same reasons you talk about. #1 is the biggest benefit to me and #4 is icing on the cake. I counsel my clients the same things which includes #3. A great jacket adds polish and pulls the whole look together. Thanks for a great post!n
Thank you so much, Kimberly.u00a0 I’m so glad you agree.u00a0 Kindred spirits 🙂
Ginger, I absolutely love this post. I, like you, am a huge jacket fan-for all the same reasons you talk about. #1 is the biggest benefit to me and #4 is icing on the cake. I counsel my clients the same things which includes #3. A great jacket adds polish and pulls the whole look together. Thanks for a great post!
Thank you so much, Kimberly. I’m so glad you agree. Kindred spirits 🙂
Hi Ginger. As much as I would love to wear jackets, it is unbearable withu00a0 temperatures that climb over 30 C degrees most of the year. On top of that the hot flashes, make me feel warm and sweaty. So, sadly I have forgotten about jackets and sometimes use a shirt over a cami or a shawl with a dress, only when the climate or air conditioning allows it.nGreetings from the hot Caribbean and Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the note Isabel.u00a0 Lucky you that you have such beautiful weather!u00a0 There can be some awesome linen options (I know, I know…the wrinkles :-)u00a0 The most important thing is that you are happy with how you look and your personal style and it sounds like you are.u00a0 Yay!
Hi Ginger. As much as I would love to wear jackets, it is unbearable with temperatures that climb over 30 C degrees most of the year. On top of that the hot flashes, make me feel warm and sweaty. So, sadly I have forgotten about jackets and sometimes use a shirt over a cami or a shawl with a dress, only when the climate or air conditioning allows it.
Greetings from the hot Caribbean and Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the note Isabel. Lucky you that you have such beautiful weather! There can be some awesome linen options (I know, I know…the wrinkles 🙂 The most important thing is that you are happy with how you look and your personal style and it sounds like you are. Yay!
I am a fan of jackets.u00a0 My Joseph Ribkoffs are my faves!
Ahhh, Diane, a woman after my own heart.u00a0 I love Joseph Ribkoff, too!
I am a fan of jackets. My Joseph Ribkoffs are my faves!
Ahhh, Diane, a woman after my own heart. I love Joseph Ribkoff, too!
Ginger, I am a total jacket fan. Mostly for reason #3. I started wearing them in the dress for success days of the 70’s for a top international company, and never grew out of them. They make me feel comfortable and always put together. It can make anything look “snappy” and is the perfect place to display my huge vintage brooch collection!
You’re absolutely right, Amy.u00a0 They can make anything look “snappy” — great way to put it.u00a0 Plus, how fun that you have a beautiful brooch collection. Those can really set your style apart from everyone else!
Ginger, I am a total jacket fan. Mostly for reason #3. I started wearing them in the dress for success days of the 70’s for a top international company, and never grew out of them. They make me feel comfortable and always put together. It can make anything look “snappy” and is the perfect place to display my huge vintage brooch collection!
You’re absolutely right, Amy. They can make anything look “snappy” — great way to put it. Plus, how fun that you have a beautiful brooch collection. Those can really set your style apart from everyone else!
Hi Ginger.u00a0 You and Annie look great!u00a0 I love jackets and am still trying to find a great one since we met last month.u00a0 I have 2 spring ones I love but haven’t found a winter one yet but I will keep looking.u00a0 I always love the photos of examples when you post.u00a0 Helps me tremendously to have a visual!
Thanks so much, Amy.u00a0 Definitely keep looking.u00a0 I just got a message from a client in the southwest who finally found her dream jacket and is super excited.u00a0 It’s worth the exploration and discovery!u00a0 I know you’ll keep us posted on the forum!!
Hi Ginger. You and Annie look great! I love jackets and am still trying to find a great one since we met last month. I have 2 spring ones I love but haven’t found a winter one yet but I will keep looking. I always love the photos of examples when you post. Helps me tremendously to have a visual!
Thanks so much, Amy. Definitely keep looking. I just got a message from a client in the southwest who finally found her dream jacket and is super excited. It’s worth the exploration and discovery! I know you’ll keep us posted on the forum!!
Yay for jackets! One reason I love them is that –once you start looking– there are many, many cuts, fabrics, color, etc.u00a0I’ve noticed a trend this season where one button is keeping the jacket (or sweater-jacket) closed over the midriff, leaving a triangle of shirt between your waistband and your belly-button. That’s the one triangle (belly) I don’t want showing! … Will try the belt trick. 🙂
Some of the trends are questionable, there’s no doubt about that :-)u00a0 There’s another one where they have these giant snaps that are relatively unattractive if you wear the jacket open.u00a0 I’m not quite sure they think these styles through all the way.u00a0 Hopefully, some of them will quietly disappear!u00a0 Have fun with the belt trick.
Yay for jackets! One reason I love them is that –once you start looking– there are many, many cuts, fabrics, color, etc. I’ve noticed a trend this season where one button is keeping the jacket (or sweater-jacket) closed over the midriff, leaving a triangle of shirt between your waistband and your belly-button. That’s the one triangle (belly) I don’t want showing! … Will try the belt trick. 🙂
Some of the trends are questionable, there’s no doubt about that 🙂 There’s another one where they have these giant snaps that are relatively unattractive if you wear the jacket open. I’m not quite sure they think these styles through all the way. Hopefully, some of them will quietly disappear! Have fun with the belt trick.
I love jackets – luckily I live far enough north that I can wear them about 3/4 of the year. :-)u00a0 I have quite a few – more than I should have since I can’t wear all of them often enough.u00a0 And I keep looking for more. nnI have found that Cold Water Creek has many great jackets in all kinds of colors and styles. Iu00a0 must have many of the sleeves hemmed to 3/4 length because my arms are too long for them (as with so many shirts and jackets out there), but I was surprised to find stuff I liked! Until recently, I didn’t like their clothes – they didn’t fit me at all.u00a0 I stumbled upon the changes when I was looking for a jacket for a specific event.u00a0 I went into their store last after striking out at every other store in the mall.u00a0 I figured what the heck I might as well look – and was surprised and happy to find a couple of jackets that worked for me right then.
I’m with you, Teresa.u00a0 I wear them pretty much year round it seems.u00a0 Good to know about Cold Water Creek, too.u00a0 I actually bought a sweater there recently — I think it’s the first thing I’ve ever gotten from them.u00a0 And, they do tend to have fun colors.u00a0 Enjoy!
I love jackets – luckily I live far enough north that I can wear them about 3/4 of the year. 🙂 I have quite a few – more than I should have since I can’t wear all of them often enough. And I keep looking for more.
I have found that Cold Water Creek has many great jackets in all kinds of colors and styles. I must have many of the sleeves hemmed to 3/4 length because my arms are too long for them (as with so many shirts and jackets out there), but I was surprised to find stuff I liked! Until recently, I didn’t like their clothes – they didn’t fit me at all. I stumbled upon the changes when I was looking for a jacket for a specific event. I went into their store last after striking out at every other store in the mall. I figured what the heck I might as well look – and was surprised and happy to find a couple of jackets that worked for me right then.
I’m with you, Teresa. I wear them pretty much year round it seems. Good to know about Cold Water Creek, too. I actually bought a sweater there recently — I think it’s the first thing I’ve ever gotten from them. And, they do tend to have fun colors. Enjoy!
Hi Ginger,nnThe Ruffled Neck Jacket by Jones of NY looks very cool.u00a0 Do you know if it comes in colors other than Red?u00a0 That is not one of my colors!u00a0 (Note to other readers:u00a0Consider having Ginger do your colors – it makes a world of difference to wear colors that make you/your eyesu00a0pop!)
Thanks Lorena.u00a0 Unfortunately, I think that’s the only color it comes in. u00a0 There are probably others out there kind of like it so keep looking 🙂
Hi Ginger,
The Ruffled Neck Jacket by Jones of NY looks very cool. Do you know if it comes in colors other than Red? That is not one of my colors! (Note to other readers: Consider having Ginger do your colors – it makes a world of difference to wear colors that make you/your eyes pop!)
Thanks Lorena. Unfortunately, I think that’s the only color it comes in. There are probably others out there kind of like it so keep looking 🙂
Hi Ginger,
The Ruffled Neck Jacket by Jones of NY looks very cool. Do you know if it comes in colors other than Red? That is not one of my colors! (Note to other readers: Consider having Ginger do your colors – it makes a world of difference to wear colors that make you/your eyes pop!)
Thanks Lorena. Unfortunately, I think that’s the only color it comes in. There are probably others out there kind of like it so keep looking 🙂
I wear my jacket to keep me warm, especially this winter season. Sometimes, I wear it to add visual interest to my outfit, to make it more stylish. By the way, great tips.
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