The Velvet Jacket
This is my kind of jacket! Lightweight, slouchy but not too oversized, and a gorgeous color that’s easy to style.
earrings | jacket | tank (Plus/Petite) | necklace | bracelet | jeans | bag | shoes
It’s a perfect marriage of unfussy style and sumptuous color/texture that adds so much to a simple outfit. I’m wearing size Small. For reference, I’m 5’1″ and usually a size 4-6 US. The fabric is a rayon blend, so it breathes. Edited to add: Through Sunday 8/27, you can get 25% off if you’re a Bloomingdale’s card holder, 20% off for other payment types.
And before you holler at me that it’s too hot for a velvet jacket, I just couldn’t wait to share this one. Actually we’ve had a lovely run of cooler weather the past few days and some morning and evening fog. I’ve even been wearing a lightweight utility jacket to walk dogs in the mornings. But I’ve lived in L.A. long enough to know that it’s just a tease. Pretty soon Mother Nature will scatter those clouds, yell “Psych!” and turn up the heat for several more weeks.
This necklace and bracelet are from earlier French Kande collections, and are some of my favorite pieces. I like the mix of soft green stones with the navy velvet. I’ve rolled up the sleeves here but will have them shortened.
These shoes are very comfortable and I always get compliments on them. They’re a nice transitional season option. They’re also available in a beige color.
I promise next week I’ll show you something that’s a little more seasonally appropriate.
Do you have a velvet jacket in your wardrobe? How do you style it?
Love this blue on you, and the jacket could also be worn in a more retro way with say a floaty or patterned tea dress. And I know that’s not your style, but I’m thinking of a previous post when you said you were getting a bit tired of your usual looks. Worn with an ankle boot in blue suede in the winter this would look smashing.
Thanks, catodd18. Yes, I’m hoping to try this jacket with something a little more “floaty,” if I can find the right piece.
Funny, we actually have very little in common, yet your blog resonates so clearly with me. Especially your ennui with late summer dressing. I am much taller, much heavier, reside in Ohio of all places, and yet I was in perfect sync with you on this:). I am a layering girl, and summer affords so little opportunity for that. My creative juices can’t wait for cooler temps and a chance to pull out all my accesorizing stops! That velvet jacket is just luscious. I can see why you could not wait to get it on your blog.
Thanks, Ramona! Hope you have some lovely fall weather soon and a chance to wear your favorites.
I love this jacket and it looks stunning on you! Looks like I might be ordering something today.
Thanks, Nancy!
I have a velvet jacket that I’ve worn once. I was going to purge it. Thanks for this idea on how to style it casually.
You’re welcome Charese! I hope you’re able to wear and enjoy it.
Can you loop the French Kande necklace around twice to make a double strand? Or does the medallion weigh it down too much? I’m contemplating my second FK purchase (my new obsession, thanks to you! ) and was thinking about a longer necklace since I’ve got the short white turquoise with Pineau stack. Thanks!
Hi Lisa, yes you can! 🙂 I wore it that way HERE.
Thank you Susan!
Just pulled the trigger on the necklace – I bought using your link. It’s the 30″ Coastal Mix with Rex medallion (I substituted Bles d’Or medallion) and I have their 4 inch extender so I think I can loop twice. Thanks for your help!
Wonderful! The Coastal Mix is so pretty!
Just fabulous!
Thank you!
Such a simple, romantic-yet-clean look. . .Very attractive.
Thanks very much, Frances! I’ve been inspired by some of the velvet pieces you’ve shared over the years.
Love the jacket but, here’s a comment completely out of synch….I love your photos from your sidewalk. The professional ones are lovely but the sidewalk photos are warm and real! Hurry up autumn.
Thanks, Jan! I’ll continue to include the sidewalk photos in the mix.
You know it’s a good piece when immediately the ideas start churning for other ways to wear it! I’m all, yeah, with tan shoes and a blush or pale yellow bag! Essentially echoing your coloring;). Or different shades of blue… Love it.
Thanks Lisa! It’s the kind of piece that inspires me to try some new color combos.
That is GORGEOUS. The color, the fabric, the flowing cut. It looks great on you, and I suspect it would look great on 99.9% of your readers as well. Some things are just that wonderful.
Thanks very much, francetaste!
I’m glad I ordered this the other day! I love navy and this is a wonderful California jacket! You are my personal shopper! It is always dangerous for me to open your emails!!!
Thanks, Deborah! I hope you love it.
I’m not much for the texture of velvet but- this is sumptuous.
Thanks, Kristian!
No style rut here! Your outfit is a perfect example of staying true to your usual casual, comfortable style, but taking it up a notch. You’ve used several pieces that you’ve shown us before (the necklace, the bag and the tank), and I always love seeing the same items used in different ways. But most important, you look wonderful in blue!!! You rarely wear blue near your face, and it looks really good on you… makes you look healthy, vibrant and glowing. Trying not to sound preachy, and apologies for failing, but there’s no substitute for getting your colors right!
Thanks, Cathy! I’m trying to add some blue, soft grey and maybe even camel jackets to the mix. 🙂
I love this jacket! I wish it came in my size! Maybe it’s good that it doesn’t! LOL This outfit looks great on you! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Linda!
All sold out in Large.
Perfect jacket. When I see this jacket on you I think “Oh big want, I am going to order that jacket too. It looks so nice on Susan.” I have grown wiser though. This is one of these jackets which looks great on a Petite but looks horrible on a Large and Tall woman. Well styled my friend.
Greetje
Thanks so much Greetje! The thing about this jacket is that it’s soft and slouchy, so IMO could work for a range of heights and body types.
Haha, you’d think that, but no it doesn’t
I like any kind of velvet but particularly my silk/viscose jackets and trousers which are in several colours . The 3 jackets look good with cords , other velvets , linen etc (I don’t wear jeans) and give a really good background for jewellery as you have shown . They are suitable for UK weather all year whether as a second or top layer .
True, people tend to think of velvet as a winter fabric, but the lighter iterations really can be worn most of the year.
Alert…the jacket is restocked at Bloomingdales’s in large. Greetje, I think it’s not that it’s not a matter of not being a petite but rather whether the proportion is right for you. I had the same thoughts but have found that although I am a size 12-14 and not a petite, many of these great items are fabulous because of the proportion and what I wear them with! I’ve grown brave and am not afraid to order, try on, and send back if the item doesn’t work! I actually think this jacket would look beautiful on almost every size and body type! I’ve ordered it and will try to give an update. I am 5’4″ and curvy with a more of a tummy than I’d like at over 60 if that helps.
Glad to hear it’s back in stock. I’ve also been surprised at times when I find an item in a length or proportion that “shouldn’t” work actually does because of what else I’m wearing with it.
Beautiful blue velvet! What a gorgeous color on you, Susan! I also love the relaxed construction – easy to dress up or down.
Thanks so much, Helen!
Oh I don’t want to even say because here I go again. I can buy whatever I want and this entire outfit is gorgeous I know you don’t buy all new of everything but these are all new and at 17 hundred plus for this outfit….adding up the items….yikes. Many readers cannot afford. Or just would not spend that. Your look is an inspiration and very helpful. Most of your readers probably can buy …Maybe include more affordable options. French Kande never has sales, which is disappointing. Gifts with order don’t count.IMO
That blue is fabulous! Although the sleeves may be too long, I think the rolled cuffs give the jacket a panache that it would not have with “proper length” sleeves. The rolled cuffs are the feature that lets it work as a casual jacket. I think you rushed into the perfect styling.
I love this juxtaposition of velvet and denim. High and low. Just looks darling on you…and oh so versatile.
Thanks so much, Kande!
There’s so much great velvet out there these days and I’m so happy about it. I never don’t feel right wearing velvet. You look wonderful in your blue velvet high low look. There’s a really nice black velvet duster at Peruvian Connection I’m craving, it would really do the high/low thing nicely…hmm.
LOVE the jacket! I don’t have any velvet in my wardrobe right now, but I’m looking and I could definitely see myself wearing something like this. I even like it with the sleeves rolled!
Awesome jacket! This was a great purchase…
Thanks, Pam!