An Unexpected Find

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age wears a casual outfit with a fuzzy jacket and leopard print sneakers.

One wardrobe item that seems to be perpetually on my wish list is a casual jacket that’s NOT black. But if you had suggested a “Fuzzy Trucker Jacket,” I probably would have rolled my eyes and waved you off. It’s a good thing I saw the jacket before the description because it was 😍at first sight.

Earrings (similar) | Scarf | Jacket | Sweater (similar) | Watch (similar) |
Bracelet (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Bag | Shoes (similar)

I was thrilled that the jacket was also offered in Petites, and in the store! I’m wearing a Petite Small, and it’s a perfect fit. It’s warm but not bulky, and has a bit of stretch so is quite comfortable. It’s also offered in a light blue color that looks to be a good one for you Summers. The Sales Associate told me that both colors are selling well.

The sweater from Maje was one of the first things I bought after having my Color Analysis with Red Leopard last June. It’s one of my best colors. This style’s no longer available, but they do have a cashmere sweater in what looks to be the same color. Ideally, with this outfit I’d replace the jeans with some tan or camel trousers, still haven’t found the right pair.

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age wears a fuzzy jacket, coral silk scarf, and a coral sweater.

This is the Ivana Nohel “Road Trip” scarf again (gifted). This is the second tie I demonstrated in my recent scarf tutorial video HERE. It’s a nice, compact arrangement that stays put and works well with a jacket.

Lip color is Chantecaille Lip Chic in “Mandarin.”

Detail: Susan B wears an Hermes Rivale leather bracelet. Info at une femme d'un certain age.

I already have a few more outfit ideas in mind for this fuzzy jacket, so stay tuned.

What’s the most unexpected piece you’ve found that turned out to be a good fit for your style?

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93 Comments

  1. Absolutely perfect-I want the blue one!!! Also, to me this looks exactly right with jeans. Love, love the whole look!

  2. That’s a nice take on a jacket design that is flattering.
    I like white next to my face, and the jacket fills the bill there.

  3. Susan, I’ve been looking at square scarves since you posted your videos yesterday. I’d given up on ever being able to tie one and gave away the ones I had! Your scarf comes in three sizes so wondering what size you have as it appears to tie nicely around your neck. Thanks.

  4. This color next to your face is beautiful! You are positively glowing. The white jacket enhances the effect. Like you, I am trying to replace the huge amount of black in my wardrobe with more color, but it’s challenging.

    1. Thanks very much, Tammy! Yes, it’s quite challenging to replace the black in one’s wardrobe, and not something that can be done in one season.

  5. I took a gamble on a fuzzy jacket this season, too — tho not really such a gamble because it’s the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket from Uniqlo which is way inexpensive. But it’s the same length and color as yours with great inside as well as outside pockets. While it seemed like an odd option for me, too, I wear it nearly every day. I love yours with those sneakers!

  6. I love those short jackets. They’re so versatile; look good with a tucked shirt or with a longer tunic. My unexpected piece(s) is the funnel neck sweater. I thought they would just lay weird at the neck but my daughter gifted me one last Christmas and now I have 3 of them. They look great with a mock turtleneck or untucked oxford underneath. Love those layers in the winter

  7. Looks great on you! I’m a summer, but the deeper colors work better so I need to hold out for a blue with some depth.

  8. Black. How did we become so addicted? Are you eliminating the black altogether? Could you do a story about your methods, please. Anyone else have comments in this regard? I wonder about taking all the black (except pants) out of my closet for a rest. Then I would see how I felt with it gone, while trying more color.

    1. Until Susan does her post, I’ll reply to your question…I became addicted to black for the following reasons, many of them fed to me by basic art education, the fashion industry, society, geography and my own dear mother…1. Black is not a “color” but a “shade”…it can be added to any true color (ROYGBIV) to make another, variation of that color…so therefor it “goes” with everything…2. Fashion brings different colors every season, much like nature…except black is always a constant!! Black is black is black…they all work together, even if from different fabrics. 3. black is mysterious, sexy and makes one look “thin” 4. NYer in me says black is appropriate in most situations! 5. My mother would NOT allow me to buy a black malliot bathing suite when I was 12…it was “too mature” for me! Of course, I wanted it DESPERATELY!! 🙂

      1. Tea, Thank you. I also have the NYC background, and understand. Your reply invites me to be more flexible with all my back. I have some great pieces. I hope you have a black maillot bathing suit now.

      2. Dress it up. Dress it down. Black always looks appropriate. And, it’s the best for travel.
        Always looks pulled together. Not all chopped up and without a focal point.
        I love black just because it shifts the focus to the face and that’s where it all starts with a smile.
        You can take the girl out of NY but you can never take the NY out of the girl.

      3. Montréal and studies in Europe, and same. Also, and above all, a long series of black cat familiars. They do NOT go well with white clothing. And I do look good in black; however at a certain age I’m adding more colourful scarves and other accessories, including bérets, gloves and a Healthy Back Bag (a teardop crossbody shoulder bag, bright red.

        I’ve bought red rain boots but they are going back – poor fit, hard to get on. I think I’ve found a better pair; we’ll see.

        I love colours, but good ones are hard to find, and I still dislike pastels (on myself, not on others). Other than red, I lust for forest green.

    2. I believe black became more prevalent in the 1990’s during our “ basics” phase. As did white tee shirts. Probably a reaction to the colorful 70’s and 80’s. Now it’s probably due to travel , core, and minimal wardrobe interests. And I would add that retailers buy more black . The question is, are we buying black because that’s all there is, or are the stores buying it because that’s all that sells? Classic chicken or egg story.

      1. Black is not a superpower. It does not cure all fashion woes. I would love to see black demoted and given back to those with a winter palette. They are the ones who look incredible in it.

    3. Hi EliseB, this seems to be a popular topic, so I’m working on a post for next week. I’ve mostly eliminated black, still keeping a couple pairs of dressier trousers until I can find suitable replacements, and one or two other pieces.

      1. Susan, Thanks for generating this conversation RE black. I tried switching once, spurred on by the revelation you have demonstrated so well: cream is so much more flattering, particularly for those who have softer coloring naturally or via ageing. But it turned out to be really complicated–finding the right shades of cream (yellowish ones are dull, and bright white can also be harsh), combining them, and keeping them clean. I gave up and went back to easy black, so I’m looking forward to your post.

        1. With a very affectionate little black cat, that’s not going to happen. The hairs show far less on the colours I like.

    4. EliseB and all – I eliminated (or stopped buying black items) this past summer and fall because I saw Susan do her transformation and I had changed sizes so needed to replace most of my wardrobe, so it was a good time to do it. I still have some black items but I’m not buying more. (I made an exception for a computer tote as I didn’t like the other options and I’ll probably always have black shoes.) I am a Summer so my new neutrals are navy and grey. I love grey but hadn’t worn navy in 30 years (except denim) because I thought it was boring.

      The problems I found with this is that most black items will look ok with other black items. Mostly. For example a black sheath dress will probably match a sweater jacket with black trim from a different designer. But navy is really really hard to match. Grey is a bit easier but some grey looks like sweatshirt material, which I wouldn’t wear to work, and some greys have a yellow tint while others have blue or redish tints. And some greys and some navies don’t work with my complexion. So it takes more effort. Overall I’ve been happy with the change. It just takes more time and care.

      1. Oh, boy. Thanks for the great tips. I agree that finding the right gray can be a challenge. And your comment about navy being boring is how I feel. Yet navy can also look very sharp. I am not big on obsessing about clothes, but the right colors and styles make life a lot easier. Susan, you have opened up the Pandora’s Box of choosing more color. It feels very optimistic.

  9. I have been reading/following you for a while, now, Susan, and I just have to say that you are an inspiration! I loved your style before your color analysis, and I love the new colors, too! You look wonderful.

    1. Agree on all points, Margee! Susan, you do look wonderfully youthful with these changes you’ve made. Well done.

  10. I love this jacket and the color on you! I’m thinking I need this jacket. I wonder how it will look when most of my tops will hang out the bottom of the jacket.

    1. Hi Holly, thanks! I think in most cases it’s fine if the top is longer than the jacket. It really depends on your style, proportions and comfort levels. That old rule about the top layer needing to be the longest is no longer in force.

  11. I’ve come to love your posts. Maybe because we are close on the colors that look good on us! Thanks a bunch for your blog.

  12. I think this is perfect with jeans – adds that insouciance, casual approach to style that I always appreciate. Like the perfect breaking of a rule in someone’s writing.

    1. Thanks Lisa. I think you once said that jeans are the unofficial uniform of Californians, and it’s true… 😉

  13. To echo the others…. how does one edit the black in ones wardrobe ? I believe I am an autumn and gravitate to the colors of fall. However, that being said I also have plenty of black in my closet.
    Did you donate/give away your black clothing or do you try to get more wear out of these articles first ?
    It seems a waste of money to purge perfectly good articles of clothing because they’re not “in my season” and black always seems like a good fallback/basic especially for travel. What’s a girl to do ? The struggle is real …..

    1. Nancy, The first thing I’d do if I were you is to get your colors done. Once you know for sure what colors work best for you it will be easier to purge your black. The better color experts no longer use the four seasons (alone) to determine your best colors. They look at your eye color, your hair color and skin tone to give you what works for you. I was able to get rid of all my black tops/jackets but kept a few bottoms that work OK with tops in my colors that also have a hint of black in them.

    2. Hi Nancy, I’m working on a post about wardrobe transitions and “de-blacking” a closet, stay tuned… 😉

  14. Love your fuzzy jacket!
    My son gave me a similar one last Christmas and it has been a huge favorite this winter. Mine is even machine washable! Who knew bachelor sons had such great fashion taste?
    Your color choices inspire me!

  15. All I can say is WOW! You look gorgeous in this outfit and I love that jacket. Living in NYC, my closet is wall to wall black (which did suit me as I had a wintery coloring). However, as I am aging, my coloring has softened (although my hair is still dark brown) and I am looking for softer more flattering colors (more smoky, deep and cool) Love your blog!

  16. Your new colors are so beautiful on you. LOVE the jacket, sweater, and scarf with the jeans! Can you tell us more about your frames? They are EXQUISITE!

  17. After you had your colors done, I tried on a teddy coat in a lively rust color. And it worked! Then there’s a chore jacket in a delightful yellow plaid, which also works because it is my elusive perfect shade of yellow. Lesson learned. Try it on. I’m keeping my still-useful black items which work nicely with color.

  18. I am always looking for casual jackets for summer / inbetween weather, that ARE black or navy. I haven’t found a decent one for a few years now.

    1. Hi Jaaney, I’ll be doing a post on jackets for Spring (the season, not the color palette) probably around mid-February, so stay tuned…

  19. Love the jacket! In Chicago, I’d probably be wearing it as a winter indoor item. It looks great on you! I’m glad they resisted calling it a Mother Trucker jacket….

  20. Susan, your new colors are perfect with your hair and complexion. Do you bleach your hair or tone the natural? I would love to know what color you use. ” Does only your hair stylist know for sure?”
    I will order the blue jacket.

    1. Hi Pat, thank you! I’ve colored my hair since my twenties…my natural color (dark blonde) always felt drab to me.

  21. These colors are so good on you and I really like the mix of haut bourgeois (silk scarf and handbag) with the casual jeans and jacket. Interesting and playful. Would you now consider a post on how you are de-blacking your wardrobe, as others have asked?

      1. Thanks so much! I never thought I’d say it, but my black is starting to feel a bit, well, dated, unless done just so.

  22. The most unexpected piece I ended up loving? A black suede-textured puffer vest that has a hood with fur edging. It came in a style box and I was skeptical, but it is SO warm and cute, and layers well over lighter long-sleeved tops. It’s now a winter staple for me.

  23. Yes, I agree there is a lot of interest is phasing out black. I think side by side Susan photos would be a great idea. Susan in black. Susan in her lovely, flattering colors. My mother-in-law, a total beauty in fabulous clothes, announced at ager 75, “I am not wearing black anymore”! Marcia would be 110 now. I have never forgotten that she said this and am on a non-black quest. Having input from this blog and wonderful reader comments has been extremely help.. Thank you, all. Susan, huge thanks for opening this topic.

  24. Hi, would you mind sharing what brand your sunglasses are? They’re the perfect feminine shape, I love them!