The one piece that will elevate your fall outfits
Fall? What? With so many of us still in the grip of summer heat, it can be hard to think about fall clothes. But this pre-fall season is one of the best times of year to find a good selection of versatile wardrobe basics, including jackets and blazers.
Many thanks to Nordstrom for their sponsorship of this post. All ideas and opinions are my own. No items were gifted.
If there’s one clothing item I can rely on to make my outfits look pulled together, it’s a jacket. Whether casual or more tailored, jackets make any outfit feel more intentional. Our climate is mild, so I’m always on the lookout for lightweight jackets that I can wear almost year round.
A blazer adds a polished element, but some styles can skew a bit…corporate if I’m not careful. I prefer slightly relaxed styles with interesting details like these ruched sleeves that soften it up a bit. Texture, color, and softer fabric can also take some of the “business” out of a blazer.
I love pairing blazers and jeans. There’s a nice balance/tension between the structure and refinement of the blazer and the laid-back nature of denim. These are the Mother “Dazzler” jeans in my favorite slim-straight silhouette. They have a good bit of stretch and are quite comfortable! The wash is a versatile medium-blue without whiskering.
I’m wearing size 6 in the blazer, Petite Small in the top, and size 28 in the jeans.
I’m really loving these Vince wedge mules! They’re a great option when it’s still too warm for ankle boots. I’m usually a size 7 in Vince shoes, and the 7 in this style was a perfect fit. (If you haven’t worn Vince before, suggest going 1/2 size down from your usual shoe size.)
More fall jackets & blazers
“Shackets” and oversized or long blazers are still on-trend for fall. I’m also seeing quite a few shorter and cropped jackets, which can work well with longer skirts and wider leg pants.
Style tips:
✨ Even with oversized and relaxed jackets and blazers, it’s important to select a style and size that fits well through the shoulders. For a set-in sleeve, that means the seam sits just at the outside top of the shoulder. This will help balance volume and avoid a sloppy look.
✨ For most of us, a longer or relaxed fit jacket will look best with skimming or fitted layers underneath. Wearing a longer jacket open over a column of color can create a nice lengthening vertical line, too.
✨ Balance the volume of a full skirt or pants with a shorter, fitted jacket.
Nordstrom has an excellent selection of women’s fall jackets and blazers in a range of sizes and prices. Shipping and returns are always free. And you can order online and pickup at your nearest store for added convenience.
Do you have a favorite jacket style?
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Your haircut is so chic. Looks terrific.
I’m way shorter than you are, so regular sizing is out. And my Nordstrom closed their petite department. Any duggestions?
Hi SusanR, I’m 5’1″. At the moment I keep an eye out for pants and tops described as cropped which often work for me. And ruched or 3/4 sleeves are my friends!
Your silver hair is absolutely beautiful., you glow! I’m so glad you have gone natural. You look beautiful.
Thanks so much, Loya!
Love the mules!
Thanks!
I love the blazer on you. The ruched sleeves are perfect. It would work for my short arms. I would love to find a similar one in black. The necklace is a winner too!
All of the elements in this look are perfect. The length of the jeans makes such a difference, note so self, put away the crop length. I think from head to toe this is one of the best, you look polished and relaxed. Bring on fall.
Hi Susan: I’m interested in the Mother jeans. I’ve never worn them before. Do you find they fit TTS?
Hi Sally, in my experience, it depends on the style. This style (“Dazzler”) does run TTS.
Sally, I love Mother jeans. I have 3 pair of the Hustler High Waist Fray hem Ankle Bootcut jeans and they fit true to size. I got white, dark wash, and light wash. I’m 5’ 4”, 120 pounds, 70 years and wear the 27. If I was younger, I might size down to a 26 but I like the fit of the 27 for me.
May I ask, the photo of your jeans on Nordstrom’s site; the hem looks must be “ragged” than the hem on your pants. Did you make an adjust to the hem? I just love them. And your hair. Its perfect! Thank you.
Thanks, Ginger! Yes, I trimmed the frayed ends for a neater look.
Hi Susan,
I’m not sure why but none of the Nordstrom links went through. I’m always looking for blazers or jackets. Thanks for this blog I always enjoy it.
Hi Cindy, thanks, and are you in Canada by any chance? Nordstrom has made changes to their website so that Canadians now need to shop through a different site here: https://bit.ly/3C8rbCk
In the video on the Nordstrom site, the sales associate says the blazer is made from a knit fabric. Is that accurate?
No, I don’t think it’s a knit. It does have a bit of fluidity and stretch. Reminds me of a lightweight wool crepe, but is synthetic.
Thanks! The videos are a good idea in theory, but in my experience are often misleading.
Perfect outfit for Paris. Add a scarf and you are DONE!
You’ve achieved that effortless French ‘je ne sais quoi’ style. Great outfit. And the sunglasses finish the look ever so well.
To me this colour jacket would be very dangerous.
And you are right about the style. That blue fitted blazer I bought a few months back is dangerously close to being ‘corporate’. I really have to soften the look with jeans and something like a ruffled top (although I don’t own anything with ruffles haha).
Greetje