It’s A Cinch
One trend that seems to be prevalent for fall is the belted or tied jacket. Unfortunately, this is also a look une femme assiduously avoids, rather than risk resembling a sack of potatoes with a rope tied around the middle. But everything 70’s is new again, and those of you with more willowy silhouettes can probably carry these off.
Theory, $375. I’ve seen quite a few variations of the short trench on fall racks in a variety of venues, so if you love this look you can find for less with not too much hunting.
See? Here’s the Talbot’s version, $148. Available in multiple colors.
Personally, I prefer styles with less bulk:
Ann Taylor, $198. Would also work with a pair of black trousers or even with jeans.
Anne Klein New York, $450. There’s that blue again!
Jones New York, $179. Love this color for fall!
Gryphon, $565. A hint of “military” without boot camp.
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The Ann Taylor one appeals- the lower-cut neck draws the eye upward. A glance at rear view tells it all- I’m better off in a nipped in waist without the belt. Sometimes you can just take remove the belt.
Except for the Ann Taylor and Talbot’s versions, these jackets seem like the waist is too high. That feels uncomfortable. But then, it’s probably due to the models’ heights.
I’m not a huge fan of a belted waist either — I also think it makes me look lumpy.
When this reader attempts a belt his body cries out in terror – why, why are you doing this? And it’s true – he looks like a roast beef, tied up for the oven.
I think only the longest and leanest of us can successfully pull this off. And who needs them?
May I draw your attention to another Talbots offering–the Talbot’s Collection Safari Jacket ($228). It has a bit more polish than the one you showed. Looks great on the wasp-waisted catalog model, but the double-breasted style adds bulk to the bosom and tummy, two areas some of us prefer to diminish.
I enjoy your blog, Madame.
“this is also a look une femme assiduously avoids, rather than risk resembling a sack of potatoes with a rope tied around the middle.”
Miss J concurs. Not a good look for anone but models.
This only works for bathrobes for me 🙂
I am always looking for belt-cinched jackets and coats–yes, I’m tall and relatively lean, with a definite waist, and those swing styles of recent seasons do absolutely nothing for me–but I’m so long-waisted that the belt never hits me in the right place. And then I look like I have high, misshapen hips.
I do love the look of that Gryphon jacket, although I just know the belt would be 2 inches too high, and the pockets would make it impossible to shift the waistline downward. And I would never wear it in navy. I’m waiting for olive green to make a long-overdue comeback–it’s my go-to neutral.
I tried on what seemed to be a cute Michael Kors red cinched waist jacket. This jacket did deplorable things to my body—horrible garment.
duchesse – yes I sometimes am tempted to see how some of these would look without the belt.
rita – good point about the models heights. Because I’m so short waisted, belts on non-petite sizes tend to hit me too low.
wendyb – I can’t imagine you looking lumpy!
thomas – love the roast beef image!
julied – I didn’t see that one, but will have a look. And thanks!
miss janey – I have a non-model friend who can wear these and look fabulous, but she’s tall, slender and long-waisted. But actually I guess that pretty much proves your point!
anon – me too, but then I don’t expect bathrobes to be flattering. 🙂
LBR – Michael Kors seems to have jumped the shark lately, eh?
nancyf – I’m thinking the high-waisted look of that jacket is deliberate. When I first saw it I thought of the English WWI army uniforms from “Atonement.” And I’m with you on olive green; it’s one of my best colors if not too muddy.