jacket or cardigan?
Yikes, I am SO overdue for a haircut! To be remedied soon…
Some might call this a cardigan, but the online product description refers to it as a knit jacket. Either way it’s very comfortable to wear and easy to style. I’ve had this “knit jacket” for a couple of years. I didn’t wear it much initially but it somehow survived two seasonal closet purges, and I sort of rediscovered it at the end of last year and have been wearing it often since then. These AG “Prima” jeans are newer and have to be the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever tried on. They are lightweight, soft and very stretchy. I wore this outfit for a low-key day at the office but if I needed to be a bit more formal all I’d need to do is swap out the jeans for a pair of trousers, or a skirt and tights.
Do you lean more toward sweaters or jackets?
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Susan that jacket/cardi is something else! Well the whole outfit is lovely but I’m particularly taken with the jacket as it is an Eileen Fisher and comes in petite sizes. As a silk/cotton I’m guessing it’s trans-seasonal. May I ask if it has any warmth for your LA winter? I live just south of Sydney, Australia (similar latitude) so I’m wondering if I could get any winter wear from it.
Many thanks for your always interesting posts.
Rose, thanks! It does have warmth, especially if layered over a long sleeve top.
Thank you so much Susan, I’ll sleep on my decision tonight but probably go for it tomorrow. Have a lovely weekend.
Point of view is always interesting… when I first saw your photo at the top, I thought — “I love the softer edge haircut…very flattering.” Then I read your opening sentence! 🙂 In answer to your question, since I retired a few years ago I’ve leaned more and more towards sweater-jackets, usually like the one you feature in this post. They’re polished, but more relaxed — a good ‘look’ for this stage of my life.
Judith, thank you! (But the ends are getting a little ragged…) I hope retailers are paying attention and continue to offer these structured cardigans/knit jackets.
I like a soft jacket like this one (although I’m wearing a structured one in my post today). I like ease of movement, esp around the shoulders. This is a wonderful look, xox.
Patti, thank you! I’m all about comfort these days, and this is a VERY comfortable piece.
Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, too!
Love the look! And I thought you hair looked great! This is a great jacket…i love the length!
Pam, thank you!
Loving the softer look and light colors on you! You look so graceful and confident. I like both sweaters and jackets. Even when I worked outside the home, I flipped back and forth, actually leaning more toward sweaters. As a stay-at-home mom, I suppose I ‘should’ like unstructured sweaters, tunics etc., most, but find that each have their own appeal. Jackets bring their own singular polish or finish to an outfit, and many are tailored and fabricated in a way that is quite comfortable to wear.
That said, my favorite third layer these days is a very fine gauge cardigan, blush color, with a few random ‘painted’ blossoms strewn on it. So spring-like! And vaguely vintage. I was getting tempted to wear it with almost everything, so grudgingly also got it in sky blue. All to get more mileage out of one of the softest, most appealing toppers I have. Hypothetical: Is it wrong to get an identical item in more than one color if it fits like a dream and flatters? Ha! I could answer my own question…
nell, thanks so much! Your cardigan sounds lovely. If it works that well for you, by all means a second color!
I really love how comfortable you look in this outfit. I do currently own a pair of jeans and am thinking I want to do something about that. Do you really like that brand? Do you know if they ever do anything with a flare?
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Accidental Icon, thank you and yes, I do feel very comfortable (both physically and mentally) in this outfit. Yes AG has some nice bootcuts and flares. I have a pair of their bootcuts, which are also quite soft and comfortable.
Great outfit and look! In my only OOTD post, I profiled the ‘sweater-coat’ and praised it’s versatility. You demonstrate how well it works when executed properly.
Wasn’t it GSL who mentioned how those fab leopard ankle boots would be better served w/o a cuff drawing attention away….?
GSL, thank you! Yes, I was paying attention when you mentioned the cuffs and have taken some pants in to the tailor for hemming. 🙂
I’m very fond of the unstructured jacket/cardigan look; it’s much more casual than a structured jacket, and fits my relaxed lifestyle better, yet still looks somewhat “elegant.” Plus my husband has told me too structured a jacket doesn’t flatter my curves … I’d have to agree :-). This look today is perfection, with the difference of black pants instead of jeans (jeans somehow don’t cut it on my short fluffy figure!), and I’d skip the leopard shoes. Never have gotten into animal prints, just not adventurous enough, I guess!
Vivian, I agree to that softer jackets are better for those of us with more curves than angles. Thank you!
Perfect spring look, Sue. I love a structured/sweater/jacket/cross-over thingy. And yours looks so lovely, soft but still “tidy” and polished, if you get my meaning. I just bought a Helmet Lang jacket for spring. It’s so stretchy that it feels like a sweater. I can’t wait to wear it….but it’s not entirely suitable for everyday in my new retirement life. Today it’s biking and tomorrow a long power walk on the trail near here with my girlfriends. Life is tough!
Susan, thank you! Helmut Lang does some fabulous jackets…I’m sure you’ll find an occasion soon to wear it.
This jacket is definitely perfect on you…I love the asymmetry & drape! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…I agree with the others…you hair looks nice—it’s probably just not what you are used to?
robjodiefilogomo, thank you! With regard to the hair, the ends are getting a bit scraggly and I’m finding the weight when it’s this length makes it fall in my face. This is as long as I’ve had in several years.
I love sweater jackets and this one is gorgeous. I purchased the same style Eileen Fisher cardigan in dark blue wool last fall and it has become one of the most useful pieces in my wardrobe. I wear it with jeans and a white cotton turtleneck for casual wear, but I’ve also worn it to the opera with black silk pants, a dressy white tank top and a large white pearl choker. Perhaps I should get the one you have in bone. I’m not sure, since I try to avoid too many duplicates in my wardrobe.
Cathy, thank you! I wish now I’d picked up that dark blue when it was available. Next fall, perhaps.
You really look stunning. I think your hair is looking very soft and becoming…
The EF cardigan/jacket is beautiful. I love the scarf with hints of gold framing your face. I just got the Prima jeans and the jury is still out. I must be ‘between sizes’. I bought a size down because the reviewers recommended to do that. They are still feeling snug after 4 hours of wear yesterday. But if I buy my normal size in stretchy jeans they stretch out in one wearing. I suppose I need a good tailor.
Anyway I love the jacket–
sybes1, thank you! Jeans are funny, hope you find the size that works best for you.
The sweater /jacket is really a great piece…I like that it has some weight to it and I think the scarf is gorgeous with the gold accents…perfect with your bracelet. Your hair is stunning and stylish even with the longer length it works.
Hostess, thanks! It really is such a great piece, and I hope they continue to offer something similar in future collections.
What a nice collection! Jacket, sweater really beautiful also ladies bag ohhhhhh awesome.
evabakhtiar, thank you!
That is really your color. Your hair color, scarf and sweater jacket make you look ageless and a show stopper. When I look at your photo, all I think is how great you look. Came out of a corporate environment and it is hard to give up the power suits, though I long to do it. Showing more softer jackets like the one you are wearing would be greatly appreciated.
KarenLA, thank you very much! I would love to show more jackets like this, but they seem to be few and far between. But I’m always on the lookout, and will share when I find them.
Send that jacket and scarf to me – right now!!!!
You really look great in the EF bone color with navy. I used to wear very structured jackets only, now I never do. My favorites are always the softer ones like you are wearing and they just seem more versatile for me.
Pam, 😀 Thank you, and yes, I’m having a hard time wearing structured blazers most of the time.
Nordstrom description calls these jeans “cigarette leg skinny,” which isn’t something I want. But these don’t look *that* skinny on you–they look great! Did you order one size up? They look very tight on the model, not so on you. Thanks, Susan!
Linda, thanks! I hadn’t heard they run large so ordered my regular size, which seems to be the correct fit. I’ve found that “cigarette” leg styles generally aren’t true skinnies as they aren’t tapered at the ankle, but rather a slim straight leg from the knee down.
This is so helpful, Susan. Thank you!
And can we talk about your great bag:)?
Lisa, thanks! It’s a Mulberry, one of those odd styles that didn’t seem to get much traction.
I have that experience of rediscovering things 3-4 times a year when I switch my closet around as the seasons change. Things I’d forgotten I had come out of closets/boxes and they’re a treat to style. I have to be mindful because more than once I’ve opened up the out-of-season closet/box and found things that are downright identical to things I’ve bought new for the season. That’s how I know when I like something, I own two of them.
RoseAG, glad to know I’m not the only one who buys multiples! 🙂
What a good closet find! I just bought that jacket a few weeks ago and love it. Like you, I found it more “cardigan” than “jacket,” but it’s a very nice, rather structured, cardigan and works fine for business. In fact, I’m going to drag it along to a conference in a week or so. It looks wonderful on you. Don’t you like the pattern/stitching on the back?
Hi sosusam, so glad you like it too! It really is a versatile piece.
Did I miss the link to the jacket? It sounds like you can still get it. Can someone point me in the right direction?
Hi Karen, here’s a link to one that’s very similar, and also on sale right now: http://bit.ly/1cxcee0
I have been a fan of long sweater “jackets” for years. And yes, I have some that must be fifteen years old. One of the best sources was Three Bags Full in SF and Santa Monica. Are they still in business? Wonderful long, unique sweaters!
Hi Libby, yes I believe it’s still there. Haven’t been by there in years, will have to go!
Jacket or cardigan? Hmm. I suppose I would say cardigan because it is so drapey and soft. I associate a jacket with more structure. But who cares? It looks great on you! I’m glad you rediscovered it and are making up for lost time.
Melanie, thanks!
Glad this jacket survived the closet purge, it looks really good on you. I always struggle with open cardigans and wearing scarves with it. You are the scarf queen!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
ID for the bracelet?
Hi karen, I always include links to what I’m wearing in the photo caption, but if those aren’t working for you, bracelets I’m wearing are here: http://bit.ly/1IJUh9k and here: http://bit.ly/1EQYdmG . Thanks!
Help? Since we are talking about bracelets. I can’t for the life of me find a black bangle bracelet. I’m looking for 1-1.5 wide with little embellishment so it can go with anything. I prefer something refined and smooth rather than bulky. I did find some in my search that were quite elegant with pave diamonds, but the price tag of $85,000 was out of my price range. Didn’t want diamonds anyhow. LOL.
Karen, have you looked at the Hermès enamel or clic-clac bangles? They come in a variety of widths. http://usa.hermes.com/jewelry/enamel-jewelry/printed-bracelets.html
Susan, thank you for the lead. I really am enjoying this blog. Luv the fashion tips, plus other comments from hair products to iphones!
Totally chic & perfect! I need those booties! Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday and have a great weekend!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you very much, Dawn Lucy!
You really look stunning ! I love everything in this look . Just fantastic 🙂 have a lovely weekend 🙂 x
Beata, thank you!
This outfit has such an easy elegance. The shoes totally elevate the look. Beautiful!
Thanks so much, Deborah!
I love this outfit on you. So French. The boots are screaming my name!
I love ‘outerwear’, doesn’t matter if it is a cardi, jacket or even a simple button down. I guess 10 years living in Dubai has sort of trained me to cover up. I think this piece you’ve got here is a keeper. I can understand why it is called a jacket instead.. the lapel on a cardi is quite unique!
Love how you styled this outfit! totally adoring that cardigan and boots!
Alena & http://garmentsspeech.blogspot.com/
Both jacket and boots are fab
Great drape with substance and shape, be-you-tee-ful piece, and you have to be smug that you kept if through the purges, ’cause it’s tack sharp for this spring. Very you. You look grand, bag, shoes, cool jeans all a great success together.
This must be the year for some pieces to come into their own. I have a couple of pieces that have been around for a couple of years, but suddenly make great matches with incoming, newer pieces. Design cycles?
jacket or cardigan? …mmmm…the fashion dilemma,anyway You shine such Elegance, such charming Style…such Charisma…cheers!
greetings
chicly understated! as I get older, I find I lean more towards the sweater-jacket, rather than the harder lines of regular jackets and blazers. this looks very versatile and elegant. have been shying away from “non-button” cardigan tops but this gives me inspiration!
Very comfortable and classic. I adore the boots and have tried to find them without success. Perhaps in the fall. Thank you for all the fashion information and ease to travel with style!