Look of the Week: Polished Casual With A Sweater Jacket
Many of you have mentioned that you’d like to see some jackets and cardigans that are longer and/or less boxy. I’m keeping my eyes open as the spring collections start to arrive, and this was one of the first that caught my attention.
The cinched-waist sweater jacket adds some structure and refinement without being too stiff or fussy. It’s also offered in black, sizes XX-Small to 3X. This one from Quince has a slightly more relaxed shape but still looks polished. And this one from Talbot’s has a nice look and is available in Misses, Petites, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.
These dark chocolate suede Mary Janes from Cole Haan are good looking (not too twee) and really comfortable! And they’re on sale.
If you’re looking for some budget-friendly leather bags, I really like some of the options from Quince. I bought the one shown above as a gift for a friend, and this woven one for myself. I think it punches WELL above its weight, price-wise. This leather sling bag also looks promising, and rings in well under $100.
Would you wear a sweater jacket like this one? How would you style it?
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I saw that sweater in the JC new arrivals and it might be flattering on some body types -not sure about those puffy sleeves. However to my eye, longer sweaters and cardigans just look dated and frumpy right now. I’m not saying go cropped, but shorter tops look better with the current high waisted wider bottoms. I realize an older readership is reluctant to change, and in the end it’s all about proportion. Everyone should of course wear what they feel comfortable in and we need not necessarily follow trends. That said, you do an outstanding job of showing modern, age appropriate, comfortable looks. Don’t bow to the pressure of frump! Show them the Juliette cardigan if they want long. : )
Hi Shari, I don’t think it’s a reluctance to change, but we all have different proportions, and some still prefer how a long-over-lean silhouette works for them. And the cyclic nature of “fashion” being what it is, the spring runways also included a lot of slimmer bottoms. 😉
I absolutely agree. As a tall person, I much prefer the long-over-lean silhouette. It is not dated at all, so thanks for acknowledging that. I will never wear the cropped, waist or high hip, fitted jackets! I read your blog for your emphasis on quality, color, and style — and for the great shoes and bags!
As a petite, I like shorter tops over high-waisted pants (regular mid-rise generally works as high-rise pants for me).
Longer over lean works better for me, too. I refuse to dress in clothing that is not flattering to me, even if it is what manufacturers are currently pushing us to purchase. And can’t we support other women, rather than calling their clothing dated and frumpy?
Ditto and thank you!
Exactly! I’m a bit insulted by the “frumpy” comments. As a tall person with an apple shape, I would look ridiculous in a cropped jacket! Nothing to do with age or reluctance to change. Perhaps we in the “older readership” have the wisdom to know what does & doesn’t look good on us, and dress accordingly, regardless of the trends!
I’m also wary of the word frumpy, which gets tossed around a lot as a euphemism for old. We live in an ageist society, quick to label women, and adding the disclaimer to “wear what you want” doesn’t grant us free rein to judge accordingly. Fashion is all over the map these days, which is freeing if we let it be. I’ve seen long and lean, high waisted and cropped, fitting and loose, in the same runway show. Let’s lose the term frumpiness. It’s a limiting judgment and a moving target.
Hi! I’m attending a Valentine’s dinner/dance with some other active 80-year old ladies here in Leisure World/Seal Beach. The music will be provided by a rock band. How about some casual, but festive looks.
Thanks!
I’ll be working on some casual “Val” looks, stay tuned!
Prefer fitted jackets & sweaters . Like the Talbots fawn style. Can you, perhaps, show how women who look best in cool colors can wear beige/fawn colors?
Hi Cynthia, I think that particular “Fawn” color would be too warm (yellow-based) for those with cool palettes. But there are some cooler beiges out there that could work for some. I’ll put together some suggestions in a future post.
I love the Quince sweater. Have been very happy with everything I’ve bought there (including houseware items!). I would probably size down and wear open over a high crewneck tee mostly since I live in SW Florida. It could be a nice “jacket” in the winter months. Have really enjoyed your content in the new year!
Thank you for these looks. It’s refreshing to see a couple of more tailored cardigan choices in a sea of boxy, oversized clothing choices that don’t work for so many of us. I try these boxy tops on to be sure, and to try new things, but I look like I am wearing my older sister’s clothes playing dress up. Those shoes look fun, too. Always a pleasure to see what you find for us.
Hi Susan! I really like the look of that JCrew cinched in waist jacket! I’ve been shying away from sweater jackets because I tend to look frumpy in them but that one has a nice shape — in the sleeves as well as the waist. I’m having to be more budget conscious these days so I’m just putting it in my basket for now. I’m also looking at the new EF silk twill jackets paired with the crepe lantern pants (looking good for travel and everyday.
The nipped waist is the best part of the jacket. If you like some edge to your outfit, though, it’s hard to style it. The boucle just looks tired, unless you are under 30 and wearing it with a mini-skirt, and the bright gold buttons and warm color are personal deal-breakers. (It’s so hard to find cool colors other than winter brights!)
Like Shari, I think it can be hard for many body types to wear longer styles, just as it is hard to for some to wear shorter. For my shape, I dread the inevitable return to long-over-lean that favors an apple shape.
I’ve recently bought a few pairs of jeans with wide legs, and am amazed at how comfy they are! I’m in my late 60’s and wondering if you could post a few tips for shoes to wear with this style? Thanks!
When possible could you add cool toned capsules as well as warm?
It would be so helpful ❤️
Hi Eileen, thanks! I try to alternate warm and cool capsules. Here’s the most recent one in a cool palette: How to Style Navy with Black and Grey Separates