Navy: It’s The Other Black
For some time now, I’ve been on a quest. At times it seemed an impossible quest: a jacket, wearable for the office or dressed down with jeans, not just another menswear-style blazer, a good fit, preferably knit, and not black. Or at least, not entirely black.
This was one of those “almost missed it” finds. I’d seen a version of this jacket on a prominent rack in an olive drab color that didn’t appeal to me. But as I turned toward the escalator to leave, tugging at my peripheral vision was that zipper shoulder detail and navy color. The body is ponte knit, the sleeves are leather, and the whole thing is lined.
I’ve styled very simply here to highlight the minimalist design. The sleeves are just a wee bit long but as soon as I find an alterations person I trust, that will be remedied.
I think we’re going to be very happy together.
Jacket: Theory, here.
Tee: Eileen Fisher, here.
Jeans: NYDJ Alina leggings, here.
Boots: Stuart Weitzman, several years old. Similar style.
Earrings: LAUREN Ralph Lauren, here.
Are there any items for which you feel you’ve been on a seemingly impossible quest? Any great recent finds?
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I think you are looking great just now, I think you’ve really come into your own style and your figure is just fab!
Bourbon & Pearls, thank you so much!
I think you are looking great just now, I think you’ve really come into your own style and your figure is just fab!
Fabulous, Une Femme. A great example of why it’s worth waiting for the right pieces. This will be loved for years, I think, and always look Just Right. Sigh, I am on perpetual quests, but I secretly love the hunt : >
Patti, thank you! I’m finding that with jackets it pays to be patient and very picky.
I just LOVE your photos these days.
LPC, thank you. I’ve been inspired by your outfit photos, you know.
You are looking particularly sleek and chic! I passed up a leather jacket at a shop whose name escapes me a few years ago. I’ve regretted it since. I haven’t seen one like it or any other one which appeals to me as much as this one did. Oh well- the one that got away!
Kristien62, thanks so much! “Non-buyers remorse” is the worst, because nothing ever measures up in our minds to what we passed up.
Très jolie, chère Madame. Elegante et moderne à la fois. Bravo! — Love the jacket. Flattering cut and color, and these leather sleeves are a brilliant idea! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Veronique, merci bien!
You look fantastic! Like this outfit, a lot – and that’s a fab jacket.
That’s Not My Age, thanks so much! (BTW, look for an email from me soon re: London.)
Ooooh, that’s just Yummy! Love that jacket, just the right details. And I echo LPC on loving your photos recently.
materfamilias, thanks so much!
What a flattering cut of that jacket…loving the simple lines.
hostess, thank you! I wish pieces like this weren’t so few and far between.
Love it on you, and- have a nearly identical one, but the body is black. (And the sleeves were too long.) Bet this will be a terrific travel piece, too.
Duchesse, thank you! Yes, I had travel in mind when I decided to purchase. This will be going on our next trip.
I am always on the hunt for great jackets… I especially would like a cream tuxedo style jacket… but haven’t found it yet… 🙂 xv
Vicki, a cream tuxedo jacket would be one of those “forever” pieces. I hope you find it!
This jacket is fabulous! It has the cool factor and is so different for the regular fitted jacket! I love it…but there are few Theory garments I have not liked. Great shopping…you look incredible and I know you will be happy together!
Pam, thank you. Yes, it’s not like every other jacket you see and that’s a big plus for me.
I love it and love how you styled it. Great addition to your wardrobe.
pinkazalea, thanks so much!
I’m with Lisa, your photos are fabulous! The jacket is great. Good choice.
Susan P., thank you so much! I’m finding this jacket fills a hole in my wardrobe I didn’t even realize I had.
Oh my! Love the jacket sooo much! I love Theory!
You, my dear, are looking SO gorgeous!!
gracefully50, thank you! This is my first Theory jacket but probably won’t be my last.
I love the zip detail on the shoulder and the gentle curve at the waist – a nice sleek outline.
Sulky Kitten, thank you! I love those details that set a simple piece apart.
You always manage to look hip and sophisticated at the same time. Love that jacket on you!
Merry Wife, thank you!
The jacket is simply gorgeous. Theory is one of my favourite Brands. I think I have seen this style in Harrods. Had better not go back or I might succumb and after finding my navy jacket/coat as recently featured my budget probably won’t stretch to it.
Chicatanyage, thank you. I’ve always loved the look of Theory but didn’t think their styles would work on a curvy shape. So glad I was wrong!
I am in LUUURVE with that jacket. I love navy and black together, and this look is sleek, sleek, sleek. Well-played madame…well-played.
highlandfashionista, thanks so much! I’ve really come to love navy and black as well, such a cool combo.
What a gorgeous, stylish jacket – that I imagine you will be able to wear for years without looking dated. I am looking for a pair of brown trousers that fit me properly. Not too much to ask for, is it? But I seem to be between sizes at the moment: one size is a tad too tight and the next size up is too baggy. Can we start a campaign for odd sizes? 😉
Sue Walker, thanks so much! That feeling of being in between sizes is so frustrating, and don’t you wish we could just by trousers like men do…find the right waist size and then get hemmed for free?
How come you suddenly look so tall: )?
With the minimal decorating, you would not be identified as a tourist here in Finland.
mette, it’s an optical illusion! 😉 Thank you, that’s a nice compliment!
The navy colour is becoming to you. I really like the leather and zipper detail.
Madame Là-bas, thank you! I’ve avoided navy for so much of my life, and am just now discovering what a wonderful and flattering neutral it can be.
That jacket is fantastic! I have such jacket envy …
Tiffany, thank you!
Gorgeous. I don’t normally wear navy, myself, but I surely sure start exploring.
Love the little flare at the back. You, of course, look marvelous!
Aunt Snow, thanks so much! I never used to wear navy either, associating it with a more conservative fashion sense. But I’ve really warmed up to it in the last year or so.
You look wonderful – this more tailored, minimalist style suits you so well. Great jacket, and I do like both colors, but think the navy is more timeless.
Kathy, thanks! This is the aesthetic that appeals most to me, and I need to just trust that and stay true to it. I thought the other color was interesting but do like the navy better.
Awesome blazer and it fits so well!
Annette
Lady of Style
Adorable outfit, love the jacket!
Chere Deja Pseu,
You look STUNNING, and this jacket was definitely made for you. I found, looking at your photos, that the sleeves don`t look too long to me: at that length they just add a bit more edge to your look. I also once suffered the trauma of shortening sleeves on a leather blazer, only to find that I wished I hadn`t–and that`s an alteration that can`t be undone! You might try living with them at this length for a little bit, before making the final decision as to whether or not some leather should be cut off…
Wow – I want one just like yours! I have one in black that has ponte sleeves and a leather body. Navy is a great color for you. I’m actually on the lookout for some good summer jackets I can wear with tank tops and sleeveless dresses.
Spashionista (Alicia)
Fabulous – you look wonderful – love your new navy blazer. A real classic with a twist style. Gorgeous. S x
Love love love what you’re wearing. Can’t tell you how many times I caught hell for mixing navy and black, and I adore it.
You illustrate the point impeccably.
I like the black and navy…very Yves St. Laurant. I read recently that’s who first made that combo acceptable. Beautiful.
Looks perfect on you! Just what I’ve been looking for, but just saw the asking price on the site. I need a much lower price tag, but it’s nice to see someone like you wearing this in real life. You clearly deserve it, and could not have gone to a better home!
What a modern, edgy, sleek look. I love it!