Sweater Coats Are Definitely A Thing (And I’m Here For It!)
Hitting that Sweet Spot between the structure of a jacket and the ease of a cardigan, a sweater coat (or jacket) may just be the perfect garment. When J.Crew came out with their “Sophie” sweater blazer a couple of years ago, I did a happy dance and purchased in multiple colors. I still love it; it’s easy to style, comfortable, and a perfect weight for several months out of the year in our climate.
If you like a longer style, try the “Juliette,” or this season’s “Ella.” (All 3 styles offered up to size 3X.)
I’d noticed iterations of sweater coats showing up in various brands’ collections (sometimes as “coatigans”) over the last few seasons. But as of this fall, they are everywhere.
Sweater Coats:
This plaid number is colorful, but not too over-the-top. Perfect for weekend wear, or with trousers could also go to the (business casual) office. In Misses, Petites and Plus sizes.
This one has a soft texture, but feels substantial. Offered in multiple colors in Misses, Petites, Plus and Petite Plus sizes.
Clean and bold, love this red and camel colorblock!
This ombré pattern is distinctive without being shouty.
This one has a sort of a “varsity” vibe. Both colors here are neutrals, so it keeps your styling options open.
I like the soft diagonal windowpane-ish pattern on this one.
Short And Sweet: Sweater Jackets
Speaking of windowpane, this cropped sweater jacket in white and navy is really sharp, crisp without being stiff.
A little more slouchy, this oversized navy sweater jacket is a transitional season alternative to a peacoat.
This one was in my cart about a nanosecond after I spotted it. Will report back…
The look of a classic tweed jacket with the ease of a cardigan…hard to go wrong here! There’s a little bit of green in that fabric too.
Do you have any sweater coats/jackets in your wardrobe? Do you prefer longer or shorter, or both?
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Hooray for the shorter jackets! I have been looking for these to wear with my wide legged jeans/pants. The half tuck is really cute with them as well. I cannot wait to see the red/orange? on you!!!
Yes, LOVE the sweater jacket. Here in Atlanta it rarely gets really cold so lighter weight outerwear is appropriate. I just got my Sophie (JCrew) jacket in green to start this fall season, but unfortunately we’re still dealing with hot weather, but soon…
Some of these others looking interesting! Thanks.
Love sweater jackets. Also live in Atlanta…spent my first winter here wearing no other outer wear but a blazer. Rarely gets below 45 degrees. Even in January.
These jackets and coats speak to the classic dresser in me, and also to the girl who grew up wearing school uniforms ( 12 years of catholic schools will instill a love of blazers ).
Did you note the colors offered for one of the Talbots jackets? Both camel and a beautiful brown were offered…both in your new colors!
Keep up the great posts. You inspire me to dress with distinction.
I have my eye on one at Soft Surroundings. I has a zipper, though, so maybe it’s a sweater jacket. 🙂 It’s this one: https://www.softsurroundings.com/p/kinsale-boucl-jacket/
I have to attend a “semi-casual” wedding in Flagstaff in October. The weather should be nice but could be on the cool side. I bought a pair of camel hounds tooth slacks, a deep teal sweater “coat” with a matching sleeveless tank underneath and leopard print shoes to wear. I’m feeling pretty confident about the outfit!
I experienced my first California winter this past year & sweater coats are the answer I’m hoping! I purchased the Talbots one you highlighted. It’s oversized and super soft. The one button closure keeps it from blowing open and keeps it looking chic. Love your style! This New York girl thanks you for being my west coast guru during a crazy, epic year!
They are all delightful! All the outwear I would need in north Florida. I am drawn to the one from Talbot because of the simple notched collar and the color choices.
I think one has to be careful with this style as it can add bulk – especially for large busts – and make one look “mumsy”. I think the thickness of the coat plays a big part in how much bulk it adds. Perhaps pairing it with a waist cinching belt would make it more current.
I like the ideas of these and the multiple styling options. My two complaints: here in Portland OR, once it gets cool enough to wear one of these there’s also an 80% chance that it’s raining. Also, pet peeve – what is the point of one of these as outerwear if it has anything less than full-length sleeves?!! I understand this may be an unpopular opinion.
I fully agree with the comment on shorter sleeves. In the summer, with 3/4 length sleeves you have an exposed arm and get a weird tan line. In the winter–who wants cold arms??? I just wish they all had deep slanted pockets hidden in the side seam so I could keep my hands warm and carry a wallet and keys; of course, that pocket would be equally as appropriate in pants as well…
I live in the Mid-Atlantic region and have a similar issue – it’s likely to be wet. I also find that sweater coats don’t hold up well against my crossbody bag and backpack. I do better with a tightly woven fabric that doesn’t get pulls and pills. When it gets to be January I might have a long sweater jacket layered under that lighter coat.
That plaid jacket is cute, something I’d like to be puling out about March when I’m ready for Spring.
Yes, that is a problem even in northern California; certainly in foggy San Francisco. My transitional jackets have to be water-resistant at the least.