Polished Casual Outfit Idea With A Sweater Lady Jacket
It feels as though the pace is beginning to pick up as the holidays approach. My schedule felt very full this week, and next week is looking much the same. But getting out of the house more means I have an excuse to create some new outfits (as if I needed an excuse, hah!). Here’s an elevated casual outfit with a structured “lady jacket” style sweater that I wore to be interviewed on camera for a friend’s media project.
Styling a sweater lady jacket in a casual outfit
I love the mix of a casual, funky jean with more polished pieces like the sweater lady jacket and sleek flats. The jacket adds structure and texture, while the jeans keep it all from looking too serious.
My sizes: Cardigan – 1/Small, Tank – XS, Jeans – 28 Petite
I really like these ba&sh cardigans. They’re a sweater version of a lady jacket, with a nice balance of softness and structure. This one’s 100% organic cotton.
The Madewell darted barrel jeans are made in a light and drapey denim fabric. If you are “barrel-leg-curious,” this might be a good pair to try as the shape isn’t too extreme. They’re available in Regular, Petite and Tall lengths.
Here are a few budget-friendly sweater lady jacket options:
J.Crew | Ann Taylor | Loft | Talbot’s | J.Crew |
Ann Taylor | Lilysilk | Wit & Wisdom | J.Jill
Yes, my hair is much shorter. I decided to try a classic pixie cut again and am really liking it! But my head does get much colder, so I’ve been adding a beanie when it’s brisk out.
Do you wear this style of sweater or jacket? How do you like to style them?
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I love the lady jacket trend, but they all seem to have gold buttons. I’m a silver gal. If you can suggest any shorter length jackets, sweater or otherwise, with silver buttons, I’d be most grateful!
Hi Nan, I’m keeping my eyes open. It’s frustrating when we don’t have more choices! In the meantime, if you find one you really like, you can often use nail polish to change metal button color.
Nan, same. However, you can easily replace all the buttons for less than $10.
It’s super simple to replace buttons! Take your jacket to your local fabric store and pick out some buttons you like. Your cleaner or local tailor can sew new ones on easily!
Love the pixie cut on you. it’s current and edgy without being drastic if that makes sense
Thanks so much, Leslie!
I like the lady jackets you often wear but I’m a silver girl and all the lady jackets I have seen have gold toned buttons. Could you suggest a lady jacket that has neutral or silver buttons?
Hi Robyn, one thing that’s worked for me to change metal button color is nail polish. I’ve used gold nail polish on silver buttons, should work the other way around.
It’s easy to just change the buttons … pick some fabulous buttons you like and get out a needle and thread!! (I’ve had the same issue with jeans jackets. Unfortunately they would need nail polish—they aren’t sewn on.)
I love the texture on the cardigan. So very stylish and cute. Would you share where you purchased your bracelet set?
Thanks, Elizabeth! The bracelet set is from Roxanne Assoulin, from a few seasons back. Here’s a similar set at The RealReal: https://bit.ly/4hOnHHL
I love your sweater jacket Susan. The texture is what makes it stand out.
I’ve noticed this year so many clothes have gold/brass buttons. Do you think this will make the piece look dated in a year or so? Also, what does a winter (cool) coloring do when the color of the jacket or piece of clothing is right but the buttons are not in your color palette especially so close to the face? And I only wear white gold or silver jewelry. I guess change the buttons or don’t purchase. In the case of changing the buttons. Do you suggest to stay with metal buttons in silver, pewter, etc. tone or can they be replaced with a color that matches the piece of clothing? Should you always use a shank button since the gold/brass ones are that type or can a button with holes showing look ok also?
This dilemma has stopped me from buying a piece of clothing many times.
Hi Rose, thanks so much! Here’s a trick I’ve used to change buttons from silver to gold, and should work in the other direction…nail polish! Two coats of a silver nail polish should work on most metal buttons.
Love your haircut; it’s so cute on you. This lady jacket is so pretty and perfect with the barrel jeans.
Thanks so much, Nancy!
Hi Susan
what is the length on the cardigan? I’m long-waisted and don’t want to take a chance on ordering and having to return a too-short item?
Hi Lynn, on a size Small the shoulder-to-hem length is 19-1/2″
Boden makes a very nice cardigan sweater jacket (Holly Knitted Jacket), a heavier 100% cotton. I love mine. Also, I’ve seen some dupes of this Bash sweater on Amazon at a fraction of the cost though I haven’t ordered so can’t comment on the quality.
I love the lady jacket on you and I love your pixie haircut. I have two striped sweater lady jackets from Amazon that fit me very well. I sent back a few others that just did not work on my 34 DDD chest. I also have a J. Crew orangey-red striped sweater lady jacket that I am struggling to wear. I think my chest is the problem. I am just under 5’4″ tall, long-waisted, and reasonably slender (130 pounds). I ordered the J.Crew jacket in my usual size S. It was not wearable. I re-ordered in a size M. I can button the jacket, but it is terribly short on my frame. I only feel comfortable in the sweater when I wear a tee shirt in the same orangey-red under it. That makes the combo long enough . No matter what bottom I wear when I wear the sweater alone, it makes my torso look wide (i.e., fat!) I probably should have either exchanged for a size L or just returned it period. Unfortunately, I love the color of the jacket and I have been unable to find a dupe for it that works better on me. I suspect that lady jackets are really designed for women with smaller chests.
Hi Kathy, as another DDD, I hear you! I think it really depends on the fabric and cut of the jacket. I find the styles that work best have a bit of “drape” to them. Sometimes it’s just trial-and-error to find a good fit.
Love the return of the pixie cut!
Thanks, Patricia!
What a nice outfit. I really like the jackets and how they had a polished look. Your new haircut is very becoming.
Thanks very much, Claudette!
Is it just me? While Susan looks fabulous in everything, including lady jackets, on me they look fusty. No edge. It may be the gold buttons that turn me off. Does nail polish actually stay fresh-looking on the buttons and not chip?
Thanks, Diane! I think how you style these can make a big difference, but granted, lady jackets don’t suit all style personalities. I’ve used the nail polish trick on a denim jacket. It went through the washer and dryer without chipping.
Gorgeous sweater/lady jacket! Putting it on my wish list.
That cardigan jacket is so you.
Like you I love jeans with a stylish, polished top.
Although I do miss the more elegant stuff which I used to wear to the office.
Greetje
PS your hair looks good but I don’t see much difference. Am I a man? LOL
Thanks, Greetje! Hair is much shorter on sides and back. My ears are now fully exposed 😉
The haircut is great on you!
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks, Kelly, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
I really like how you styled yours. I bought a navy blue one and I didn’t really know how to wear it. This gave me ideas.
Thanks, Rosemary, and I’m glad you found it helpful!
I recently bought the ba&sh Gaspard cardigan in the bright red, but I have not been able to wear it yet as the weather in Virginia has been too warm and then I took a trip to warm Arizona. I was impressed by the hardiness of the weave and appreciated that the sleeves were perfect on my 4’11” self. It is pricey, but the quality is great.
I also have two of the Holly cardigan from Boden, and like the ba&sh cardigan, they are a thick, hardy cotton weave. I bought last year’s navy and a grey/ivory houndstooth that they did not bring back this fall. I like these sweater cardigans–they are chic and dressier than the average cardigan but plenty dressy enough for the office, with the look of a jacket and the comfort of a sweater. It currently comes in 11 colors and prints and is half the price of the ba&sh. The only downside of the Holly is that the sleeves run long, and I have to cuff them.
Dear Susan,
I want to thank you for bringing such joy and fun into my life this past year which has been a tough one for me. It was such a delight to tune into your newsletter each day. It was always a light in an otherwise dark world this past year. Your style has given me permission to have fun with casual outfits and your travel tips are a must. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with light and love.
Thanks so very much, Peggy!