I’m a real fan of jackets so I am looking forward to having more opportunity to wear them as we emerge from lockdown – hurrah!
There are lots of good reasons to have one or two jackets in your wardrobe. Here are five:
- They’re perfect for transitional dressing when it’s not cold enough to warrant a coat but not quite warm enough to risk going without an outer layer.
- Jackets can transform the look of an outfit. A blazer will smarten up jeans and a tee, whereas a biker or trucker jacket will give some edge to a pretty tea dress.
- When it comes to business, a jacket lends immediate authority.
- A jacket is a great third element to create a stylish outfit (see my blog The Power of Three).
- There is a jacket to flatter every figure.
What style of jacket will suit me?
Your ideal jacket will reflect your style personality and flatter your shape, scale and proportions.
Those with a Romantic style personality will probably want to look for feminine details such as bows or puff sleeves, whereas Naturals will prefer an unstructured jacket in a soft fabric that’s easy to throw on, or perhaps a utility style with useful pockets. Classics will be drawn to smart, blazer styles in neutrals such as black or navy, whereas Dramatics will probably be attracted to exaggerated tailoring in bold colours.
In terms of what suits your shape, scale and proportions, here are a few tips;
Hourglass – Hips and shoulders of a similar width with a defined waist
Jackets that are nipped in or belted at the waist look especially good on hourglass shapes. Neat hourglasses suit quite sharp tailoring but if you’re a very curvy hourglass, look out for soft fabrics and a shawl collar.
Oval – Weight is carried on the tummy; legs are relatively long and slim.
Long line unstructured styles in soft fabrics that hang straight from the shoulders will look particularly good. Leave your jacket unbuttoned for a streamlining effect. This season’s oversized jackets are ideal.
Rectangle/column – Hips and shoulders in line; little or no waist definition
Trucker style jackets and structured blazers with a little shaping at the waist will work well. If you’re reasonably tall and/or have long legs, longline jackets can look good too.
Triangle/pear – narrow shoulders in relation to hips
Jackets are perfect for you as they can be used to add interest and draw the eye to your top half. This season’s extended shoulder lines and puff sleeves are ideal as they will help balance out your hips. Short double-breasted styles and biker jackets worn partially unzipped to create a wide neckline will work particularly well. Whatever style you choose, ensure your jacket hemline finishes above or below the widest part of your hips.
Inverted Tringle – wide shoulders and narrow hips
Tailored jackets in crisp fabrics will look particularly good on you. Avoid wide shoulder lines and shoulder details such as epaulettes though as these will emphasise the width of your shoulders.
Where to buy?
For some inspiration on what’s currently in-store and some notes to guide you as to which might suit you, please take a look at my latest catalogue.