A new life for formal jackets?

[runningandjumping]

I was clearing out my wardrobe and I saw that I've got several formal trouser/skirt suits from my office days, which I never wear. I've created my own business and I either work from home, or go to meetings in a smart-casual attire ("creative" industry). So should I just ditch the suits - or I thought that I could wear the jackets with casual trousers/jeans/skirts? I've got a black, navy, grey with pinstripes and a beige suits. Blue jeans don't work with black, navy and grey and I haven't got the perfect figure for white jeans/ Any ideas?

[billandcoo]

It's amazing what goes with blue jeans these days. Put something like 'black blazer' into pinterest and you'll find a uniform of blue jeans, white or grey tee and a black jacket.

[HappyGirlNow]

Blue jeans go with almost any colour - denim is a neutral in my opinion.. I don't regard it as 'blue' as such.

[MissMilbanke]

there are charities where underprivelidged women going for interviews can be provided with suitable clothing to make them feel the part . Would that be something you would consider ?

[LadyMud]

What shade of denim are you thinking of? A dark denim might look odd (not quite matching) but a lighter contrasting shade would look good.

On the other hand, to avoid expensive dry-cleaning bills, perhaps it would be better to Ebay them . . .

[Glossolalias]

This is a charity that looks for smart donations like Miss Milbanke mentioned www.smartworks.org.uk/donations-home

[MotherBluestocking]

Try them and see. I agree that denim is a neutral but you will probably find that some jackets work better with jeans than others. Or - depending on how old they are - they might just feel a bit dated.

[Gillybobs]

Dress for success is another charity looking for interview appropriate clothing

[runningandjumping]

Thanks for your opinions! I gave quite a lot to charity shops when I cleared out my wardrobe but I'm not very rich myself, and I thought it would be a good idea to update my wardrobe without spending money!

[Lambstales]

I'd sort out the ones (probably black/navy) that look good with jeans.

For those that look awful, I would take any shoulder pads out. If still awful I would turn them into the modern long line waistcoat/gilet. Seem to be very fashionable at the moment. I think they were featured in the Times magazine today.

[Lambstales]

Which suits have the trousers?

[runningandjumping]

I usually wear dark denim or black jeans, perhaps I should buy light blue jeans.
Lambstales, I've got all the jackets with trousers except for the beige one which is the easiest to wear with jeans.

[MsAspreyDiamonds]

Can you sell them on ebay & then use the proceeds to update your wardrobe?

[Lambstales]

As summer is coming (maybe) a pair of lighter denims would be a good buy anyway. Don't go for 1980s blue.
When you go shopping, take then in a bag with you. Go to a good jeans shop. Listen to what they say.
Then think over a coffee?
I saw some sleeveless tailored jackets/coats in M&S today. DD tried one on ...