The great jacket problem

[niminypiminy]

This is partly in the hope that I can ever take my winter coat off, which isn't imminent, but still...

So, I despair of finding a jacket that actually suits me. I am 14 on top, and 16 below, and of a vaguely hourglass disposition, but with big upper arms.

If I can find a jacket that fits around by stomach/hips, then it is too big in the shoulders; if it fits in the shoulders (and isn't tight around the arms or alternatively hasn't got such deep armholes that they start halfway to the waist, thank you Marks and Spencer), then it certainly won't in the hips.

I'm not looking for an office-y type jacket, but one that I can wear in spring and summer when you need something over your spring and summer attire, and a cardigan isn't quite structured enough.

Does anyone have any ideas ?

I can't read, thought you did want officey. So, too officey?

Cardigan....jacket?

Thanks SirToffeeDoris. I quite like the jersey jacket, although it's the wrong colour for me. The next one is a bit too office-y, and beige makes me look slightly dead.

I guess my problem is the shape of jackets more than anything -- they just never seem to fit right.

I got so fed up with the "one size does not fit all" shapes of high street clothing that I decided to start making my own clothes. One half cut out, much sweated and sworn over pattern later, I decided to grin and bear it and headed back to the shops

Anyway, this one from Oasis has no buttons to spoil the line, so might be a possibility? Good luck with your search anyway :)

Again, the colour's all wrong for me

I'd love to be able to make tailored clothes, but realistically that's not going to happen in this life.

I have a similar problem due to ample bosomage. I've wondered about getting a half decent fitting jacket and having it altered to suit me but haven't had a chance to look into it. Has anybody done this?

m.newlook.com/mcs/publish/4923/76718?prodid=268925073&cat=cat20021&name=Jackets
I have just bought this! It's way nicer than the picture gives it credit for. I wasn't even sure as I tried it on, but one look in the mirror and I was sold! I am short, 12-14, of ample norkage and it just hangs beautifully.
I have plans to wear it with jeggings, tea dresses and slim fit lilac jeans I have also bought. It looks the perfect mix of smart casual.

m.newlook.com/mcs/publish/4923/76718?prodid=268925073&cat=cat20021&name=Jackets
Hoping link works

Now, that I like the shape of, although the colour is still not great for me. But I think that soft shape would be vair flattering. Thank you-- at least that gives me a shape to look for!

Bump, I'm much the same sizes as the OP and after a navy jacket to smarten summer dresses.

I'm sort of similar size/shape and this Whistles jacket has answered my prayers. I bought the black one over a year ago and it's obviously popular, the range is still going and they've added stripes, cream and blue to the range. It is brilliant, can be dressed up/down, lovely texture, and is machine washable!

Yes, that's nice. I particularly like the bright blue version. I've also been looking at the version Me+Em do, but the Whistles one is cheaper. I think jersey is the way to go in the blazer-y kind of shape, and what I like about both these examples is their un-boxy-ness.