Just one jacket

[Backhills]

I have eliminated black from my wardrobe which has been brilliant. It doesn't suit me and actually, imho, doesn't go with as much as people think it does. I've decided blush is my neutral tone for summer.

I'm also attempting a pared down capsule wardrobe and one of the things I'm missing is a light weight, casual jacket to go over dresses or jeans for a "nice" but casual meal out or trip to the pub.

I'm thinking of something like this leather

Or this light pink denim

Accepting the big difference in price and leaving aside any ethical issues about the leather, which do you think is most useful?

I'm not necessarily thinking either is "the one" but narrowing down the search to one jacket type.

I prefer the first ones

Both.

In all seriousness I think you need something properly casual - like the denim jacket, plus something that can be dressed up, like the leather jacket.

I don't think true capsule wardrobes work for this reason. There is never going to be just 'one' jacket or colour palette that works or holds interest.

For summer I'd go with the denim jacket but don't like the colour. I find short leather biker jackets look a little dated these days and prefer a loose fit longer shacket type of cut; albeit that is subjective and a matter of personal taste!

I rarely wear black either OP, although I do think it suits me and is useful, I can't do neutral/blush/light pink tones as I'm very pale, it looks dire, but am always jealous of those who can. Neutrals in summer do look lovely and fresh.

A true capsule wardrobe doesn’t have just one coat or jacket, usually.

That’s just people taking things too far.

Or maybe they live in very hot climates where most of the time you do t even wear a coat.

For me a capsule wardrobe would have at least 6 coats/jackets.

I mean it could work but it very much depends on your lifestyle and what you wear.

I think a blazer bridges smart and casual best.

A blazer would be one of my six - wool coat, quilted/puffer jacket, waxed jacket, denim jacket, blazer, shacket or leather jacket.

Sorry @Backhills I realise my answer probably wasn’t actually helpful to you.

Of the two you’ve posted I’d go for the denim jacket.

It's possible
I have one vintage aquascutum mac.
Thats it for anything overcoaty.

I can’t do blush as so pale I look like seriously unwell if worn, so am very jealous. But, as an aside would you be worried about pale jackets getting really marked?

I forgot about a trench coat! You need one of them too...

The biker jacket is nice, the denim one is a micro-trend take on a wardrobe classic.

I wouldn't buy either of them as the colour isn't practical.

I would buy the denim one in a non-puff sleeve style, but a cheaper (probably 2nd hand one)one, or a denim one.

I kind of follow capsule wardrobe rules in that I stick to a limited colour palette (navy, grey, white and pink in summer). I would struggle to make one jacket/coat work for everything, but out of the ones you’ve posted, I’d go for the denim. But I think as a minimum you need:

• denim jacket to go with everything when it’s dry. Coloured is more versatile than blue because it will go with blue jeans.
• blazer for the same but smarter.
• something waterproof. I have both a hooded casual one and a trench for smarter.

I gave up on leather years ago because it’s only comfortable for about six weeks every year. I definitely wouldn’t have one as my only summer coat, you’d be taking it off and carrying it all the time.

Thinking about it, if you can only do one, get a trench. Warm enough and showerproof when needed, can cover both smart and casual. And if it’s warm and dry, leave it at home and take a cardigan.