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Original poster

Summer jackets/coats - smart casual for going out?

31 replies

bookmarket · 19/05/2022 08:46

I need a lightweight coat or jacket to wear if going out in an evening. I've a denim jacket that looks OK with dresses but nothing to wear with jeans or trousers. I don't suit a short boxy jacket as it makes me look big as it ends at my wide hips. Something that ends below the hips would be better. But a blazer is too smart for my needs and all else I see is utility style jackets with big pockets. Am I missing an option?

OP posts:
Original poster
bookmarket · 19/05/2022 19:35

Anyone have any ideas?

OP posts:
Littleguggi · 19/05/2022 20:33

No sorry, but following as looking for the same!

whoknows1230 · 19/05/2022 20:39

I need the same!

Delatron · 19/05/2022 21:57

It’s the holy grail isn’t it?

I’ve just ordered a floral quilted jacket from Free Peoole (sounds awful but looked nice on Instagram). God knows what that will be like.

I have a pink cord jacket from last year but don’t love it

May resort to cardigans? Just bought a fluffy cream one from @Other stories that I wore last weekend in the evening.

Delatron · 19/05/2022 21:59

But all these options do end on the hips. A Mac/ lightweight trench coat in beige may work well?

Shinyandnew1 · 19/05/2022 22:01

I’m the same-I have a utility jacket which is the right shape for me. It goes well with jeans but it’s not terribly smart. I tend to revert to a longer waterfall type cardigan which suits me much more and doesn’t make me look like I’m going to an interview!

MsAdoraBelleDearheartVonLipwig · 19/05/2022 22:07

Joules do some nice jersey blazers that give the smart finish without being overly formal.

Original poster
bookmarket · 19/05/2022 23:03

It's not just me then. I'm trying to think back in time - did I ever own a jacket that was just right for spring/summer and if so what was it like?

Mind you, I have had the denim jacket for 20 years. Shows how infrequently I wear it.

OP posts:
Alwayspaintyournails · 20/05/2022 00:37

I have a variety of blazers in different fabrics and wear the jersey and linen ones more casually. Best jersey one ever has to be new look from 2018/19 I think.

I also have a cream waterfall style short jacket from Wallis that helps avoid the boxy look.

GiraffeInTheSky · 20/05/2022 02:33

I have this and I love it.

https://www.whitestuff.com/womens/coats-and-jackets/mid-teal-karla-velvet-coat/

TheOGCCL · 20/05/2022 08:50

I’ve been eyeing this up
www.next.co.uk/g6483s1/t20874?epik=dj0yJnU9UWk4QXY0bTR2WnRCYmJLclhfRV9CVmtXSDRYcjJPY2ImcD0wJm49YW9OemFPUERaWGduNG04WXZWN3ktdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0tIUjRZ

I agree it’s hard to find something that hits a balance between smart and casual.

beachcitygirl · 20/05/2022 09:03

I got a nice one last year. White linen from per una ! It wasn't expensive, I'd love it in black but they only had white or lemon

YetAnotherNameChange111 · 20/05/2022 09:11

GiraffeInTheSky · 20/05/2022 02:33

THAT is gorgeous!!!! I love the mid pink, gutted they don't have it in my size

QuantumWeatherButterfly · 20/05/2022 09:20

Hi, @bookmarket - I asked almost exactly this a few weeks ago. Here's a link to the thread, which might have some suitable suggestions on it:
Jacket Thread

I ended up buying this one, from Hush. I absolutely love it, it is just perfect for what I wanted it for, and I have already work it a lot.
Hush Military Jacket

QuantumWeatherButterfly · 20/05/2022 09:21

No idea what happened to that Hush link, but it seems to be working!

Shinyandnew1 · 20/05/2022 09:25

I really like that velvet one but I’d never wear it in the summer-I’d melt!

Original poster
bookmarket · 21/05/2022 09:15

Thanks for sharing that link. It gave me some additional search terms to use when looking online.

Hip length is fine so long as it is tailored to go in a bit at the waist, or is in a more drapery fabric.

OP posts:
GiraffeInTheSky · 21/05/2022 09:56

Shinyandnew1 · 20/05/2022 09:25

I really like that velvet one but I’d never wear it in the summer-I’d melt!

It's not that warm! It's fine for weather up to 20 degrees or so. I guess when it's warmer than that you wouldn't want a jacket at all really.

absolutelynotfabulous · 21/05/2022 10:19

I've got a couple of cotton coats, both oldish. My favourite is a brownish/ olivey one from Levi. It's called the Luna. Not waterproof though and is quite heavy.

I was tempted by a shortish mac from M and S to take away on holiday but instead bought a kind of glorified pacamac from Kin, which has a hood and is showerproof. It was around £80 and bought in John Lewis.

Asos is my go-to for coats normally - have you tried looking there OP?

Jewel1968 · 21/05/2022 10:30

I have found jackets like that in the past in Uniqlo. Might be worth a look??

GiraffeInTheSky · 21/05/2022 10:38

Also OP said for the evening. It's never going to be hot in the evening if she is in the UK! 😊

Nearlyadoctor · 21/05/2022 15:37

I have a Navy jersey jacket from Whistles which is smarter than a denim jacket but not quite a blazer. They do it in about 10 colours.

boatahoy · 21/05/2022 16:35

I love a blazer but as it often rains where I live always like to have a lightweight rain proof and smart looking coat/jacket just in case. I swear by Protected Species. I have a black Mac for smarter occasions. They quite often have discounts.

Pinkcadillac · 21/05/2022 20:48

I am considering this one from Zara. I'd like a darker colour, though

www.zara.com/uk/en/oversized-overshirt-with-pockets-p09632057.html?v1=165250625&v2=2025657