Spring 2025 - Which jackets? Which shoes?

[BBQHulaHoops]

Please advise wise and stylish women of Mumsnet!

I really need a new jacket. I no longer suit blazer type jackets and no longer fit in my denim jacket - so what to wear? Everything is so boxy or oversized and I am not keen to make myself look any larger. I love quilted jackets and the kimono style but I look like an upholstered armchair in them as they hang down from the shoulder, but most jackets that are waisted hit in the wrong place because I have a long back.

This is most lovely thing I have seen so far but it's so expensive: https://www.toa.st/collections/womens-coats-jackets/products/garment-dyed-cotton-linen-neat-jacket-slate and I am not sure how well it would look over my DDs. (what I would really like is someone to tell me that it is a great investment piece and worth the money and it will be 0.3p per wear for the rest of time).

Additionally I am sick to death of always wearing chunky boots, but I struggle to find something a bit more elegant and am not good at proper lady shoes. I have a tendency to wear Dms in winter, trainers sometimes and birkies all summer.

I saw some clogs with heels - but I fear my penchant for ugly shoes is leading me astray. What are the alternatives right now?

My style is a sort of cheap version of Toast/deconstracted linen and layers/artsy older lady, but a bit more urban. Size 14-16 on top with broad sholders and big boobs. I just want to look a bit more put together, less clumpy and dumpy with giant clown feet!

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/will-jacket/indigo#size-XS

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/will-jacket/khaki#size-XS

How about these?

I love the trend for pockets more at the waist. Far better when you’re busty.

Have you checked out Uniqlo or H&M they have some nice inexpensive linen items and I also always find Zara has something I like. There are some nice loafers in different colours for summer; some with sling backs. I like Russell & Bromley but Dune also do good ones more reasonably priced.

@BBQHulaHoops try googling ladies mandarin collar jacket and see what comes up, e.g. results from House of Bruar which I never even heard of before 🤷🏻‍♀️ or adding the brand Pepperberry at the end of the search (cater for larger boobs I think).

Firstly you need a bra fitting. changed my life and dropped a dress size.
“Down your back, up a cup” my bra fitter told me. I went from 36C to a 32E and gained a waist!

I read this OP. Thought did I write this?

From the bust to the back to the can’t do denim to the footwear preferences to the jacket you posted. Could have been me. You are my MN doppleganger.

I am invested in the responses😄

But the model has no breasts. I look at that and worry the pockets over the boob area won’t look good

I'm on a similar jacket hunt, and have just found this from Community Clothing https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-coats-jackets/products/womens-chore-jacket-indigo?variant=6978735046710
It is sadly out of stock in my size, but might work for you??

Didn’t get to see it. Hush DONOT ALLOW YOU TO REJECT NON ESSENTIAL COOKIES.

I won’t visit any site that doesn’t allow me to only select ‘essential’. Fed up being tracked.

It’s a shame the from is out of stock really like the denim but jacket look but not a classic cut denim jacket

I got this from Seasalt recently (before it was in the sale!). Won't be good for very cold weather but should be useful for UK spring/early summer. It's like wearing a very thick shirt.

I got it in a size smaller than usual after reading the reviews, but half wish I'd stuck with my usual size.

www.seasaltcornwall.com/long-fields-organic-cotton-worker-jacket

When the number goes down so much in bras, is it still easy to close the hooks? I would have imagined they cannot even meet if number goes from 36 to 32.

I really am broad of back - this has never worked for me - and I have been told it several times. I can't breathe at 36 and measuring the band - if deffo comes up nearer 40. The thing that has worked though is a decent supportive and deep side to a bras.

The recent jacket suggestions are really great. - thank you. I think I am going to try and pop in to seasalt and try their ones on.

Have a look at Colourful Standard too. Their workwear style jacket comes in lots of colours and seems really good quality (with good sustainability credentials if that's a factor for you). I tried on a couple in one of their London branches and the XS is around a 10, I'd say (they are unisex).

Hush jacket in the sale at Next might be worth a look? https://www.next.co.uk/style/su294987/b84881

I managed to grab one of these denim utility jackets in the Hush sale a couple of weeks ago, but it still might be out there somewhere? I love it! www.endource.com/product/hush-nora-denim-utility-jacket/ZvvH0FbEsQABlISj

I've just ordered this for when I want something a bit smarter than my denim jacket this spring. (I ordered the dusty blue one)

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-velvet-overcoat/p/clp22602390?color=TEAL&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_3pb_smec_counterfactual&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7dm-BhCoARIsALFk4v_Rj70xysP8O-ov4S6cSyj01kJC9-_d1aS262GI2tlBU9XKSA_jS-MaAv6mEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I love that, but I think velvet says winter for me. - I need somehing that works more Spring to Summer. Obvs with endless cash I would also have a coat for every seasonal transition....

So many nice (and tempting) jackets on this thread.

I would agree in theory (although I can't imagine a velvet coat would actually get anyone through winter!).

The "blurb" says it's unlined so a lighter weight for spring. Although of course the look is still velvet if that's what's putting you off.

I have some JL vouchers so if I like it, I might get the teal one for autumn.