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Original poster

Talk to me about spring/summer jackets, I'm hopeless

66 replies

cyteen · 02/05/2010 19:34

Now that semi-warm days are upon us and I can't just shove loads of layers under a thick waterproof coat, I find myself totally unable to shop for a jacket. Seriously, I am stumped. I have no idea what looks good on me, what looks good generally or where to find something that is affordable yet not so cheaply cut that it leaps up around my ears whenever I lift my arms (obviously have already ruled out H&M on this score).

So tell me, stylish ladies, what are you wearing in the spring sunshine? How does it work with the rest of your style?

If it helps, I'm 5'4", in reasonable shape (12-14) if a little chunky round the middle, and wear a lot of jeans+trainer type attire alongside the occasional skirted outfit. Am looking to sort the rest of my wardrobe out but that's a different story.

OP posts:
OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 03/05/2010 09:19

Oh, denim above the waist is no good for me either - makes me look too workman-like.
Have we already covered the trench?

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 03/05/2010 09:24

If anyone's looking for feminine tailored style, Kaliko have a few.

Ignore the mother-of-the-bride connotaions of the place and imagine them with your own stuff.

MaggieW · 03/05/2010 09:31

I have a belted trench in a vivid green colour (bought at a French supermarket so not much help to source), but it has unusual pocket detail and is quite softly styled. The colour can make an ordinary outfit look amazing. It's quite fitted too, but I think the colour is the best thing about it as it's just different from anything I've seen elsewhere. I have seen similar coloured jackets in Per Una though so may be worth a look there?

tethersend · 03/05/2010 09:42

How do you feel about this Norkily?

NorkilyChallenged · 03/05/2010 10:12

Thanks tethers, but I don't really like it

I think I want something a bit fitted as I'm bigger than I used to be but still not too big so I want to look as though I do have a shape. Something shapeless will just make me look dumpy I fear.

Nothing in Kaliko is quite right either OurLady, sorry.

I know, I know, I'm finicky (and it's not even my thread!). I have quite a specific idea in my head, this is the problem I fear. I realise in describing it that I had a jacket like this about 18 years ago (as a student) and it's something like that that I would like again. Hm, possibly unwise given that I'm nearly 20 years older (and dumpier!)

tethersend · 03/05/2010 10:18

Can you describe it?

I am thinking of a type of blazer, but perhaps that's not what you mean....

lynnexxxo · 03/05/2010 10:28

Ok, this might be no help at all but I was in Sainsburys the other day (there clothes are not online)and they had a lovely grey 'boyfriend blazer' in a kinda softer jersey material. Was also in the sale, half price so only £12.50.

Tried it on, was lovely although they only had a 10 or an 18 (neither fitted me).

I'm thinking with it being jersey would be warmer and could be dressed up or down. I did have pockets too!

SchnitzelVonKrumm · 03/05/2010 11:04

Gap have a jersey blazer, was in there yesterday

NorkilyChallenged · 03/05/2010 11:28

Twas cord (medium, not too fine, not too geography-teacher), in a kind of blue/green (not quite as bright as teal, quite muted). Hip length. Double breasted but with only 2 layers of buttons (ie 4 buttons in a square) I think. Pockets (essential). Fitted shape, can't quite think what it is similar to because obviously I'm not finding anything similar I can link to. I prefer a bit of shape to the "boyfriend blazer" straight cut

Casual but wearable with smart too. Easy to wear, if that makes sense. Not black or denim but went with everything (dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans, smarter clothes). I think I threw it out because it was over a decade old and maybe looking a bit tired but wish I hadn't.

Am open-minded on colour. I've searched everywhere (online) though, tethersend, and I cannot find anything like it. I've been looking in shops but there's not much variety here and I cannot find anything like it.

Don't like 3/4 sleeves much, am not planning to go all Miami Vice with rolled up jacket sleeves . No belts, obv.

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 03/05/2010 15:51

Ahem I think you said you're slightly wider round the middle?

In which case single-breasted might be better as double-breasted has a widening effect, while single is more slimming.

Just a thought.

NorkilyChallenged · 03/05/2010 17:01

OurLady - how very dare you

No, I'm bigger than I used to be but still probably a size 12 and I have a definite waist (just a bit of a tummy too but go in at the waist if you're looking from the front ). Happy to go with either single- or double-breasted though.

Feel I have taken over Cyteen's thread somewhat so should probably stand back a bit

cherrytom · 03/05/2010 17:07

cyteen I have this and it looks good with jeans and trainers (it looks better in reality)

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 03/05/2010 19:18

Oops sorry, no offence, like.

NorkilyChallenged · 03/05/2010 19:19

s'okay, I was only joking

morejuiceplease · 03/05/2010 19:35

how about this?

I really like it as I tend to go for casual jackets. Dont know if it would go with a skirt, but would look good with jeans.

morejuiceplease · 03/05/2010 19:38

or this?

Sense a NL theme here! I really like both jackets.

Original poster
cyteen · 03/05/2010 19:55

Norkily take over as much as you like, you sound of very similar shape/size/taste to me so really you're doing all my work here

cherrytom I really like that, thanks! Might have to brave Topshop for once.

OP posts:
trumpton · 03/05/2010 21:09

I just ordered Cherrytom's jacket in blue and grey and also another jacket. P&P free over £100 and I will take 2 back to shop.

Cherrybaby · 04/05/2010 01:50

How about this, dotty lining!

Adair · 04/05/2010 09:20

I have a vintage 70s orange floral thick shirt dress with buttons all the way down that I wear as a spring coat/jacket. Can't find a picture, bought from ebay years ago.

KnackeredOfLeeds · 04/05/2010 09:40

I've just got a barbour international quilt it is cut a bit like a bikers jacket but v flattering plenty pockets thin fleece lining so warm but it is a bit pricy but I have decided as it's good quality and not too trendy I can roll it out for a few years, looks good with almost anything.. but baggy joggers look good with nothing

MissM · 04/05/2010 10:04

Oo, oo, was just despairing this morning that I have no suitable jacket to wear. Cyteen, you read my mind (and your description of you sounds quite similar to me) so will read with interest.

MissM · 04/05/2010 10:51

Actually I'm currently wearing an above-the-waist denim jacket with my work stuff. Trouble is, it's a bit chilly and I can't fit anything thicker than a shirt underneath it. So not really the solution to Cyteen's (and all of our) dilemma.

ShrinkingViolet · 04/05/2010 11:01

ooh, i need this thread - I'm supposed to be starting a new job today which will involve me being out and about for the next few months, and I need some kind of jacket. I really fancy something in cord, but not too geography teacher, and a bit fitted. And not too short so that it covers my tummy, but not too long so that it flares out and makes my bum look huge. And I have a very minimal budget, and not a great deal of time desire to trail round shops trying on

TinaLC · 04/05/2010 12:25

Hello, I don't post very much so this may be gobblydegook by the time I put it up but I feel the OP pain and own about 20 failed jackets so wanted to help. I have found Uniqlo (Japanese brand that is like Gap used to be with basics) to be quite good as cheap but nicely cut. They have a new a range by Jil Sander (not sure if thet is spelt right but she is a designery person) which is very well cut. I have bought these two...although this is the first time I have put a link in so bear with me if they don't work.

www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/women/j/419118-green-j-waist-belted-pockets-jacket

www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/women/jackets/429596-black-soft-jersey-tailored-jacket

The black one is jersey so smart but stretchy