I need a short, long, casual, formal, trendy, classic jacket.
November 13, 2013 1:25 PM Subscribe
Not really, but it’s just as tall of an order. I am looking to invest in a winter jacket, since I’m tired of buying one that falls apart after a couple of seasons. It needs to be formal, yet casual, and made for a body type that clothes just are not made for. I’m petite and busty. (Think Jessica Simpson’s body type, but even more… full figured in the upper area.)
As a result, there are a lot of trendy and classic styles that I won’t wear. I want a short jacket. I care a bit about how I look, so I don’t want it to be... frumpy. It needs to be formal enough that I can wear it to a job where I will see members of parliament, ministers, and CEO’s but casual enough that I can cycle in it. The following are out:
• Double breasted
• Anything that mimics a double breast, like a diagonal zip
• Capes
• Trapeze or swing jackets
• Any kind of pocket or embellishment on or near the chest
• Puffy jackets
• Red (I will consider any other colour or pattern, as long as it fits the rest of the criteria)
• Toggle buttons
And even though I said “invest,” I’m on a budget. No Burberry jackets for me. It needs to be under £200, (under £100 is ideal, but I realize how difficult that is for a flattering, well-made jacket, and if I'm ordering it from outside the UK that might be impossible with shipping and customs).
Have I even described something that exists? Help!
As a result, there are a lot of trendy and classic styles that I won’t wear. I want a short jacket. I care a bit about how I look, so I don’t want it to be... frumpy. It needs to be formal enough that I can wear it to a job where I will see members of parliament, ministers, and CEO’s but casual enough that I can cycle in it. The following are out:
• Double breasted
• Anything that mimics a double breast, like a diagonal zip
• Capes
• Trapeze or swing jackets
• Any kind of pocket or embellishment on or near the chest
• Puffy jackets
• Red (I will consider any other colour or pattern, as long as it fits the rest of the criteria)
• Toggle buttons
And even though I said “invest,” I’m on a budget. No Burberry jackets for me. It needs to be under £200, (under £100 is ideal, but I realize how difficult that is for a flattering, well-made jacket, and if I'm ordering it from outside the UK that might be impossible with shipping and customs).
Have I even described something that exists? Help!
My body type is very similar to yours as well. Are blazers an option? Or would that not cozy/warm/protective enough? I'm just thinking that they are pretty versatile in terms of being able to wear in more formal occasions, but can absolutely be dressed down.
Seeing your question made me think of this, which I saw just the other day and thought was so cute (looks like the jacket shown is in your price range too). I've found petite fashion blogs like these to be helpful in steering my shopping in the right direction (these women are often not busty but it's a good place to start for ideas). Sorry, if I had more time I'd give you a whole rundown but just google "Petite fashion" and you can easily find a bunch of cool blogs.
posted by lovableiago at 1:49 PM on November 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Seeing your question made me think of this, which I saw just the other day and thought was so cute (looks like the jacket shown is in your price range too). I've found petite fashion blogs like these to be helpful in steering my shopping in the right direction (these women are often not busty but it's a good place to start for ideas). Sorry, if I had more time I'd give you a whole rundown but just google "Petite fashion" and you can easily find a bunch of cool blogs.
posted by lovableiago at 1:49 PM on November 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
formal enough that I can wear it to a job where I will see members of parliament, ministers, and CEO’s but casual enough that I can cycle in it
The sort of occasions you are seeing these people on and your particular role determines the formality level required.
The most generic standard for formality would be a tan overcoat or rain coat, not a short jacket. In that sense, what you have asked for does not exist.
You can wear anything you want for cycling, but unless the fabric is durable and easy to wash it will quickly look worn. If you are wearing a backpack this will wear out your jacket more quickly. If you need to cycle in the rain and snow, and be presentable in a formal situation, you are going to need to change after you get where you are going.
In the US another term for what you are trying to find would be a winter coat, you may better luck looking for that. The terms are often treated interchangeably, but for formal business wear the outer layer worn in wet weather is usually called a coat instead of a jacket.
posted by yohko at 1:51 PM on November 13, 2013
The sort of occasions you are seeing these people on and your particular role determines the formality level required.
The most generic standard for formality would be a tan overcoat or rain coat, not a short jacket. In that sense, what you have asked for does not exist.
You can wear anything you want for cycling, but unless the fabric is durable and easy to wash it will quickly look worn. If you are wearing a backpack this will wear out your jacket more quickly. If you need to cycle in the rain and snow, and be presentable in a formal situation, you are going to need to change after you get where you are going.
In the US another term for what you are trying to find would be a winter coat, you may better luck looking for that. The terms are often treated interchangeably, but for formal business wear the outer layer worn in wet weather is usually called a coat instead of a jacket.
posted by yohko at 1:51 PM on November 13, 2013
Response by poster: @ lovableiago No- a blazer wouldn't work. I need a winter jacket. (Or coat.) My problem with all those petite blogs is what you mentioned- those women aren't busty, and the women who run the "busty women's fashion" blogs aren't all that fashionable and they're definitely not short.
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:38 PM on November 13, 2013
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:38 PM on November 13, 2013
I'm short and busty. The one coat I found several years ago, that looks good, is unfortunately, puffy. Bit the key features that work are a nipped in waist and, to add formality, a shawl collar. (Collar can be turned up and fastened for cold outside) and mine is basic black and hits just below the hip.
Maybe that info can guide your search parameters.
posted by mightshould at 2:59 PM on November 13, 2013
Maybe that info can guide your search parameters.
posted by mightshould at 2:59 PM on November 13, 2013
Best answer: How about PepperBerry? They work well for my short, busty daughter.
posted by blob at 3:16 PM on November 13, 2013
posted by blob at 3:16 PM on November 13, 2013
From what you've described, I think a belted wrap coat could be flattering on you. However, this style is neither short, nor appropriate for cycling.
Here in the US, REI is my go-to store for active wear that can pass as real clothes. Maybe something like this? Lululemon has something similar. Your workplace might differ, but as long as you take off your jacket when you arrive and are formally dressed underneath, I think it will be okay that your jacket is a bit casual.
Depending on the style of your workplace, this jcrew jacket might work too.
posted by tinymegalo at 3:56 PM on November 13, 2013
Here in the US, REI is my go-to store for active wear that can pass as real clothes. Maybe something like this? Lululemon has something similar. Your workplace might differ, but as long as you take off your jacket when you arrive and are formally dressed underneath, I think it will be okay that your jacket is a bit casual.
Depending on the style of your workplace, this jcrew jacket might work too.
posted by tinymegalo at 3:56 PM on November 13, 2013
OK, I know you nixed the puffy jacket idea, and that's something I nixed too a couple of seasons ago because I'd tried them before and without exception I ended up looking like the Michelin Man's daughter. No good.
But then... I found this. It's not so much puffy as it is full. The length makes it look streamlined, the A-line makes it flattering. I wear it on morning walks and out to dinner. I've worn it to the Arctic Circle and to the symphony, no joke. And it's WARM.
I'm a busty apple shape, and I gotta second checking out the Jessica Simpson line as well, though I haven't tried her coats. I'd hesitated to even try the label, but I had to buy an LBD and I was delighted to have a lot of options.
posted by mochapickle at 4:49 PM on November 13, 2013
But then... I found this. It's not so much puffy as it is full. The length makes it look streamlined, the A-line makes it flattering. I wear it on morning walks and out to dinner. I've worn it to the Arctic Circle and to the symphony, no joke. And it's WARM.
I'm a busty apple shape, and I gotta second checking out the Jessica Simpson line as well, though I haven't tried her coats. I'd hesitated to even try the label, but I had to buy an LBD and I was delighted to have a lot of options.
posted by mochapickle at 4:49 PM on November 13, 2013
(Oh, need to add: I don't use the hood or the belt. YMMV.)
posted by mochapickle at 4:50 PM on November 13, 2013
posted by mochapickle at 4:50 PM on November 13, 2013
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posted by juliplease at 1:36 PM on November 13, 2013