Winter Work Wear: Wool Lady Jacket + Simple Slacks

I hope each of you are having a good weekend with your loved ones. Earlier today, I went to have afternoon tea with some friends at Taj Boston. It’s part of our tradition for the holidays, but all we could think about this time were those affected by the tragic events in Newtown, CT and Henan, China. Reading an interview with one of the Newtown teachers had us in tears – it showed how much our educators care about the kids, and how fragile life can be.

On a much more trivial note, thank you for all the input on this last post. I read each one and noted down some favorite suggestions to try. To answer questions on why bother keeping the jacket – I personally love the vintage-inspired look (when paired right), and appreciate that it challenges me to experiment beyond my typical safe pencil skirts/dresses. It was also final sale, but I would’ve kept it either way.
ladyjacketslacks

J.Crew wool jacket & lady day coat, unknown brand pants
Calvin Klein pumps (this year’s version), pearls gifted from a friend

As some readers noted, more visual volume on the bottom helps balance out the boxy structure of the jacket. One easy way to do this is with long, lean, boot-cut or slightly wide-legged trousers that just skim the top of your heels. I stuck with a light color, but also liked reader suggestions of denim or navy pants in a similar cut. Looking at these photos, I realize that the torso looks a little short now compared to the leg line (making a mental note to un-tuck my blouse next time).

Trying with: Banana Republic Martin trousers, waist pinned back in the left pic:

ladyjacket_pants
I tried these BR Martin flannel trousers (love the wintery look with the wool jacket) in 00P, but unfortunately did not keep & alter due to the higher rise and visible pocket lining.
ladyjacketslacks1
The one alteration I made to this jacket was on the sleeves. This is very minor, but the openings looked a little wide against my wrists. I had free time to kill while at home for Thanksgiving, and slimmed the sleeves marginally while digesting my mom’s never-ending cooking:
ladyjacket_alt
ladyjacketslacks4
Lastly, I’ve mentioned before how I’m often amazed and inspired by many readers of this blog. I wanted to share a photo of a reader all the way from Prague that made me smile.
bara1
Bara is a small business owner and mother of two boys, who was invited to a talk show to teach other entrepreneurs about sushi. She said she was very nervous but wanted to come across like a confident business woman, and chose an outfit inspired by me and my blog. I was so honored to hear this, and think she looked fabulous!

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48 Comments

  1. Coolboutique wrote:

    Excellent post. This jacket is amazing and you look so beautiful. I like this jacket very much. The color matching so nice. Thanks to sharing the useful information about ladies jacket.

    Cool Boutique

    Posted 10.31.13 Reply
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    Posted 2.5.13 Reply
  3. roey wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 1.10.13 Reply
  4. Georgette wrote:

    By the way, those visible pocket linings can be cut out and the pockets sewn shut… since I'm not technically extra petite (I'm 5'2" but curvy) I tend to sew pockets shut and eliminate pocket linings as a matter of course, to make my hip line look sleeker.

    Love your blog!

    Posted 1.8.13 Reply
  5. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    Glad you are keeping the jacket and experimenting. Love it with a wide leg trouser. How nice of the reader to send you those images. She looked great!!!

    Posted 12.21.12 Reply
  6. Rosie wrote:

    JCrew.com marked down more items this morning. The lady jacket is $79.99 and the lady coat in pink is $139.99, plus an additional 30% off everything.

    Posted 12.18.12 Reply
  7. Giovanna wrote:

    Such a cute look! Loving that lady coat paired with the trousers!

    xx
    Giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  8. Laura wrote:

    FABULOUS! Maybe you'd like to follow each other via BLOGLOVIN?
    Let me know on my blog http://www.fashionhypnotised.com

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  9. Julie wrote:

    I actually really love the jacket on you! Last post, I was a bit unsure. There is something about the upscale preppy look this jacket gives that is just so unique! Love the addition of the pearls, makes it less stuffy, oddly enough.

    xoxo, Julie @ OBSESSED

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  10. Bára Rektorová wrote:

    Janki: I kind of splurged on the jacket little bit, I don´t usually pay that much for clothes (it was about $500), but I know I love this style and think it is so versatile. So I also hope to wear this for many different occasions.
    Amadea: Jean inspires so many ladies all around the world, it feels nice to share passion for her style with you!

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  11. Amadea Kristani wrote:

    You looked great! I feel inspired to see Jean has inspired others with her fashion sense. I am inspired to inspire. lol.

    Love back from San Jose!

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  12. Amadea Kristani wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    I just want to say that just like Bara, I find your blog an inspiration. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work! =P

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  13. Petitetomatoes wrote:

    You're business attires are very inspirational. Love the pants!

    Posted 12.17.12 Reply
  14. Suzie Q wrote:

    Great look that you chose with the wide leg trousers to pair with the blazer! That's such a sweet note to get from one of your readers!

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I think he's a good tailor but haven't gotten enough done to confidently recommend him. I brought two pieces to be worked on – 1) lined pencil skirt to be taken in at the waist and hips; and 2) unlined trench coat to be shortened. The two were $30 together (probably 40% cheaper than the tailor I usually go to). Pencil skirt came out great, but the jacket hem had slight tension issues with the thread. I admit it was tougher to work on because the trench hem is curved (otherwise I would've just done it myself!). He's located on Knapp st in an unmarked building with large window, through which you can see an older man with his sewing table. It's tricky, because Knapp bends at a sharp angle. If you look on Google maps, his temporary shop is across from what is labeled "coco head hair studio" on the map.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you – I had a neighboring suburb on my mind.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    Newtown CT, not Newton

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  18. Janki wrote:

    You looked prefect! Funny, when I saw the picture I though "That's so Jean!". I can tell you I've used that exact look for many networking functions, it's a go to one for me.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  19. newpetite wrote:

    It definitely works with the trousers! So glad you shared Bara's pic with us! She looks so confident and all business 🙂 I dont see nerves at all! The outfit is inspired it is still so her!

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  20. Bára Rektorová wrote:

    Thank you, everyone 🙂

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  21. Nat wrote:

    Hey Jean,

    I was wondering how the Chinatown tailor work out? I remember that you mentioned him in your post at some point.

    Nat

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  22. GEMMA wrote:

    Great outfit 🙂

    Visit my blog for a fashion break: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com

    With love,
    Gemma

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  23. phiphis blog wrote:

    i love this entire look! you look so very elegant! xox

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  24. this is lemonade wrote:

    I give up! You always work it out. This is perfect. Pairing the jacket with a colour in the bottom that matches the pockets rather than the rest of the jacket is genius. It ties it all together very nicely.
    Love how Bara looks. Her outfit is definitely inspired by your blog, but so very much her own. She just looks natural – her look does not make me feel the need to scrutinise how she put it together because she just looks confident and comfortable in what she is wearing – truly inspirational 🙂 Wish you much success Bara!

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  25. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    Oh and got an email from NY&Co; – everything is 50% online (+ free shipping) and in stores. Stackable with addl' $ off promos:

    $10 off $30 promo 3760
    $20 off $60 promo 3767
    $30 off $90 promo 3766

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  26. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    Whoa, leggy lady! What are your fit tips for wider-legged pants like these? i.e. Must fit well in waist / hips before wide leg takes over? I always look stumpy and would love to look leggy 😉

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    the uniqueen jacket fits that bill of a modern "vintage" look. in fact, i liked it too when jean reviewed it and picked one up for myself. while the uniqueen is more expensive, i can justify that purchase because it easily pairs with jeans, leggings, skirts.. IMO this jcrew jacket is not versatile enough to be a part of a streamlined closet. closet space is invaluable in my neck of the woods!

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  28. Fashion Foward Mommy wrote:

    Jean, this is a great look. Question for you: is this the jacket that you added the lining to? If so, would you post a quick tutorial on that, if you haven't already? Thanks…

    Tese

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  29. Audrey wrote:

    Hi! I'm okay with the jacket, but I do think the pants you paired it with and the coat doesn't go. I love how you usually pair your clothes, but I think the straight cut of the pants + the long coat made you look a bit short and boxy. The pairing with the pants alone looked okay though. Maybe try it with a darker pants, or a skinny pants where it elongates your legs more? Or try it with a darker jacket, or a shorter one (:

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    I think it would look better with same style/color pants that did not have a visible closure and belt loops.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  31. FashionEdible wrote:

    I love it! Amazing how much of a difference the wide-legged trousers make.

    http://fashionedible.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  32. fauxionista.com wrote:

    This pairing definitely work much better than all the experimental ones you showed in your previous post! The pants makes your legs look miles long. 🙂

    Also, how sweet of you to share Bara's story. It's good to know that there are still popular bloggers that are humble and appreciative of their followers!

    fauxionista.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  33. Kaleiv wrote:

    Interesting color that I wasn't sure would work at first, but looks good on you

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  34. Mady T. wrote:

    this is a cute touch on the blazer…the animal print detail from the shoes give a more elegant touch on your outfit!

    xoxo
    Mady

    thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  35. Rachelle wrote:

    you look so nice, and it's very sweet of you to share Bara's pic.
    xo
    Rachelle
    http://pinksole.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  36. Michelle wrote:

    I love that you shared info about Bara. that's really sweet 🙂

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  37. Bára Rektorová wrote:

    What an honor having my picture published on this blog. Thank you Jean, for everything. I got so many compliments about my outfit and that just wouldn´t happen if I wasn´t following this blog. Before I was always at lost in shops and didn´t know what to wear to look profesional, but styl stylish.
    Love from Prague to Jean and to my fellow readers 🙂
    Bara

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  38. Carol Li wrote:

    The jacket looks much better with the sleeves taken in. The pants look amazing on you. Your legs look so long!

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  39. Jenny wrote:

    Jean, your legs go on for days in those pants! Also good eye on the slimming the sleeves, a small alteration (to you, I could never do it) but it made all the difference on how the jacket looks on you. I am wondering how the outfit would look with your blouse untucked? You mentioned your torso looked a bit short but initially when I saw the pictures and before reading your thoughts, I imagined a tucked silk blouse would elongate your legs even more! I am wondering if it's the sharp lines and boxy shape of the jacket that appears to shorten your torso.

    Bara looks stunning on the tv show, very chic and professional! Nicely paired Bara!

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Anon, I think everyone should have at least one hoity-toity politician's wife at a press conference jacket, haha.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    You did a fabulous job of matching the pants with challenging jacket. I contributed the idea of boot-cut pants/trouser, and glad to see you put them together with heels. The color matching is awesome, better than I can image. I love your sharing of thought process.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  42. Steffi wrote:

    FWIW, I love the dated look 🙂

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  43. Michelle wrote:

    Glad you addressed the Newton tragedy…I don't even know what to say. It just makes me so sick. Just sick. :/

    It was nice to see your Prague follower and her outfit…she looks great! Love the double strand pearls and black ensemble. 🙂

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  44. Anonymous wrote:

    i think the word im looking for is pretentious. this jacket looks pretentious. like you said in your previous post.. like a hoity toity politician's wife would wear this to a press conference. 😛

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  45. skbzie wrote:

    Hiii Jean, I was wondering if you had to detach the sleeves from the body when you slim the sleeves down.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    theres just something about this jacket; im just not a fan. it's too boxy and looks dated. sorry.

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  47. Forever Fashion wrote:

    Gorgeous! 🙂

    fashionqueen294.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.16.12 Reply
  48. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, looking great as usual! I've just purchased the Lo&Sons; O.G. bag for work. Have you heard of them? I would love for you to do a post on work bags and/or a review of their bags.

    Posted 12.15.12 Reply

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