Winter casual: Army jacket, ankle boots & vintage Coach

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Gap jacket (similar here or here in petite, 60% off w/ USLONGWEEKEND), J.Brand legging jeans sz 24 (similar)
Coach leather court bag from eBay (2012 version), Adrienne Vittadini ankle boots (similar), H&M; scarf

I wore this outfit a while back while visiting the Harpoon brewery (and downing delicious clam chowder afterwards). I love skinny jeans and ankle boots on the weekends, but often face the issue of not having casual enough outerwear to pair up top. My H&M; red peacoat has been worn to near-shreds, so I’ve been eying more short jacket options.

While browsing Gap late last year, I came across a military jacket in sz L that looked like it ran small. The sales associate confirmed that it was a “shrunken fit” style. I really liked the sturdy canvas material, the generous collar, and the traditional design, thus promptly ordered an XS from another store with shipping costs and all. When it arrived, the fit was noticeably big (too long and wide throughout, waistline also too low) but I was sure the 100% cotton would shrink in the dryer. Turns out, it didn’t shrink one bit. I wasn’t eager to blog about this jacket or my overzealousness to throw it into the wash, but have ended up wearing it fairly often despite the fit.
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Some of you may remember my review of a slightly similar ASOS option (now over 50% off, and US shoppers can get an extra 15% off w/ code USLONGWEEKEND) which I returned. Although that one definitely fit better, I wanted a higher collar and more rugged canvas material like that of the Gap jacket. Neither are perfect, so I’d love to eventually find a better-fitting replacement (Gap kids, please come out with one again ; ).

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This Coach court bag is one of my favorite finds last season. I got to catch up with Ali of BonMe food truck, and immediately noticed her purse. The leather looked of great quality, the style was functional & versatile, and the size suited her 5’ tall frame well. I was even more excited when she mentioned that it was around $40 from eBay. It comes a variety of colors, but I browsed patiently until I found one in navy to meet a longtime wardrobe void. In an upcoming post, I hope to share more about Coach’s older leather bag styles plus a review of this specific one.
army_navy3I realize I keep promising requested posts (fixing the rotating skirt, shopping for Hermes belts, Spanx review) that don’t materialize. Progress has been hindered by work lately, so I really appreciate your patience!

Readers – Please share any recommendations for petite-friendly shorter jackets that are casual yet chic!
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105 Comments

  1. jhon wrote:

    waoo! great jackets i liked them all.. wish could get all of them..

    Posted 1.19.13 Reply
  2. Claire wrote:

    I love your posts. Lots of new ideas to play around my wardrobe with. However, my question is; Do u have suggestions for where a 28-24-36 can get pants that fit in the waist?

    Posted 1.19.13 Reply
  3. Mady T. wrote:

    wow! this is one of the most casual outfits that I saw you in…love the outfit…the booties are really cute…

    xoxo
    Mady

    thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.19.13 Reply
  4. CoastWithMe wrote:

    Jean, this is perfection! Have a wonderful weekend girl:)!

    Posted 1.19.13 Reply
  5. newpetite wrote:

    I think jackets like these look better when they are over-sized than fitted. You look lovely and Love the bag!

    Posted 1.19.13 Reply
  6. Michelle wrote:

    This is probably my favorite casual look on you thus far. Not one thing that I do not love. That navy purse is gorgeous! Love the handle or crossbody option. Too perfect!

    And beer and chowder?! Yum!!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  7. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    Jean, you always look good in any type of clothes and style. I think it may be time that I start looking for a cross bag. I like the one you have. It's simple and chic.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  8. Lisa - respect the shoes wrote:

    I personally think it's OK for a cas rugged jacket like that to fit a bit large – you've cultivated the rest of your ensemble so well, I think you look really comfy and chic! Oh I wish I could do ankle boots with skinnies like that!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  9. Suzie Q wrote:

    Great casual outfit! I love the vintage Coach bag. I've been eyeing the same one since last year too, and also looked at some on Ebay, but for some reason haven't pulled the plug on it yet. The jacket looks great on you, it doesn't look too oversized.

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

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  10. R.L. wrote:

    I love your casual looks, Jean! And I really love the way the jacket fits you, very casual chic. A friend of mine actually found a similar jacket (albeit very thin material) at Charlotte Russe of all places, LOL. Looking forward to your Coach review. I've been browsing ebay for a while but I'm skeptical about the condition of the interior.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  11. Tara wrote:

    I love this look! I am so jealous of your ankle boots. I've been looking for a similar pair for awhile but I'm stick on a starving college student's budget. The other problem is that I find that my feet seem to scrunch down into the toe of ankle boots and I end up crushing my toes throughout the day! I would love to hear your suggestions on that problem…I've been thinking that inserts may help give me a little more grip on a sharp incline heel, but I'm not sure if I should bother.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  12. Midori wrote:

    old coach is so much better than new coach, man. love the bag.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    The leather of most Coach products is pretty nice and will self-heal. I have a small black clutch that I scratch from time to time. The natural oil from my hands seems to heal any scratches and keep the leather looking very nice.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  14. LitLaur wrote:

    I think it's ok despite the slightly too-large fit since it's a casual piece. The way you styled it, cuffed with layers and skinny jeans, makes it work. I have a similar jacket from American Eagle with similar problems. The sleeve length is what bothers me most, but it's not worth altering. I still wear it quite often when it's chilly but not freezing.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  15. GEMMA wrote:

    Love this look! Looking great:)

    Come say HI: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com

    Love, Gemma

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  16. Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.com wrote:

    just posted a review on j. crew's boyfriend fatigue jacket (this year's version) here. its really cute, but not willing to pay full price (ever, lol)

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  17. Isabel wrote:

    I am not petite but I have a Massimo Dutti military jacket that I love. It may be worthwhile checking them out in the spring, after all Spanish women are quite petite.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  18. Candice wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    Cute jacket! You can try browsing dailylook's website for jackets.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  19. Midnight Cowgirl wrote:

    Love your jacket!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  20. Tina wrote:

    One of my favorites lately! So casual chic and so put together! LOVE!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  21. Always Maylee wrote:

    I love the jacket and scarf, so cute together. And I love that 2nd photo of you, you look gorgeous!

    xo, Yi-chia

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  22. Rosie wrote:

    I forgot to say that jacket looks great on you. I think that style looks better slightly oversized and not fitted.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  23. S. wrote:

    I found a green jacket much like that from Madewell. It's not a petite, but the XS fit surprisingly like one (ie. the pockets lined up properly, the sleeves were perfect, the belt hits at the right spot.) It was certainly an investment purchase, but I love it and it's much warmer and sturdier than similar jackets that I've seen.

    I have a vintage Willis bag in mahogany that I bought through eBay for $60. I'm so pleased with the quality and the size. I had my local leather guy punch in a few extra holes because the strap was too long, but otherwise it's great!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  24. Sparks In Spring wrote:

    I love the new collection of colorful leather from Coach as well, classic style. But its always good to find better deals online!

    x Sparks In Spring

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  25. Rosie wrote:

    How funny — I just bought a vintage Coach on ebay last week! I saw a girl on the T with the most gorgeous clean-lined, cross-body leather bag and I recognized the turnlock as Coach. I loved it so much that I immediately went to eBay and found one. I managed to win it for $40 and also noticed on the Coach website that the bag is a "Willis" and is currently selling for $300! Franlkly, I prefer the patina and worn-in look that the actual vintage bags have to Coach's brand-new "vintage" styles.

    For others looking for good deals on vintage coach, I've noticed that there are sometimes better deals on bags if you search without the bag name (e.g., Willis or Court).

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  26. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    Looking adorable in these photos! Love the skinnies with ankle booties and even though the jacket isn't perfect by your standards, I think it looks great in the photos. Great Coach find on ebay. Can't wait to read all about it.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  27. Zoe wrote:

    I got my first Coach bag for Christmas – i'm just wondering what's the best way to protect it – i have a leather conditioner from coach – but I keep catching my nails on it resulting in tiny scratches? Any thoughts?

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  28. Kimberly wrote:

    Love seeing you in more casual looks like this – really adore those booties! Are they fairly comfortable? I've been looking for a pair with a heel in that color 🙂

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  29. Jane wrote:

    I love your style and your resourcefulness. This blog has really helped me style my outfits for both work and play – i was very uncoordinated before :). Anyways, Did you happen to be at SFO around dec 23rd? I may have seen you!

    Cheers from Sydney.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  30. bibi wrote:

    that`s a awesome casual outfit 🙂

    http://rambutan18.blogspot.de/

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  31. Naomi wrote:

    Great bag! And hair cut~

    The Occasional Indulgence

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  32. sequins from life wrote:

    Nice look 😉

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  33. Meize Mouse wrote:

    Check out Topshop for their khaki jackets! They have quite a few. I bought this one

    http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=1&viewAllFlag;=&catalogId;=33060&storeId;=13052&productId;=8921780&langId;=-1&sort;_field=Relevance&categoryId;=208640&parent;_categoryId=208580&pageSize;=20

    although it was more than I wanted to pay to try it out, I got a $40 f21 one that just looked awful. A good khaki jacket is hard to come by so I decided to keep it. It goes with so much!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  34. Emily M wrote:

    Adore your casual outfit! I like the loose fit of your jacket, it suits you well! 🙂

    -thefashionfare

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  35. Stephanie Lam wrote:

    Love love how the scarf adds a feminine touch to this outfit!!

    -Stephanie
    @LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  36. Mary Ann wrote:

    Thanks for the heads up on the vintage Coach bags! I've been eyeing that style and would prefer to buy vintage, but didn't realize they could be had for so cheap! Will definitely keep my eye on eBay! 😉

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  37. annie wrote:

    is** paired**

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  38. annie wrote:

    i dont think this jacket is meant to be fitted. i think loose fit the way to go. have you styled it w/ your mainline boots? i think it will look great pair together.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  39. Monkey wrote:

    I think the oversized look really works with this style of jacket more than a fitted style would. It looks really modern and intentional in my opinion.

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  40. Phoebe wrote:

    I actually think that jacket looks great on you! It's got a purposefully oversized, borrowed-from-the-boy kind of look!

    Posted 1.18.13 Reply
  41. Janki wrote:

    The jacket is cute! I like its casual vibe, as sometimes my car coat looks too dressed up. It reminds me of a barn coat my husband had back when we were dating. That coach bag is really a great deal…we will all be heading to eBay. I've wanted a small cross body bag since I have kids, but haven't kind one I liked.
    This sounds weird, but I love the smiley pictures you took…nice to see your personality shine through.

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  42. Rachelle wrote:

    This casual look is great, I'm 5'4 and I got the J.Crew downtown field boyfriend jacket, they have it in navy and army green http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/blazers/sale/PRDOVR~19034/19034.jsp.
    And you can readjust the waist. Hope you find this helpful.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  43. Petite-ish wrote:

    Haha, I tried on that jacket. Fiance immediately vetoed and I eventually settled on the asos one. We bought those 2 jackets in reverse order! Anyhoo, I sympathize about the work being front and center lately 😉

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  44. FashionEdible wrote:

    I actually love that jacket on you! I think it looks great 🙂 And I love how you paired it with that classic Coach bag. Chic and tough combined.

    -FashionEdible

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  45. simplybeccablog wrote:

    Love this outfit! Also that's for introducing the coach bag, I've been eyeing similar styled but much more expensive Marc Jacobs bags :)! I too love the material of my GAP military jacket, strangely it was acquired in 2010 in GAP women's section, the material and colour is very and very similar to yours.

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  46. Jessy wrote:

    Yay for the casual outfit! I love hat crossbody bag. I may have to start looking for the same one myself. The style, shape, and minimalist design are perfect for me. I wonder if it comes in burgundy? ahhh!

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  47. ordinary waves wrote:

    I love this casual outfit (probably because I love and own several military style jackets!). I really like how you paired it with those ankle boots!

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  48. Ella Pretty Blog wrote:

    I found a pic of my jacket – am including a link here – hope it's ok – feel free to delete if not 🙂

    http://pinterest.com/pin/286260120036605026/

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  49. Becca Friedman wrote:

    AHHH i have been dying for a jacket exactly like that forever! if you find one you like better, i will happily buy that one off you!! <3

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply
  50. Ella Pretty Blog wrote:

    I wanted an army green jacket ever since I saw pictures of Rachel Bilson pairing EVERYTHING with her military coat with fur collar. Apparently hers is a boy's coat from GAP. Inspired by her – I picked up a size 16 boys military jacket from Walmart (I think it's the GEORGE brand) – I'm 5'4 and it fits perfectly! My friend loved my jacket and was amazed when I told her it cost less than $20 – she's under 5' and got the size 14 boys jacket – definitely worth checking out 🙂

    Posted 1.17.13 Reply

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