Let’s face it, I’m pretty much through sharing winter fashions here at Dressed for My Day. I know I have many readers – myself included – who still have a lot of winter ahead of us. That said, I think most of us are pretty set on winter outfit formulas and how to style a sweater and jeans. Ha! If not, check out the videos I linked there. But from here on out I’ll mostly be sharing tips for getting your wardrobe ready for spring. And today I’ve got a fun 2023 fashion trend to try: lady jackets.
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All that said, lady jackets are a completer piece that you actually can probably incorporate into your outfits now, if you so choose. Most of these Channel-esque jackets are long sleeved and made of somewhat substantial fabric. So, especially if you want to wear the jacket over another top, you could easily wear it in cold weather. I expect we’ll see some lighter versions pop up in the coming months, too.
I’m sharing three lady jackets today, but the pink and ivory one from Talbots (shown right above) is already sold out. In fact, I’ve discovered that these feminine sweaters/blazers don’t stay on the racks very long in general. This is one fashion trend that has definitely gained traction fast.
So what exactly is a “lady jacket?” I’ve already dropped a few hints, but here are some defining characteristics. You’ll usually note these features in a lady jacket:
- reminiscent of Channel suit jackets
- often made with a boucle tweed or other nubby textured fabric
- generally boxy and hit at the waist or above (cropped versions)
- usually have a few buttons down the front, often in gold, silver or other “fancy” fabrication
- often include patch or flap closure pockets, sometimes as many as four
- sometimes collared, sometimes not
- have distinct feminine vibe to them, whether in coloring or other details
- sometimes have fringe, braiding or other trim
- frequently include shiny threading or even sequins
- sometimes in plaids; other times solids with big, contrasting trim
Like many things that “trend,” lady jackets have indeed been around for years and are really quite timeless. But they are, as we say, “having a moment” currently, making them a very fashion-forward choice to add to your wardrobe and wear enthusiastically.
You will see some lady jackets sold as sets or at least you’ll notice some have a coordinating skirt or dress. But until I see one with a longer skirt than shown above in the photo from J.Crew, I’ll be wearing my lady jackets one of the three ways I’m sharing below.
See, I do believe that, because these are jackets with a history, we older women will want to choose how we wear them carefully, intentionally. If we just pull an old one out from the back of our closet and wear it with a navy pencil skirt, navy hose and pumps we’re going to look older and like we’re wearing something old…instead of something new and modern. That’s often how it is with these trends that resurface from our past. We have to choose to wear them in a more modern way.
By the way. Let’s just pause and clarify that you can do whatever you want with your lady jacket. I’m just offering my two cents. I have researched this a good bit, and I’ve put a lot of thought and analysis into it. But in the end, you do you! And I’ll think you look gorgeous!
Moving along…
How to Wear a Lady Jacket and Look Modern…Not Old
So here are my tips for wearing a lady jacket so that you look on trend, contemporary, current, with it…instead of old. Hahaha! Like I said, take this for what you will.
Wear a Lady Jacket with Jeans
The easiest way to truly look modern in a lady jacket is to pair it with modern denim.
If you will wear modern jeans – either straight legs or more relaxed fit (other modern details like raw edges and fading only if you want) – then you can wear everything else that is very traditional and classic, but still look current. There’s just something about the juxtaposition of this somewhat formal looking lady jacket with jeans that looks very current. So while it may seem counterintuitive to you to create a pairing like this, trust me. You’ll get compliments from the younger women in your life when you wear this combo.
The key is the jeans. You can wear other traditional pieces like the bow tie shell above or a simple t-shirt like below. The look below is from my video on Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas.
Wear a Lady Jacket with White Jeans (or other neutrals)
As we move into spring and summer I think we can especially enjoy wearing lady jackets with our white jeans. But of course you could also wear a lady jacket over natural, grey or black jeans. The point is to keep your jeans neutral or natural so that the jacket can carry the day.
Basically, the trend right now is to wear this Channel reminiscent jacket in a more casual, relaxed way. So using it to top jeans of any kind is going to be on trend.
Wear a Lady Jacket Open or Buttoned Up Like a Top
Above you see that I wore the lady jacket (TTS) buttoned up like a top. I actually have a tank (similar) underneath, but it’s just for security. On the other hand, below I’ve unbuttoned the lady jacket and created a column of white underneath.
I do think you have to choose your lady jacket accordingly if you want to wear it as a top. But they’re really quite versatile. Another way I could have worn the lady jacket here would have been to put a coordinating light blue tank or tee underneath. I just ordered this one in rose and I think it will work nicely under my pink lady jacket up above. And the harbor blue would probably look nice with this J.Crew lady jacket right above.
You also may have noticed that some lady jackets are more sweater-like than others. But all of the ones I’ve tried on have been very soft and pliable, not rigid like a typical blazer.
By the way this lady jacket and these jeans (size down) are both 30% off with code SHOP30. The jacket also comes in ice pink orange and it fits true to size. And those white slim boyfriend jeans are my new favorites. But I sized down to a 29 for a very comfortable fit. The denim is nice and thick.
Wear a Lady Jacket with Classic but Modern Slacks
Finally, I do think you can wear a lady jacket with more formal or work appropriate attire. But I think this is where we have to get really careful lest we end up looking a little dated. I think the key is to wear solid trousers that are classic but have a modern silhouette.
And notice I’ve also worn other modern, trending elements, such as my ankle boots, my chunky chain necklace and even my modern pearl bracelet. And I’ve kept the outfit very minimalist other than that eye-catching lady jacket.
By the way, I love these black trousers (TTS) from J.Crew. They feel great on and really stretch and move with you. However, they do pick up lint pretty easily, so they are not a good match for this rather fluffy ivory and black lady jacket from Express. Isn’t it pretty, though? I think this one is so very classy. And it’s marked down, too.
I do think you can wear a lady jacket with a skirt, but I think it’s a little more likely to look old-fashioned without some careful thought. Maybe add some very modern footwear and jewelry. And, like I said earlier, we will be seeing lady jackets that pair with coordinating skirts and even dresses. But I just haven’t seen any yet that are long enough for my taste.
So what do you think? Will you try the lady jacket trend? Or maybe you already have one in your closet. Is it a new one or one you have had for years?
I’ve created a shopping widget below with more lady jackets for you to check out. And you can shop the items in the photos above through the captions underneath them. Thanks so much for dropping in today. I hope you enjoyed spending a few minutes at Dressed for My Day.
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Blessed for My Day
I love the community we have built here. It’s fun talking fashion and makeup and life with you. And I especially enjoy the fact that so many of my readers and viewers share my faith. I am grateful and I express that gratitude to the Lord regularly.
But it is also important that we have a closer community of fellow Christ followers that meet with regularly and grow with. A church family can sometimes be hard on us. Sometimes we get our feelings hurt, we feel misunderstood or undervalued, or we just get ticked off at someone else’s behavior or words. That’s what happens as you get really close to other people. But that’s also where real growth takes place. I encourage you to find and live in community with a church family. It will stretch you…and them. But it’s such a blessing, too.
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3
I love these jackets! I bought fabric to make one over a year ago and it still lays on my work table. I didn’t know these jackets were called “lady jackets”. Love it. I love how you styled them. Thanks for the motivation!
I have not been able to access the Nordstrom items. When I hit your item below the picture, I am taken to a plain screen. Am I the only one having this issue? It has been happening for several days. Kay, you look very cute in your Lady Jackets.
Hi Barbara. I don’t think I linked anything here to Nordstrom, but I may be wrong about that. All of the links are working for me and no one else has shared this concern. You may have some kind of feature triggered in your browser that keeps you from accessing websites through third party links. Or you may have opted out of Nordstrom’s privacy policy at some point and that keeps you from going there. I suggest clearing your browser cache. I’m sorry you’re having this problem. I know it’s frustrating. I had a similar experience with another retailer once and I resolved it by clearing my browser and going directly to their website and accepting their privacy and cookie policy.
I like this trend a lot! I think these jackets are so pretty on you and the right one would look good on me, too.
I have a b/w tweed channel look sweater that I loved but could never style well. I just pulled it out of my “I should really just give this away” pile! Thanks for the genius styling tips. It feels great to be at the head of a trend instead of at the end. You work really hard at keeping us updated, current and modern. I really appreciate your talent and hard work.
I purchased the pink and white lady jacket from Talbots and just got it in the mail yesterday. It is heavier than I thought it would be, so need to wear it now and know I will be wearing it a lot. Had to up a size in a 10, my 8 was all sold out all ready. But it will work fine because I can layer pieces underneath. I have 2 older ones in my closet one in black and one navy and pulled these out yesterday to start wearing again. Love blazers! My favorite thing, so glad the lady jacket is going strong now.
I did notice in your LTK you have some blazers that take you to the Nordstrom site. This is probably the blazers Barbara is talking about. Yes, I had computer issues this morning and had to clear out all my browsers. Has been going on for a while and is frustrating.
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the info.
Yes, it’s been happening a while on all the blogging sites I follow when the blogger links to Nordstrom. Clearing cookies and browsing history worked the first time, but now it’s happening again. :/
Uh oh. I’m sorry to hear this. Hopefully Nordstrom will get the bugs worked out soon. Thanks for letting me know. I can try linking through a different affiliate program and see if that works better.
Love those lady jackets. They all look awesome on you especially the pink one. I really liked the caftans yesterday but they are way out of my budget. Thanks for your blog. Have a wonderful weekend.
I got rid of my lady jacket a year ago! I had it for ages! I did not think they would come back and I never thought of styling it differently! Oh well. I will think twice about getting rid of interesting pieces in the future.
I know the feeling. I’ve got blazers in my closet right now that I’m tempted to get rid of, but I’m making myself keep them in storage instead.
Believe it or not, I actually found another lady jacket in my closet! it is green and cream. I styled it and wore it today. My daughter loved it! We went shopping and saw some lady jackets! So fun!
I have a lady jacket knit sweater I purchase from Talbots about 5 years ago and I’ve worn it and loved it every year since. It’s a classic cream with black trim. I’ve usually worn it with black slacks, but I’m going to try it with denim.
I received two lady jackets today from Zara and then later opened your email. Talk about perfect timing!
I definitely intend to wear mine with jeans and white denim. I bought two as they were marked down in the sale by 70% . I am definitely now inspired to keep both of them, lol! X
Splendid! I know you’ll enjoy them.
Love the lady jacket look, however it’s worn. So classic and feminine. Agree with you 100% about a church family/community! We have to remember a church family is made of imperfect people and we need to give each other grace as grace has been given to us. Love one another!
I love that look and you look great in it, Kay. I will have to pass this trend by…my backside isn’t too cute anymore and I would feel insecure with that much exposure.
What does “TTS” mean in your post?
It means “true to size”! So, if you normally wear a size large, then order a large!!
Hi Deborah. It means the garment runs true to size.
Absolutely love “lady jacket.” Overall, as stated the best way to wear is with jeans and a t shirt. I recall wearing these jackets not that long ago and I wore them then with jeans too. I am hoping to find something soon because it is something I would definitely purchase and wear!
Great post! This style of jacket is my favorite. I have several – a beautiful dark brown and black tweed print and a longer one in cream with black and tan accents, both from Ming Wang. Both look like a blazer, but are soft like a cardigan. I have a couple of others from Loft and Macy’s that I wear a lot. I just found two pairs of more modern black trousers and a pair of high-waisted wide-leg jeans that I plan to wear with these.
Hi Kay!
You are classy as always! I love the lady jacket and would like to get one. Thank you for all the hard work that you do to help us out in our fashion and inspirational lives!❤️
Thank you for your encouragement on all fronts, Kay! Have a good weekend.
Well, I guess everything old is new again, just as the saying goes. I remember wearing these in the 80s. I had a pink suit with a jacket like this, and I bought a blazer that had the “fringe-y” edges (sorry, don’t know how else to describe it). I got rid of them years ago when they ceased being a thing. While these are cute, they’re really not my style, so I”ll continue to avoid them, whether they’re having a moment or not.
I love these shorter lady jackets, too! Especially love how you styled them with jeans for a modern look. We are taking a river cruise the end of this April and will be spending the first 3 days/nights in Paris. I would LOVE if you could come up with a capsule wardrobe that would include one (or two) of these jackets for our cruise! The other 9 days will be less formal as we are headed to the Normandy coast and beaches. My husband’s bucket list visit!
Barb, my husband and I are going on a Viking river cruise to Paris and Normandy too April 1st for an 8 day cruise for our 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Should I try to find one of these jackets too to take?
First, congratulations on your 50th anniversary! Wish we were sailing at the same time!!
I am planning to take my trench coat for daily touring around Paris and tops/sweaters for layering. I will probably wear this coat on the plane. May even pack warm raincoat type for the coast. I’ve heard it gets windy and cold! Also scarf and gloves per friend who was there in October!!
I think one of these jackets would be so nice to have in a solid, neutral color that would mix with my neutrals (tans and black) pants for evenings on the ship. A couple tops and a few scarves and I think that will do the trick. I hate solid white tennis shoes but I guess I’ll get a pair for touring in Paris. So many travel blogs are showing them, especially for Paris. I’ll pack one pair of (probably) black flats for evenings then wearing my favorite ECCO comfortable slip on walking shoes on the plane. Lol. This is so much more than you asked for but I’ve been researching this a lot (just retired) and wanted to share!!! ;D Bon Vogage!
Oh, I love these so much! HAVE to have one. Thank for this – and all! – of your posts. I would have paired mine with a straight, black skirt or navy pants, for sure. See? We need you. 😀
Love your posts and videos Kay. I’ve been listening to you for a while now. I was surprised to see how tall you are, you look very petite to me. You looked so great as a blonde that I wondered why you went natural grey. Thanks for all the fun you give from your videos, I really appreciate them. Your friend in Christ – Lynn
Does Talbots ever restock? I love that pink blazer.
Unfortunately I really don’t expect them to restock that one. But they have a similar one at JCrew. And Talbots does have a beautiful new light green one too. https://rstyle.me/cz-n/hkmeixchvkf