The age-old advice “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” must be grounded in truth. We know that wearing the right clothes can brighten your mood and boost confidence and our work clothes are no exception to this. Since formal wear can get monotonous, adding the right balance of classics and trendy pieces helps break away from the shirt-and-trousers loop. If you are wondering where to begin? start with this guide and zhuzh up your office wardrobe with women’s jackets. They will complement most of your existing clothing and allow you to create new outfits for all your boss-girling needs.
Types of Women’s Jackets
The first step in incorporating women’s jackets into your formal wardrobe is to get familiar with the various types. Ideally, you should have a mix of jackets (fits, cuts, and materials) to create multiple outfits. Here’s a guide you can follow:
Fitted: Fitted jackets give you a break from the boxy look of usual suit jackets. The cinched waist and tailored cut of these women’s jackets frame your physique while keeping the outfit professional-looking. Think blazers, open-front overcoats, and tweed jackets.
Oversized: If you prefer the oversized silhouette, you can definitely get the same look with formal jackets. Double-breasted blazers are a great option for the oversized look and can be styled with your usual shirts, turtle necks, t-shirts, and even camisoles. If you want a break from trousers, try styling them with pencil skirts. For a bold outfit, go for the topless blazer look – wear nothing or next to nothing under the jacket – and pair it with matching bottoms.
Long: Long jackets reach just above your knee and look great with midi-length skirts and heels. If you’re dressing up for warm weather, linen and cotton long jackets are some breathable options that also pair well with ethnic tunics and kurtas.
Cropped: Jackets with a cropped silhouette generally go well with high-waisted trousers and skirts. Cropped jackets hit anywhere between the midriff and the waistline. Wearing a fitted top with a cropped jacket will allow you to create an hourglass silhouette by keeping the focus on the waist. You can also pair these with formal dresses.
Things to Consider
Now that you have settled on the type of women’s jackets you want to buy, let’s help you pick the correct size and find the right colours and prints. Read till the end to learn how to style these jackets like you mean business!
Sizing: Regular-fit formal jackets should not be too tight or too loose – giving you just enough space to comfortably move around a meeting room. For a clean-girl look, ensure all other elements, such as your shirt, trousers, or skirt, are form-fitting and monochromatic.
Neutral colours: Solid jackets in neutral shades should be the majority in your collection of jackets for professional settings. Along with the versatility factor, you can Buy women’s jackets in neutral shades give you a sophisticated and elevated look. They are a must-have to create a timeless collection that will stay with you beyond trends.
Prints: If solid colours are not your thing, houndstooth, plaid, and chequered prints are a great way to add an interesting element to your outfit without going overboard in a professional setting. Go for neutral tones like beige, black, white, brown, taupe, and grey.
Versatility: Want to transition from day to night? A smart black jacket will be the only wingman you need. Whether you are going for dinner with your co-workers or joining friends after work, a buttoned black jacket with fitted pants and a crop top will go from AM to PM seamlessly. Just unbutton it and roll up the sleeves.
Balancing Volume: Much like everything else, styling women’s jackets is all about finding the right balance. You don’t want to look over the top by wearing clashing pieces. Opt for form-fitting layers to let your jackets take center stage. If you want to try the oversized-on-oversized look, go for a fitted top and oversized bottoms.
Mastering Business Casual: For casual Fridays and outdoor meetings, you can experiment with easy-going options like leather jackets with lapels, denim, oversized bombers, and varsity jackets. Ditch your shirts and trousers for midi dresses, race backs, flared culotte pants, and pleated skirts. For office party wear, blazer dresses are the top trend. You can also opt for velvet fabrics, jackets with cape sleeves, and blazers with embellished buttons.
Co-ord Sets: If you are still not sure how to style and mix-match separate jackets with your outfits, opting for a co-ord set with a jacket will take away all your woes (except Excel sheets, that’s on you). Styling the jacket co-ord outfit will also be very simple – minimal jewellery, smart footwear, and a slicked-back hairdo are all you need.