I recently worked with a new client on her closet — not purchasing anything new, but creating outfits out of her existing wardrobe. She had this great kimono-style jacket that I just pounced on the minute I saw it. It’s what I call a “crossroads piece” — how you wear it can really go one way (funky, youthful) or the other (dated, matronly). You decide.
These crossroads pieces typically possesss one of the following elements:
- an ethnic-inspired print, style, etc.
- a vintage feel (think a round-neck classic Chanel boucle jacket or any copycats)
- an almost too-bold print that can come off garish
She typically wore this statement-making jacket with a pair of wide-leg, drap-ey pants. It was for a weekend evening out. She said she never felt quite right in it.
I wanted to update how she styled this jacket in ways that would feel more polished and current. First, a weekend going- out look:
The key when working clothing that is ethnic-inspired, and could potentially be aging because of the silhouette and print, is to make it youthful by pairing with current pieces like…
- skinny dark jeans
- boyfriend jeans
- pointy-toe heels
Second, I wanted to show the versatility of the jacket by creating an office-ready look (she is a consultant). Plus, what a great alternative to a buttoned-up blazer!
To give this style of jacket polish and sophistication for work, pair with…
- black cigarette pants
- a black, fitted pencil skirt (the one picture works, but we’d like to tailor it to fit a little higher up on her waist and the hem to be at her knee so she gets that great hourglass silhouette)
- pointy-toe pumps
And wah-lah! The once-matronly kimono jacket gets a new life in this client’s wardrobe with just a couple of easy switch-ups.
Have you reinvented something in your closet recently?