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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 83 Comments · by

Tuesday’s TPS Report: Lightweight Wool Jacket

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Lightweight Wool JacketToday we're loving this East Coast professor vibe — the collared shirt, the cardigan, the blazer — fabulous. We particularly like the lightweight wool blazer — it's classic but hip with a slight horizontal weave. It's $198 at Brooks Brothers, sizes 0-16. Lightweight Wool Jacket Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-1)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  2. Shayna

    I’m such a sucker for preppy styling… Question, is it ok to wear a solid gray blazer like this one w/ black pants? I ask, b/c I have an Armani one that I picked up for $1 at thrift store and am still a little apprehensive about how to wear…

    • surrounded by lawyers

      Absolutely. I’d probably do a non-black shoe in that case, as well as a colorful and/or patterned blouse, just to avoid an overall too-dark look.

      Necklaces, also your friend.

    • Erin

      I think it would look better with pinstripe than with solid black pants. I see the solid gray/black jacket/pants or skirt combo a lot and it’s very easy to look frumpy (although it’s not a frumpy look per se). I think that having two different neutrals on top and bottom tends to break up the body in a way that isn’t always flattering, and the pinstripe elongates the look a bit.

    • Shayna

      Thanks!! I’m so excited about it (It’s wool – definitely a more autumn piece) and looking forward to wearing it :-) Will keep my eyes out for pinstriped pants …and I love an opportunity to wear an interesting necklace. I’m 5’2″ so I’m all about elongating my body…

      • surrounded by lawyers

        Oh, did I say “non-black shoe?” I definitely meant “non-black HEEL.” In other words, I have a lot of enlongating to do too! ;)

        Enjoy your fab jacket.

      • CC

        I’m seething with jealousy at your $1 Armani jacket. I’m usually pretty good about finding great deals…but dang!

    • J

      definitely. i have a jacket just like this in a gray and wear it with black pants all the time. with the more muted colors, i like to add a pink or blue shirt underneath. keeps it up but still preppy for my conservative office.

    • AN

      See pic above – model has styled hers with black pants.

      PS – Very jealous of your find:)

  3. Up North

    Hi Fabulous Corporettes,
    I love this jacket!

    I am writing in with a question/situation. My spouse and I are attending a social event sponsored by a local firm. Its a live music event on a weekend evening in the summer. Our part of the country tends to be pretty casual.

    What would you wear to such an event? I don’t want to show up in a cocktail dress if everyone will be in plaid and denim. Conversely, I don’t want to show up in a Lilly Pulitzer and everyone is in cocktail dresses. I also do not know anyone who is attending, so there isn’t a reliable female source with which to consult. Help, Corporettes!

    • AIMS

      My solution for these situations is a solid colored dress. Not nec. a sheath. Something a bit more casual or festive, depending on how you view it. This way, if everyone is in denim, then you’re just the dress type — no big deal; if everyone is in Lilly P, well — pink seahorses aren’t your thing, no big deal . . . And, if everyone is in cocktail, you’ll blend in, too (maybe a bit on the casual side but . . . no biggie, solids are like that).

    • Anonymous Today

      I’m sure you’ve thought of this, but just to throw it out there, in case you haven’t, is this an event that’s held yearly? If so, would it possible to find past pictures online?

      If not, I would go with something casual, but in a dark color, like navy, plum, or even black. I think the dark color will make it more look slightly more formal if you find yourself underdressed, but, based on your description, it sounds to me like a fairly casual event.

    • Erin

      What kind of music? I expect the attire will be different for a string quartet than for a rock band. I think a sundress and cardigan will be fine no matter what, though.

      • Up North

        Hi Ladies, thanks for all of the great comments.

        The solid colored dress is a great idea!

        It will be indoors and the music is sort of adult contemporary (for lack of a better description)– not too rock n’ roll, or classical. It will (I believe) be held at the firm

      • Makeup Junkie

        This is my go-to outfit, always. Wrap dress with wedge sandals or platform pumps, depending on the location/season.

  4. anonymous

    LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I’d be nervous to wear it though because it seems like all those layers would add too much bulk. Any tips on how to layer without bulking up?

    • AIMS

      I think thin layers like a thin shirt (maybe tee shirt instead of button down) and a tissue thin sweater would not be bulky…. But if layering is the concern, why couldn’t you just just wear this w/o the layers, with just a reg shirt underneath??

  5. Legally Brunette

    This isn’t my style, but it’s a very nice and elegant jacket.

  6. LP7

    Love and ordered! (It was finally nice to use my corporate discount) Now I just hope I got the right size… will report back. As to layering, my guess is that the cardigan is pretty thin. I got a couple good ones at Talbots of all places. I think the key is also to make sure the button up shirt is well-tailored to your body. Find a brand that works for you and stick with it. (I like Lands End and Eddie Bauer (go figure).)

    • LP7

      Also must admit that I am a former soccer player and “built for speed, not comfort.” So layering on top is easier for me than those of you with larger “tracks of land.” :-)

  7. L

    Love it!!!!!

    I have never been able to layer 3 layers like that. Maybe one of the bodysuit shirts would work? :)

  8. AIMS

    I love this jacket! The price seems reasonable, esp. with the 15% corporate discount, which brings it down to $170. It almost seems like the fabric is too casual based on the weave — if this was at Anthropologie, I would assume it’s another sweatshirt blazer; but as it is wool & BB I am guessing it looks fine & work-appropriate in person.
    I was actually thinking “I need a gray blazer” this morning & voila. . . Love!

    • SF Bay Associate

      I also love it and am tempted to invoke my corporate discount. After going to Nordstrom last night and not being all that thrilled with the Anniversary Sale merch, I still have a shopping itch…

    • RR

      I have this jacket in gray, and I like it. Note though that it’s not as traditional and classic in its styling. It’s got vertical pleats (for lack of a better word) running from shoulder over the pocket (which has a large button) on both sides in the front and then running over the shoulder down the back. In other words, that’s not a seam you see, it’s like an inverted pleat thing. That’s not obvious from the pictures, and I was a little disappointed as I was looking for classic and traditional. That said, it’s a well-made jacket, quality wool, looks nice, and the pleats actually make flattering lines on, giving you good shape. Hope that’s helpful! I bought it at like $90, but I wanted to get the pants too (unlined, cuffed, wide leg – fine, but wish they were lined).

    • ShoppaholicsAnon

      I like this a lot (especially the price)! Too bad the gray isn’t in my size.
      I’ve been trying to find a gray suit set that comes in tall and is on the lighter side of gray, But no luck. Anyone know of any good tall suit designers/retailers? I’ve found Long Tall Sally, but they don’t have many reviews so I’m not sure of the quality, etc.
      I would kill to get my hands on a gray 4-piece suit set!

  10. Erin

    KAT – The link you posted on un-stuffy ways to wear tweed jackets set off my spyware filter. It says that site will install spyware. Everyone beware…

  11. Ru

    Just curious – why the consensus of preferring lined pants over unlined pants? I wear slips under dresses and like for there to be a layer between me and a blouse (I’ll wear a tank or almost sleeveless tshirt) so I understand the importance of undergarments but I cannot stand lined pants. They feel gross (for lack of a better word) and make me feel generally uncomfortable. To each her own, I guess.

    • lawDJ

      I think it has to do with the material making the person itchy or allergic (as in some times of wool), also depending on how clingy the fabric is, the lining will make your less-than-perfect parts look “smoother.”

    • Elle

      I like the way they lay (lie?) better. The lining smooths out cellulite and other bulges that would be otherwise visible through unlined pants. Also, it helps the pants fall in a more flattering way on my body that’s not quite so clingy.

      But, I would agree with you that the lining is not always breathable which is slightly annoying sometimes. But, that’s the lesser of the evils for me personally when I compare my alternatives.

  12. Lawgirl

    Something about this jacket’s cut seems off to me. I think it hits at an odd place on the hip (at least on the model). Sorta of a prep school blazer look, which is not my thing. For my figure, a slightly longer cut for a blazer works better, or alternatively, a shorter cropped jacket with more shape that flares out slightly is cuter.

    BARRIE PACE SALE REVIEW: I got the jersey dresses (one with stretch, one without) from Barrie Pace. Cute and MOS’ DEF worth the $9/each. They’re very figure flattering and slightly sexy without being too much so. (I’m hour-glass shaped, size 4/6 for reference). The pink/brown is pretty unique and quite lovely on. I also got the black checked one with no-stretch (sold out). Not cheap looking at all, but a little thin. I think they need some nice “undergarments.” http://www.barriepace.com/sale_dresses/faux-wrap-stretch-matte-jersey-dress/

    But the absolute best find was this jacket: it’s exquisite and such a nice color and cut. The weave texture is adorable. It’s much prettier on person than in the photo (and excuse that fugly skirt the model is wearing). GET THIS JACKET, LADIES. Best $14.99 I’ve ever spent. Looks as expensive as a St. John’s jacket and much prettier, IMHO. http://www.barriepace.com/product/stand-collar-jacket-final-sale/

  13. Lawgirl

    Something about this jacket’s cut seems off to me. I think it hits at an odd place on the hip (at least on the model). Sorta of a prep school blazer look, which is not my thing. For my figure, a slightly longer cut for a blazer works better, or alternatively, a shorter cropped jacket with more shape that flares out slightly is cuter.

    BARRIE PACE SALE REVIEW: I got the jersey dresses (one with stretch, one without) from Barrie Pace. Cute and MOS’ DEF worth the $9/each. They’re very figure flattering and slightly sexy without being too much so. (I’m hour-glass shaped, size 4/6 for reference). The pink/brown is pretty unique and quite lovely on. I also got the black checked one with no-stretch (sold out). Not cheap looking at all, but a little thin. I think they need some nice “undergarments.”

    But the absolute best find was this jacket: it’s exquisite and such a nice color and cut. The weave texture is adorable. It’s much prettier on person than in the photo (and excuse that fugly skirt the model is wearing). GET THIS JACKET, LADIES. Best $14.99 I’ve ever spent. Looks as expensive as a St. John’s jacket and much prettier, IMHO. You have to click on final sale to find this one: http://www.barriepace.com/product/stand-collar-jacket-final-sale/

    • lawDJ

      I ordered that jacket and I’m waiting for it!! Gold is not exactly my color (I think I’m a winter) but it doesn’t look horrible on me and the jacket looked very versatile! I actually placed 3 orders with them as they added more stuff to their stock, some things may never make it to me but I’m looking forward to seeing what I end up with!

      • Lawgirl

        Hey lawDJ, yes, I bought that one. I thought it was really unique without being gaudy. And it made my butt look good ;-D I will say that I’m African-American so the brown/pink swirls looked good on my skin-tone. I think it’s less purple-y and more pale pink-carmel-ish swirly IRL. I will say, though, that I modeled the dress for my 11 year daughter and husband and they were both “meh.” But these guys have no appreciation for fashion-forward looks. LOL. I also ordered the tropical wool 2 button jacket and pants. Crossing my fingers on that; it’s backordered. (Aside: How does a coming going out of business place something on backorder? Was it a shipment coming in that they can’t cancel? Sounds suspect. But they didn’t charge me for it, so I’m ok).

        • Lawgirl

          Ooops, rambling, non-responsive answer (Funny: I make objections to my own Corporette posts LOL). Yes, it is work-appropriate. Unlike the long, lean models, I’m a semi-BRICK-HOUSE (but more like 35, 27, 36 after babies) . I’d probably try to add a jacket or something to it. I got lots of goodies and I don’t like them on display at work. Ha!

        • lawDJ

          I also put that jacket on backorder. The matching pants were sadly canceled. I just went back and looked at the status page and it looks like the jacket was canceled too! However, I actually ordered the jacket again on a separate order and it seems like that one might actually ship right now along with this awesome dress:

          http://www.barriepace.com/dresses/tadashi-off-the-shoulder-gown/

          crossing my fingers!

          • Lawgirl

            Isn’t this site the most random think you’ve ever seen?! I love the Tadashi dress. Who gets Tadashi for freakin’ $20?!! I’m 5’3″ so I didn’t get it because it needs a long, lean body, which I don’t have ;-D

          • Suze

            Wait, what is the Barrie Pace website? Excuse my ignorance, lawgirl, what does “coming going out of business” mean? How can they sell these things for $9.99? What has been your experience re the quality/durability? Pictures and prices seem fab, but am wondering about ‘anything that seems too good to be true…”?

          • Lawgirl

            Sorry Suze, typo. I should’ve said GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. I think Corporettes have mentioned the site before favorably. Based on my unscientific assessment, their marketing is non-existent and some of the offerings are humdrum when compared with Ann Taylor and other retai gunners. Hence, it seems to be a casualty of the tough economic market. Anyhoo, the going out of biz sale is BANANAS. I learned about here on Corporette. Go check it out. They have some private label stuff but also some high end stuff like Tadashi. Pickins’ are slim now, but you should find some decent things… And hell for $9, why not go to Vegas with this site?!! ;-D

          • Amy

            Barrie Pace has been going out of business for like two years…at the beginning of their “going out of business” sale they still had plenty of stock and I got some Austin Reed suits for $70 for both pieces. Quality is fantastic on everything I’ve ever got from them, both the name-brands and the “house” brands. I guess the story with them (yes, I Googled) is that they made a name for themselves offering women’s workwear back in the 80s when not many retailers were focusing on things women could wear to work and be taken seriously. Not sure what happened, but I have taken advantage of this “final sale” several times over the past two years and never been disappointed with anything.

          • Erin

            Oh my gosh, I just ordered that. I knew about the major clearance but had missed the dress before. Gorgeous, and a great color for me.

          • lawDJ

            Lawgirl: I’m 5’3″ and not long or lean, but I got it in Petite before it sold out and hoping it’ll work with the help of a tailor! :) The neck style looks wonderful on me.

        • Anonymous

          Based on last week’s helpful tip about the sale, I ordered the tropical wool jacket and matching pants in black. I got the regular size 2 since they didn’t have the pieces in petite 2 — unfortunately, both pieces are way too big for me and I don’t want to incur the cost of tailoring, so I was planning to list them on eBay. If anyone wants them, I’d be happy to let you have them for what they cost me (including shipping). The fabric and tailoring are very nice and the pieces together make a nice suit.

          • Lawgirl

            Hmm. I’d say sell it to me if it runs THAT big, but Size 2 and Lawgirl are totally incongruous. LOL. Good luck on eBay (or here on Corporette).

          • lawDJ

            I’m actually excited you’re saying it runs big because I had to order a smaller size than I normally would’ve … I’m sure you’ll find a taker here or on ebay, I might have to do the same with some of my finds!

          • Anonymous

            In the spirit of full disclosure, the pants are a *little* too big but the jacket is way big. Sometimes I can get away with a 2 reg — it depends on the cut/style. I bought 2 other jackets in 2 petite and they fit well except for the sleeves being too long (which is usually the case for me). If no one wants this suit, I’ll probably donate it to the organization that provides suits to low-income women who need nice interview clothes.

          • KZ

            I might take them, but I’m not sure the pants would fit (I tend to be a size 0/2 top and a 4 bottom, depending on the brand)–are they big everywhere or just in length? And how much is it?

          • KZ

            er, removing the dashes from the email address first, of course. I hate it when the automatically run together.

    • anon23

      I got my dress yesterday too. It was a different wrap one, black and white, size 6. I LOVE it. I have to wear a black cami underneath (I’m D or DD) but it is very professional looking w/ a black blazer over it. Without I’m a little uncomfortable as it is form fitting and shows my less than perfect stomach. I think with a slip I might be able to forgo the blazer. It is ok if I was sitting in a meeting and wanted to take the blazer off. Just a little snug for me to strut around the office with it off. Amazing find!

      • Suze

        Wow, thanks for the info Lawgirl and Amy. I am relatively new to corporette so I must’ve missed prior posts. But, I agree, with these prices, let’s go to Vegas with Barrie Pace! As soon as my marathon call is over, I am going shoppppingggg!!

      • Lawgirl

        yes, @Anon23, my sentiments exactly! There’s some va-voom to their dresses that may be a bit much for strutting around the office… I’m kinda of self-conscious about that stuff now, especially given the Corporette-warnings about signals that we unintentionally give off to men (which my husband confirmed, to my shock and utter surprise!).

      • Suze

        @anon23, maybe that happened…when I went back there was basically nothing…but I also reviewed some googled info about the bankruptcy of BP’s parent and it looks like maybe they really DID go out of business – ie, it was a ch. 11 and either this unit got shut down or the whole co. went under. Oh, well. Great deals for those that got there in time!

        • lawDJ

          There are still some deals! I’ve now placed 4 orders in the last week. That’s close to $40 in shipping but I’m still saving a lot on what I’ve bought, even if it needs to be tailored. Okay, maybe I went a little crazy :) I’ll report when I receive it! (Hubby’s going to kill me since he has to go to UPS to pick up :)

    • Legally Brunette

      Hey guys, I bought the pink/brown dress as well and received it last night. I will likely end up selling it on Ebay. It’s a nice print and the quality is good, but it’s just not a good fit for me. I am an hourglass with slight pear tendencies (big hips) and the dress is too loose in the bust but pulls in the hip area. It’s not a good dress for the small busted among us (I’m a 32B). I bought a size 4.

      • North Shore

        I got it too, and it fits me perfectly. I’m bigger on top with slim hips, so I guess that’s the target. It’s a cute dress. I also got the stand-collar jacket which I love, and the 3-button jacket, which is really cute. It’s nice to see a rock-bottom sale with petite sizes — that’s pretty rare. I wonder if my back-ordered pants will ever come through? Those prices are just incredible.

  14. Anon

    Just as an FYI. The Lands’ End “Canvas” line is having a sale. I just picked up the fit and flare dress featured here a few weeks ago for 50% off.

      • Anonymous

        In my mind, it’s not quite as generous as the regular Lands End line, but pretty generous. I wear a medium in the fitted size of LE, but I like the large Canvas t-shirts better. So to summarize, I think it fits like BR.

    • LMo

      Thank you soooo much for posting that, I’ve wanted the “Sleeveless Poplin Shift Dress” in black for months and got it (with free shipping – I love Google).

  15. BigN

    Threadjack . . .

    I now work in an office where, during fall/winter/spring the dress code is with jacket. In other words, we do not have to wear suits necessarily, but must wear jackets. I have never tried to put together an outfit with a jacket that wasn’t a suit and am at a loss as to how to pair differently colored jackets with other separates. I have a lot of black and grey skirts, and navy and brown pants. I do not particularly want to go out and buy a whole lot of suits as my new job was a fairly significant pay cut (although well worth the quality of life adjustment from Biglaw). I plan to troll the outlets and end of season sales, but am thinking I will need very versatile jackets as the temperatures fluctuate wildly from fall to spring (although it is always freezing in my office).

    For reference, my style is JCrew and Banana although I have never attempted to pull off the look that is being featured above (hence the plea for help)!!

    • Amy

      We have a similar dress code in my office.

      I think we’ve discussed this here before, but the key to wearing jackets by themselves (i.e., not as part of a suit) is to buy jackets that don’t look like they belong to a suit. You can actually have a lot of fun with it, because many designers make great jackets that go really well with plain bottoms. Look for jackets that have some texture – tweed, boucle, felted wool, boiled wool, slubbed silk, linen or linen blends – even a subtle pattern can work, as can a distinctive weave in the fabric. Details (piping, interesting pockets, etc.) and sleeve/jacket length can also provide variety, but a textural change will provide the best amount of contrast. I’ve seen great jackets like this in Marshalls and TJ Maxx (and at Talbots, etc. on clearance) for not much money. It’s hard to pair a jacket from one suit that has a flat, plain weave with a skirt/pants from another suit and not have it look like you mismatched your suit pieces. So look for jackets that have enough detailing so that you can pair them with a plain black, gray or brown bottom and a neutral top and have the jacket be the standout piece. HTH :)

      • BigN

        Thanks!

        I usually don’t have the patience for TJMaxx, etc., but I am going to have to get my act in gear and get over it, or else I will be wearing one black blazer every day!!! I live in a smaller market, so I may have to stop by the ones in DC when I am down there over the next few months as I find those have a better selection than mine.

      • lawDJ

        I would say that another way to do this “on the cheap,” with suit jackets you already own, is to pair light/dark suit pieces and to add interest to the jackets in the form of brooches, a scarf, or a large statement necklace. It’s better if the shoes match the bottom in color.

    • L

      I wear a lot of non-matching jackets,although I will wear suits about 1/3 of the time. It is easier if you are not using suit jackets, as others have said. I have a lot of colored jackets from Boden, BCBG, even Forever 21, and also some from Jcrew and banana – I just got a tiny floral blazer for $40 at Jcrew on sale, which looks great with solid color top/skirt or pants. Texture, color, and print are your friends!

    • Laura

      I think you can mix some of your suit jackets with different pants and/or skirts. For example, a black gabardine suit can be split, and the jacket worn with a birds-eye tweed black skirt or black chalk-stripe pants. The slim black suit skirt can be worn with a glen-plaid jacket or a Chanel-type boucle jacket or a tapestry jacket. A charcoal grey flannel suit jacket could be worn with grey flannel pants with a purple window-pane pattern.

      I also use patterned blouses to tie two pieces together and print scarves also. Like a paisley with many colors or a small print. Or I wear a statement necklace or a brooch.

      Many of these patterned pieces can be found at an outlet store…like Talbots or Nordstrom’s rack. Or at end-of-season sales, which are really mid-season sales.

      • BigN

        Thank you all for the tips. I would probably never have ventured out of my comfort zone (read solids) without your suggestions. Trips to TJMaxx, etc., scheduled for the near future!

        • The Image Expert

          It’s very common for women, particularly Gen Y, to be more comfortable with solids than pattersn. We are coming out of a minimalistic period where people just wore solids. Not all patterns are created equal, but as you expand your horizons to include patterns, here are some suggestions on choosing good quality patterns. http://bit.ly/daKPo4

  16. JB

    I have done this look casually, with a tee shirt, cardigan and J. Crew schoolboy blazer in the winter. With jeans. I think the key is wearing a lighter cardigan. The one I wore was almost a sheer-ish material.

  17. myohmy

    Ugh. First major scolding at work.

    All my previous companies have used presentations/ppts as decks to hand around before a meeting, not to actually sit there with a laser pointer and present (at least internally). So, it doesn’t make any sense to create 45 slides with 28pt font and five bullets on each.

    However, as I was just told, my new company only PRESENTS powerpoints, never distributes them (even internally) so the deck I slaved over yesterday is useless because “look the font is so tiny”.

    Sorry, rant over.

    • MelD

      Not to play Devil’s Advocate, but I thought the big font was common practice? Even if you’re printing it out, don’t you usually print out 6 slides per page? I don’t think I’ve been anywhere that prints fewer than 4 slides per page. Once you shrink them to that size, the slide fonts need to be pretty big to be readable on either the printout or the slide.

      • myohmy

        Really? The past 4 companies I’ve been at have printed 2 slides per page (since they were primarily docs for review, not presentations), and I had to drill it OUT of my head to use big font. Now I have to go back…. urgh. Just when I was starting to think little font could be pretty.

  18. HotInTheCity

    Love the blazer! And I’ve been looking for a vest. Where to find one? As much as I don’t like her, I love the vest Nancy Grace is wearing in her Swift Justice (new tv show) promos. She is wearing hers without a blazer/jacket. Is this the best way to wear a vest or would it be ok with a blazer?

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