So now here we are at jackets, which are incredibly useful because they can change the entire dynamic of an outfit in one stroke.
Regardez: a slutty summer dress can be rendered harmless by a denim jacket, or dangerous by a leather jacket, formal with a black suit jacket or high-fashion with a khaki jacket.
Let’s start with the absolute hero of the piece:
1 the denim jacket.
I wear mine so much that I might have to be buried in it – I think people in my local area don’t think I have another jacket. But what can I say? It’s the hardest working thing in my wardrobe and I couldn’t love it more. If you have one languishing in the back of your wardrobe, get it out, if you’ve already got one, wear it more. If you haven’t got one WAKE UP AND GET ONE!
High-fashion people are doing big, oversized early 90s jackets, which I don’t recommend as we are not size 8 no-kids super fashionable high fashion people are we? Having said that, if you have one from the 90s knocking about, wear it!
Otherwise, get the most normal, standard one you can find. I think it is imperative to get one where you can roll the sleeves up and wear it with then rolled up because I find that with small children any material between the elbow and wrist is hazardous.
Mine is from H&M (obviously) – I can’t find my exact one but I think this one looks nice, standard.
Nothing weird or scary, please – no embellishments or flourishes. Just a plain old denim jacket.
There are absolutely millions on H&M, have a scroll through.
If you are … how do I put this… (fuck it) … if you are 45+ basically you might like to get a darker denim. I don’t know why, I just think it’s a bit more dignified. Nigella used to wear one all the time and it’s the kind of thing Twiggy wears.
Other options are this from Fat Face via John Lewis
I also like this from Weekend by John Lewis. It’s got stretch to it, which I always think is a good thing. I also really rate the Weekend collection generally, I’ve had one or two things from there that are a good cut and indestructible.
Also this from Vero Moda via ASOS – I do not expect you to wear this with your belly out.
2 The black blazer
It was Becky B who first made me buy one of these and I never looked back. Mine is technically now a bit short to be totally on trend, plus it is all frayed and falling to bits inside – but it still works.
This, from Hush, is now on sale and I may or may not have just gone and bought one, having dithered over whether to get another one for about a year. Unusually for Hush who tend to sell out of everything, there are still a lot of sizes left.
Wear it with literally absolutely everything whenever you need to look a tiny bit pulled-together except PERHAPS the mad skirt, you need a shorter jacket for that.
Don’t forget that Hush sizes are generous, take a size down at least.
3 The khaki/camo jacket
This is a massive stealth piece that will really revolutionise and rejuvenate all sorts of other stuff already in your wardrobe. Mine is from the Gap men’s department in an XS. You do absolutely want this to look like you have pinched it off a boy/found it at a festival (without actually – YUK – going to a festival… where is my anti-bac gel?).
Mine is green but in fact camo looks very cool aswell.
There is this one from H&M, bloody sold out again GOD – not quite the season for this is it? Everywhere will re-stock in the autumn, so hang on for that. I will remind you.
Whichever one you get make sure there are no feminine trimmings like a cinched-in waist or diamante or pompoms or whatever, and wear it oversized. And I mean a jacket, not a shacket – because then it will continue to be useful into Autumn/Winter.
A reader just pointed out that this is a good one from Next: which does look like a good one to me and loads of sizes still available! YAY!
4 Leather jacket
Right now, just take a deep breath and really think about this one. A leather jacket ought to be expensive so don’t go at this one in a hurry. You ought to be spending at least £100 on a good quality leather jacket but the sky is the limit.
I would argue that it’s a brilliant thing to have in a capsule wardrobe but not so essential that you have to have one immediately. Hang on and get a great one when the time is financially right.
AllSaints is the classic go-to for a leather jacket although I know you are going to do a small sick when you see the price.
Or if you’re petite this is a nice one, on sale but only 8 and 10 left.
This one looks really good, nice and straightforward.
The things to bear in mind with whichever jacket you get are to have as few straps and bells and whistles as possible. Also don’t get anything without a collar, that’s the kind of thing that Tom Cruise/my husband/rugby players have to wear because they have such enormously thick necks that if they wear anything with a collar or a lapel they look like a cartoon gorilla bouncer wearing a zoot suit at a weasel hoodlum nightclub.
Don’t get a Rick Owens waterfall jacket either, because it might be lovely but it will date, it’s gone over to Kew housewife in the last 18 months. A standard leather one will always be universally classless and awesome.
It MUST be black, because it will go with everything. Grey or sludgy green or purple or something crazy is not capsule, don’t do it.
Okay!!! We are nearly done. Have a great weekend.
I’ll be back on TUESDAY with Accessories, then dresses, DOOM DOOM DOOM, then Activewear.
Activewear!!! I just love that word. Activewear.
I got my khaki jacket from Next and it’s fab, wear it with everything – http://www.next.co.uk/g6a50s6#459352
Oh brilliant, thanks for this – that looks like a really good one
Yes this does look nice, thank you I might try it x
Looking forward to ACTIVEWEAR….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRENWT8lz8
Ha ha Rosemary, I thought of that too.
Thanks the previous recommends by the spike I am already the proud owner of three of the capsule jackets! I love the blue necklace you are wearing in your insta videos – where is it from? On that note any plans for capsule jewellery? Really enjoying everything so far .
the blue short necklace? sam made that for me at nursery!!!
Ha ! Yes – how sweet .
I have the knaki jacket from Hush that was a sell-out hit a few seasons ago and…it just doesn’t work on me? Maybe I should have bought it in a smaller size, it seems too wide on the shoulders and annoys me every time I put the damn thing on. I still wear it, but I can’t look at myself in the mirror in it… And I LOVE my denim jacket but it’s been ignored for a few years due to the endless stream of skinny denim BUT NOW I HAVE chinos and joggers and a crazy skirt oh my, I’ll get it out again, weeeeee x
Weeeeeee!!! oh not that is such a shame about the camo jacket. give it to charity or ebay it and get yourself one that you love!! it’s not you, it the jacket! you should love everything you own, no point in not having a slightly lesser version of a thing
Loving this capsule wardrobe education! Have just ordered the Hush jacket and more of their lovely slubby grey tshirts. Ordering the clogs as soon as they’re back in stock, and the uniqlo jumpers! Debating the shirts, but 32g chest tells me shirts aren’t my friend (am size 12 otherwise and shirts that fit my chest are massive and make me look huge!) will also dig out my next denim jacket but fear it may have too much of a 90s vibe, and am in no way size 8, no kids or even vaguely stylish!
You are such an enabler, Esther, don’t stop!!
Kirsten I don’t want to bully you but if you’re at all feeling like a change maybe just try that Baujken shirt? It’s very fine and drapey material and won’t make you look huge (pure cotton or linen shirts will billow around you like a sail). My boobs aren’t as big as yours but they are quite big relatively and I find that shirts and tailoring generally are quite flattering to the giant norm. But, look, you know what suits you and what doesnt, like I said I don’t want to bully you, but that shirt from Baujken might just work xxx
Not bullying at all, just brilliant advice! Have ordered the Baukjen shirt, fingers crossed for it. Having the mother of all wardrobe culls here, am such a hoarder… your instastories comments on bag ladies really resonated. I don’t need half the crap I have. Pulled so much out that doesn’t fit, or doesn’t suit my shape anymore. It is going. Realised that I barely have any capsule wardrobe items, no wonder I feel a bit like I have nothing to wear despite wardrobe busting at the seams. I don’t even have a Breton FFS. Xxxx
Kirsten you are ME from a few years ago. I was a random impulse shopper, never had any basics because they were “boring” but then never had anything to wear. This is going to change your life I swear to god.
p.s. a 90s vibe denim jacket is PERFECT. all I meant was don’t buy one if you haven’t got one. if you’ve got one, get it out!
Great! Will see what it looks like now. 90s vibe, ha it probably is actually 90s vintage!!
bet it looks fucking amazing
Oh Kirsten, I feel your pain re: shirts. I’m 36 H, shirts either fit my back and I can’t fit my boobs in or there is room for my boobs but half a mile of material at my back!
Yes Sharon… Exactly that!!! The charity I work for used to have a work uniform, omg the shirt, vastly unflattering, and safety pinned at crucial points to avoid hideous gapeage! And that was after it had already been altered so it fit across the back whilst covering my chest! Was amazing when they scrapped the uniform and I could look like a professional in acceptable (figure flattering) office clothing. Have generallly avoided shirts since, have high hopes of the lovely Baukjen one which comes v highly recommended xxx
Kirsten PLEASE let me know how it works out. Be honest!! I really want to know.
Karen Millen is really good for leather jackets. I now have two from there after trying on soooo many in tons of shops.
Thank you so much for this really helpful recommendation xxxx
I appear to already have all the jackets! *smug face* but now breaking out in a sweat as going abroad tomorrow and in dire need of accessories!
Also what happened to the Money Diet? I appear to be having a Money Colonic right now ffs.
it’s only ME on the money diet!!!
I recently got a great denim jacket from Zara – 25 quid and I love it. It’s the sort of jacket where I feel sad if it’s too hot to wear it so I know I simply won’t look as cool.
I have been waiting for that H&M khaki jacket to come into stock for ages, and have looked for suitable alternatives to no avail. Chucked my old one last year due to broken zip and it generally looking a bit shit and feel lost without it.
Oh Cindy what a nightmare! Someone just recommended one from Next on these comments that looks good … scroll down. or is it up?
They also have a camo one on there, but if you flick through the images it has a giant embroidered dragon on the back. NOT CAPSULE.
*****NOT CAPSULE*******
I need to find a nice denim jacket. Haven’t had one for years, but as I live in jeans I decided the double denim option was not for me.
As I’m properly in with this capsule business I have a variety of trousers/shirts/tshirts/trainers coming from all over the place so hopefully that’ll save me from looking like a tragic country singer.
Thank god I have a nice leather jacket already. My credit card is twitching!
Helen! Yes the usefulness of a denim jacket can be rediscovered when you are wearing something else on your bottom half!
I’ve had really good use out of a navy pin stripe blazer too, which could be an alternative to black if, like me, age has rendered black too hard. Charcoal or baby pinstripes are smart but also cool with jeans. Uniqlo had them in the Ines collection.
Emma yes absolutely – I also have a useful navy blazer.
LOVE a good jacket. After years of having a leather jacket I didn’t truly love, my very generous other half gave me the Baukjen one for Christmas. It’s AMAZING I really recommend it. Such lovely leather and just right on the bells and whistles front. The black has gold hardware, which I love.
Anna thank you for this super recommendation x
Recently found a new brand, Tigha, that does (sort of) affordable and quite minimally bezippered leather jackets:
https://www.tigha.com/nl/Dames/Jassen/Leren-Jacks/Bikerjassen/Dannika::102189000001.html?l_back=24
Loving this series and am spreading the word to anyone who will listen. (PS A sub writes: Jackets is actually capsule 4, ‘Tops’ and ‘Trousers and Skirts’ currently both called Capsule 2…).
fuck!!!! thank you, christ what an amateur
Gosh, as someone who works in a formal-ish office, I can never own too many black jackets (or black low heel shoes), and currently have 5 black jackets to fit different seasons/dress/skirts, a capsule collection of their own 🙂 Esther, if you want to branch into capsule collection for the working women, let’s do a collaboration 😉
Bory I honestly wouldn’t know where to start! I’d REALLY be talking shit then xxx
I am an actual Kew housewife. Devastated to learn I’m the archetype for dated fashion. 😧 BUT, thanks to these posts I will be a Kew housewife with a killer capsule wardrobe.
LIZZIE!! god I’m sorry, someone was going to have to take the fall for that very mean joke – I darted between Kew Chiswick and Richmond and landed on Kew. Anyway look thanks for being a good sport. I only meant that Kew housewives are massively loaded and that waterfall jacket is about a million pounds x
Oh well in that case all is completely forgiven.
I just bought a khaki jacket from Oasis (via Asos) last week and it’s v. good. But it is a ‘shacket’, so maybe I’ll need a thicker one in the autumn…
http://www.asos.com/oasis/oasis-shacket/prd/8058457
Also, I’ve always thought I was too busty for a leather jacket and might look a bit ‘barmaid’ in one?
Claire if you even out your bottom half with your smart joggers, chinos or boyfriend jeans or a dress, you won’t look barmaid. Leather jacket + skinny jeans + big boobs? BARMAID.
Claire that’s exactly why I have avoided them! Waaaay too Carry On for me but I will put my faith in Esther and consider changing the proportions to avoid tart/ barmaid
Loving the recommendations, but why can’t we have any jackets or shirts that show we actually have a waistline?
I’m not sure I understand the question – can you give me an example of a jacket that shoes you have a waistline? I might be able to explain why you can’t have it
Sorry to butt in – but kindhuistin may be referring to the comment in the blog about no cinched in waists. I struggle with this a bit as I have a relatively small waist in contrast to bosom and bikers etc or jackets with no tailoring can make me look all bosom.
oh I see. okay in my view army or camo jackets look just really, really uncool if they are tailored or have a drawstring waist. I also dislike drawing attention to my waist because I feel like it makes me look like a blow up doll – OUT for boobs, IN for waist OUT again for hips.
BUT obviously! these are only suggestions, if you feel like any of this really doesn’t suit you, ignore me completely
I think also, you can counter this problem by wearing the jacket slightly shorter. I’ve got big boobs and know that shorter jackets work over things somehow minimise the bust. If I ever wear long things I then have to wear a tight bottom half or I look like a sofa
Ah yes I understand all that and agree. It’s a question of trying a few on until you get the balance right for you. My denim jacket is short but not fitted and works for me. I also think things like tucking a shirt in a bit at the front or tieing it up for e.g can give you a bit of shape without giving you A LOT of shape.
Yes NOBODY needs quite the amount of shape that I’ve got
I look like a cello IN THE WORST POSSIBLE WAY EVER
Yes! Tailoring makes me look slimmer
Love all these posts. Re leather jackets I have a really old one which cost about £30 from Primark around 9 years ago. And yes, it is real leather, albeit very cheap. I have toyed with the idea of getting a smarter one but I quite like the tattered vintage look and think that at 51 I’ll look a bit too twee in
a smarter one. In my head I’m a rock chick a la Chrissie Hynde. Any views?
Petra if you’ve got one you like, stick with it, no matter how cheap or tattered. I’ll bet it looks great
Thank you. Although I may have accidentally bought myself another one…….
What about the Uniqlo super light padded jacket? I remember you recommended this ages ago and I took the bait. Best decision ever. I recently went out with a friend, warm during the day so only wore linen white shirt and black trousers. Packed the jacket in my bag and pulled it out like a rabbit half way through the evening whilst sitting on a terrace. Mate was so impressed.
Ha ha! I’m saving that for the AW capsule collection…
I accidentally bought a denim jacket yesterday while in Oxford St M&S shopping for my mad skirt (it’s not that mad but is red and pleated and I love it). Anyway it’s an M&S Collection denim jacket for (I think) £24.50 and is exactly what is needed, if anyone is looking.
I feel a bit sad about my leather jacket as I stupidly bought a 16 so it would do up over the 32Hs but why would I want to do that? So it’s a bit big all over when I wear it open (always) and I can’t justify buying another one in a 14. Will just have to grit teeth and keep wearing it. Fuck it, my Hush jacket just arrived and it is so very lovely. Any Spikers wavering, do just buy it! You will not regret.
Sarah can’t you send the leather jacket back???? don’t wear it if you don’t like it!!!
I bought it flipping months ago and have worn it several times, annoyingly. I wasn’t thinking clearly – was just back at work after mat leave and a bit desperate for ‘normal’ clothes but with a warped idea of what size I was. HEY HO.
I have done that
Oh Sarah that’s sooo annoying! damn the big tits and crazy maternity mind! This is basically why I’ve never bought one. Big tits and can’t face the buyer’s remorse. Could you put on eBay then get a 14?
Daisy, that is extremely tempting. I tried it on again today though (for about a second because aargh, the heat!), and maybe it’s OK. I’ve only ever had compliments on it but I know that I fucked up a bit and that’s ruined the whole thing for me. Too dramatic? I’ve just had a hangover for the entire weekend after doing that classic mum thing of jamming three nights’ worth of fun into Fri night, so am not thinking clearly.
Hi sarah it won’t let me reply to your comment below so I’m replying to this one. Hope it isn’t all out of synch and weird. I don’t think you’re being dramatic at all. If you feel you’ve fucked up on a piece of clothing it’s a complete nightmare. But if you’re having lots of comments maybe it’s worth a rethink? Or is it just ruined now?
Sorry to hear about the brutal hangover, hope you’ve recovered now. Why do we do it to ourselves? The night is never that good and the next day will always be utter shit.
Thanks so much for doing this series Esther it’s bloody brilliant and very needed. I did a very early purchase of the hush black blazer this morning. 16 was sold out so hoping the 14 will fit my chubby self, also ordered a couple of tees and the boyfriend jeans although they’re a bit spenny because….I really want / need to lose weight! so can you / fellow spikers advise please? I’m very happy to spend money on good quality clothes, I like classics so they last, but I can’t face spending loads if they (please god) won’t fit soon!! on the other hand I feel like a bag of shite and really need some new garms – what shall I do?! hennes all the way? could you do a capsule diet series?! I’ve lost my way with attempts at weight loss and have a depressing number of clothes in the spare room that DON’T FIT! fml
Daisy! I’m a big believer that high street clothes are just as good if not better than really expensive ones – if you are buying the *right* things – easy wear basics that you can mix and match then it doesn’t matter if they’re from H&M or not. The important thing is not to go into H&M and buy a million pieces of fashion clothing that you don’t ever end up wearing.
Diets: if they are going to work, they have to hurt. And as I get older, I can’t just eat a bit less – it’s fucking WAR … I eat about 1/4 of what I would actually like to and go spinning and swimming every week. I’m not in a position to talk about diets, because it’s just so depressing. No-one wants to hear that you have to eat nothing and sweat yourself to death to just remain a vaguely average weight. I depress myself even thinking about how little I eat xxx
Esther! once again thank you for all your ridiculously helpful work on this series it’s amazing! Tbh I never buy fashion clothes, and because I never have (I’ve always been classic and quite boring) I’ve actually still got some fairly classic garms from way back – jigaw knits used to be the bloody dream, I’ll be digging them out in winter and pray they’ll fit by then. FML
And thanks for your diet deets, I won’t bore you about my latest ‘programme’ but thank you for reminding me about spinning I must get back to that I bloody love it
So my purchases arrived today. The linen joggers from H&M are great! Put them straight on – toddler had distributed her lunch on me so it was needed. None of my other extra bits worked. On the sizing front the 16 fits well – I’m about 5’5′ with a big arse, thighs and tits – I’m usually lucky if I can fit into an H&M 16 – does anyone else find their sizes absolutely teeny?
And then hush – the jacket didn’t work! I’m so gutted because it’s basically the perfect blazer, nice fabric, one button but it looks weird on me! I got a 14 and it looks a bit oversized – is it worth me getting a 12 or shall I just make my peace with hush and give up?! the boyfriend jeans also didn’t work and I found the tees too see-through. FFS! hush actually hates me! this is the third order I’ve made and the third order I’ll be sending back in it’s bloody entirety. Unless it’s worth me ordering a 12?! although I suspect it’s sold out now due to all the spike readers buying one and swanning around looking gorgeous in it while I just weep in the corner of my crap wardrobe xxx
Oh Daisy that’a terrible news? No I don’t think you should order a 12. Doesn’t sound like Hush is your shop. It happens. Do persevere with boyfriend jeans and chinos from other stores, though – when you find ones that fit it’s so great x
Daisy I got this blazer today
http://m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0484901004.html#Black
Down to £15.49 in the sale if you wanted to try another one to see if it works. Looks like they have lots of sizes left. It is quite long and slouchy and the sizing quite generous. Might be worth a go if you’re going to spank H&M anyway.
As to weight loss – for me exercise always has to come first. When I start doing something and get more energy I find I’m less likely to go full Pac-Man on the cupboards. Davina McCall does these 7-minute workouts (you can download them on iTunes) that I find good as a gateway exercise as they’re quite intense and you can fit one in quite easily here and there or do a few in a row and then when you just can’t take anymore of the JOLLITY you can get out to a class or something.
Ooh that looks like a good jacket thanks cindy, although I don’t like the button – I’m ridiculously fussy about trims but maybe that’s why I have no clothes and should relax that shiz a bit?!
I’ve actually been getting up at 6am to go to the gym before the tiddler wakes up, then bf gets up with her when she does and I have to peg it back home and have a shower in a very small window before he gets ready for work. If I don’t do this I won’t do anything. Even if it’s 7 minutes (why am I such a lazy twat?!) but the early rising is taking it’s toll and the weight loss is going very slowly so it’s a bit soul destroying. Bleurgh. Anyway I’m waffling so I’ll shut up now and thank you for your lovely reply x
You sound like a hero to be honest Daisy, don’t be so hard on yourself. I think it’s a good idea to buy a few things you feel good in *now*, as nothing more depressing than a wardrobe full of things you want to get into/fit you badly, just don’t go mad as I’m sure you’ll start seeing results. In my experience you can plateau for unfathomably long periods and then suddenly have a little burst where you can see it, and you are far more disciplined than I am. It takes me until 7.30 to get both eyelids fully open. Good luck anyway xx
Thank you cindy that’s really kind. I’m not a hero I promise. It’s just if I don’t get up early I literally won’t do anything I’m so lazy. And I hate getting up! I also got ticked off for being 5 minutes over my shower window today. Ffs. I just can’t take the chubness any longer so have to do SOMETHING. I hope you’re right about the plateau thing,I’ve pretty much hovered around the same weight for about a year and it’s driving me mad. I’m hoping not glugging gin every night will help too!
But you’re right, buying a few bits will help I just don’t want to go to spenny. I definitely recommend the linen joggers (I think they’re called?) from H&M that esther posted the other day. Very handy!
Anyway I better go to bed I’ve got to get up in a minute 🙄Xxx
Just gone a little crazy: ordered the black jacket from hush, the denim one from H&M (went for the dark one – what can I say, I’m 42 – maybe you’re onto something there…), the army one from Next (great suggestion Elaine!), the “mad” gold pleated skirt from asos and those fabulous boyfriend jeans, £16, also from asos. Just need those goddam clogs to come back into stock now……(breathe). Thanks Esther – loving this series SO much (can you tell?)! Xx
Louise you are going to look… FANTASTIC
I SO agree with all of the jacket recommendations, Esther. I bought a wonderful black blazer from Uniqlo yesterday: http://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/CPaGoods/itemcode=400707. Sorry this is the link to the Canadian website, but I’m sure it will be available in UK as well. It is, as the description says, flowy and perfect with jeans OR to the office. I am in love. Looks very similar to the Hush one, for anyone outside of the UK or if the Hush one is sold out in your size. Also, my black leather jacket is actually faux leather, from Zara, but I love it. Now tempted to go and spend $$ on a real one!
Oh brilliant, I ordered that Uniqlo blazer this morning and wondered if it was a bit of a gamble. Glad to hear you like it so much. It’s in the U.K. sale at the moment for a bargainous £20
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-easy-care-drape-long-jacket-190722.html?dwvar_190722_size=SMA001&dwvar_190722_color=COL02&cgid=IDblazers1161
AmyNat, that is such a great deal! Steal! I hope you love it too.
Nikki! No if you love your faux leather one, stick with it!!!! No animals were harmed after all, let’s keep it that way. Yes I have tried that Uniqlo one on and it is really good.
Better for my wallet, too! Thanks Esther, good advice x
Booyakasha!
I’m getting a bit into this- who knew I could get interested in clothes. Am wearing some culottes today (husband hated them!) with a white t-shirt. Maybe a jacket is just what I need… Anything I buy will be clicked through your links, I promise 🙂
Thanks Elena that’s so kind. Ha ha! Husbands ALWAYS hate them!!! Means they’re brilliant.
I have my mum’s old denim jacket from when she was a teenager in the 80s. It’s lovely and worn, fits my arms and shoulders really well but early 1980s mum was an 8 and 2017 me is a 12. Does it matter if you can’t really do the jacket up or is it all about rolling the sleeves up and looking good?
what kind of mentalist does their denim jacket up? or any jacket? have it open, roll the sleeves up and just cruise about looking awesome
I had this same dilemma a few months ago, I tried a denim jacket on and either it fitted my shoulders nicely and came nowhere close to being able to be buttoned up, or I could button it up but it was horribly baggy everywhere else- huge boobs at the best of times let alone while still breastfeeding. I did think, no one in their right mind actually buttons up a denim jacket, but still wasn’t sure if it not being able to was an equally mental look??? Might go back and buy it now. Elaine x
I can’t do up about 90% of my jackets because of broad shoulders and giant tittays. I refuse to be bothered.
My Hush jacket and Lotta clogs arrived today and I am SO PLEASED with them. The jacket is a lovely shape and somehow manages to make me look a size smaller than I actually am. The clogs are an absolute DREAM to wear – currently wearing them around the house, but the leather is so soft I think they’ll need minimal breaking in. For reference, I’m a size 16, apple shape with long legs, and the Hush jacket in 14 fits perfectly. I got the Lowwood Lotta clogs in oiled nubuck and they’re a good height – the heel is about 2 inches.
Leona THANK you for your diligent notes on your size and shape and details of purchases! We’re all such a TEAM
Bought Monoprix denim shirt in Paris, ordered white and grey T shirts (whyyy don’t I own those already?) plus the khaki H&M shirt… Spike Clones take over Holland!
CLONES!! Love it. I know! Simple white and grey t-shirts. We’re all so overloaded with information that we forget the WHITE T SHIRT
This post is unfortunately quite timely for me because last night I went to a nightclub for the first time in 5 years and had my beloved leather jacket stolen (going out out such a forgotten nightmare).
My jacket was maroon – which sounds odd, but I liked it because it was a bit different and still suited pretty much everything (looked good with blue or black jeans etc). BUT I do think you have a point about black going with everything (better than pretty much).
I am interested in the Allsaints recommendation – and can see that you can buy one from John Lewis that ships to Australia. But it would be good to get a sense of the weight a bit – spring and autumn are pretty mild here and I am worried that it might be a bit heavy duty considering it’s origins (returning will be expensive so keen to avoid). (Also – will now be forever paranoid about shedding jacket indoors and randomly dumping it somewhere, so not overheating would be good (although could also use check it in or not go out out again – both achievable options).
The AllSaints jacket that I have held in my hand was really quite thick and buttery. I wouldn’t risk it if I were you – go for something that you can try on instore or that’s easily returnable – sorry that’s probably not much help 🙁
My Hush jacket arrived today (I’m size 12 but busty and the 12 fit nicely), and I also got the Hush grey T-shirt and White Stuff denim skirt – all of which are EXCELLENT. I’m keeping 3 out of 3, which is unheard of for me. Thanks for the tips Esther!
Claire! Wear all 3 together with your tan leather sandals and some smart earrings and you are READY FOR ANYTHING
Ha ha, this actually makes me feel rather positive about life’s possibilities!
Esther – I ordered the Next khaki jacket as it had a petite version and I can confirm it’s awesome. In fact I received it today and have changed my outfit so I can wear it. Oh yes.
This is such a great series – thanks for the guidance!
Thank you Alyson – that’s great news!
Crap – I’ve accidentally put my email in the name section – please don’t publish my email. Flip all this end of term stuff is messing my head up!
Hi Nicola, don’t worry I read and deleted your other comment. What I would say is if you have ordered and received both these jackets then try them on with other things in your wardrobe. Don’t worry about buttons or shapes or anything, go with your gut. Which one do you just like more? In the end, that’s what counts – my idea of a capsule wardrobe is only that you should open your cupboards and always find something that you WANT to wear (as opposed to “ought” to wear). If it doubt KEEP BOTH!!! That’s the beauty of H&M x