Recently, we read this article about wearing one of this season’s hot item – a leather biker jacket – without looking literally like, well, a biker. We love the ideas, but what happens if you want to get into the leather jacket trend, but just can’t make the biker-style jacket “you”? Even if you still feel too tough wearing a leather jacket (even if it’s with a pink dress underneath), there are tons of options for purchasing leather this season. It’s absolutely everywhere this fall! Below are some leather jacket ideas that you can embrace this season that will really make a statement – without that statement being “Where’s my Harley?”
Try…
| Blazer:
This suede jacket from Forzieri is a great alternative to a regular blazer. Wear it as you would to the office, and modernize your suits and skirts! |
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| Ruffles:
If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from Saks. |
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| Trench:
Look instantly glamorous and sophisticated in a trench coat. like this fantastic, movie-star inspired trench from Forzieri. |
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| Touch of leather:
You can even work leather touches into your everyday wardrobe. This leather jacket from Saks is trimmed in soft tan leather, giving it an edgy look.(of course the skirt should be a longer…but you get the idea!) |
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| Color:
Black, tan and brown are very versatile, but color is always so much more fun! Even with motorcycle-ish styling, this leather coat from Forzieri is a great statement piece, and softer than a harsh black jacket. |
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| Add fur:
A touch of fur around the collar or sleeves is another way to add personality to a leather jacket. Also, it’s sure to keep you warmer in the upcoming winter! Check out this one from Forzieri. |
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And for those vegan dressers, there is sure to be a lot of “pleather” or imitation leather and fur jackets. Not only will they be less expensive, but also animal friendly!
Your arms may be a little flabbier than they used to be, and you’re likely struggling with some middle age spread, but no one will ever notice if you slip on a great jacket. Ah, structure!! A short fitted jacket can work wonders to transform any 40 + body into a lean mean style machine. And, how fabulous a jacket makes you feel… Chic, together and ready for action!
If you have a jacket on this season’s shopping list, but you’re not sure what kind to buy, here are 5 Fall Jackets to Make you Look Fabulous after 40.
Romantic Ruffles
Though Ruffles are one of the hottest trends this season, they can be hard to pull off if you are over 40. Why? They can look too “little girly” and all of those busy ruffles can just add bulk if you are busty or have a few extra midlife pounds at the waist.
That being said, we adore this red Armani wool jacket. It’s simple, elegant and nips in beautifully at the waist, which is what we always preach (No boxy jacket please! It won’t hide extra pounds. It will only make you look bigger, like a football player)
The key to making this feminine ruffled jacket work is to balance it out with something tailored and masculine (like these simple black pants) to give it a modern edge. The simple “I mean business black heels” are grown-up and sexy. The color red is bold and powerful. If you think you might be able to wear a jacket like this in pink, pastel blue or even with a ruffled skirt, think again. The combination of pastels and ruffles will make you look like an outdated mother of the bride.
Long Live Leather
If you like leather, but you are worried about looking like an old biker, then this is a great jacket for you. It’s a Tory Burch quilted leather jacket with super soft leather diamond quilting and military pomp detail.
Again, it’s fitted (see how it nips in at the waist) so it will give you a great shape. Also, it is a warm brown shade which is softer than black.
Jet Black leather can be too harsh for many women over 40, as in midlife our skin and hair color pales a bit and the harsh black combined with masculine leather creates quite a jarring contrast. (If you feel black leather still works for you, then try something elegant like a swing jacket in black leather.)
Last word about the brown leather jacket above…It is best suited for someone with a small to medium bust, as there is a lot of detail going on with those upper patch pockets. A big bust plus all of that detail will look too bulky.
Dusters
Very chic and very fun, dusters are hot for fall. Dusters create a nice long line that draws the eye down and makes you look slimmer and taller. (Petites: Be careful with your dusters. Don’t go past the knee.)
This hot shot of Fuchsia is all you need to keep you feeling happy during the long winter and make heads turn.
Metallic + Plaid
Giant plaids, checks and tweeds mixed with metallics are the newest arrivals on the fashion scene creating a glamorous high fashion look.
This Burberrry trench coat inspired jacket is a classic cut, always flattering to women over 40, and it has 3/4 sleeves which makes it youthful. If you want to look Age-mazing™ you have to be willing to try new things. Get rid of that stodgy two button navy blazer and try something like this.
One other tip-with any patterned jacket, make sure the patterns line up at the seams of the shoulders and lapels.
Color + Comfort
Structure is good because it makes a soft body look more angular, but we all want comfort too. That’s why this burnt orange 3/4 length sleeve-merino wool cardigan by Tory Burch is such a find. It’s simple, rich and that pop of color is just what you need to make the statement “I’m over 40 and I’m fabulous!”
Double breasted (very in at the moment) and shiny buttons give it that military feel, but the 3/4 length sleeves, which seem to be everywhere this year, make it a little more casual.
Texture Galore
One thing you’ll notice this fall is texture. There are textured fabrics and interesting textured details on jackets – at necklines, on sleeves and pockets. This Dior Swan Neck Peplum jacket has a 40’s inspired silhouette with waves of gathered fabric at the pockets that give it a cutting edge look.
With this jacket the attention will be on your curvy hips so if you don’t want the focus there, this is not for you.
This Robert Rodriguez textured jacket is tweed and has fabric rosette detailing at the collar. These nostalgic rosettes, plus the long gloves (which you will see everywhere with cropped jackets this fall) gives this outfit a high fashion feel straight out of the 50′s. Here the jacket is paired with a matching skirt, but you can also wear this it with a solid colored skirt or pants. If you want a much more casual look then take off the gloves, pair it with jeans and change your top. A long loose sleeveless satin top or an empire waist blouse that grazes your hip bones, would look great underneath.
Sounds like Project Runway’s Tim Gunn assumes that all women over 40 are overweight and out of shape!
His now famous list on Oprah of The Six Things Women over 40 Should Never Wear, might as well have been called, The Six Things Fat Middle Aged Women Should Never Wear!
We totally agree that horizontal stripes, jackets that hit at mid-thigh, pleated pants, double breasted blazers, Capri length pants, and low rise jeans do not flatter heavy or matronly bodies.
But if you’re still looking fit and trim after 40, which many of us are these days, some of these styles will still work.
It’s really more about the shape you are in rather than your age your age. Let your body be your guide.
For example, a pair of cute Capri length pants on a boomer body is a great alternative to shorts. A double breasted jacket can still look classy and fashionable on a slim, mature woman.
A classic horizontal striped top (we’re thinking of the cute navy nautical ones this spring) looks smart and sporty if you’re toned up top and not overly busty.
As for pleated pants, well they look terrible on any woman with a tummy regardless of age, and since flat front pants are what’s in style anyway, why even bother.
Ditto for jackets that fall at mid-thigh.
Low rise jeans, it’s true, are most always best left to young tight bodies, but we think that slightly lower jeans, rather than those frumpy high waisted ones make you look more hip and they flatter most figures.
So go ahead break a few rules. Let your shape, not simply your age, help determine what you should and shouldn’t wear if you want to be stylish at any age.
