The Military Jacket, is it for over 40 women?
Hi Ladies-
I am so glad I found your wonderful website. I have a question that relates to what is “age-appropriate”. I am 43 and very petite. I am in love with a trend jacket that is big for the Fall, although I usually stay away from trends. The jacket I am talking about is the Alice + Olivia shrunken military jacket, a picture of which is attached.
My only concern is the age-appropriate perception of this jacket due to the adornment? My idea would be to wear it with some nice fitting jeans, a simple white top underneath and simple sleek black or metallic heels. No excessive accessories. I have tried the jacket on and it fits beautifully.
Your thoughts on the age-appropriateness of this ensemble is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Gail
Hi Gail,
We have been seeing this look around and we agree it is so FUN!… but here it the thing… this is definitely a trend and what we call a “statement piece”. That means that you really will not wear it all the time and if you do, people will definitely remember that specific jacket.
Also, we know that this piece is rather expensive and is in the price range that we would call an “investment piece”. We suggest that you keep looking and find one that is similar with the military look, but perhaps not so dramatic as this one.
Moreover, if you buy it, because it is so trendy you might get tired of it soon and wish you had put your money in a high quality coat that is still fun, but one that you feel good in and can enjoy for a long time. An example of this would be this one we’re showing by Tory Burch.
To answer your question if it is age appropriate, we say that yes, someone over 40 can pull this off, but it is almost “costume-like”… so you would really have to be in a funky, fun job or live in a very cosmopolitan city or environment to wear it enough to get your moneys worth.
BTW… we think it would great left open with a red plaid flannel shirt under it with blue jeans.
Let us know if this is helpful, comment below!
Cheers!
The Glam Gals
Glam Gals, thank you for the thoughtful and great advice. I also think you are spot-on! I especially agree with your comments on the price and statement piece quality of the jacket, which definitely I had considered and probably lent to my uncertainty. I will definitely keep looking and I am sure I will find a jacket that will have a more timeless quality to it. BTW – loved your idea of the red plaid shirt under this jacket – how fun!
I agree too – spot ON. I have a military style jacket (dark brown with darker brown buttons – much more “casual” military) and I have worn it a few times, but it doesn’t feel as “right” as some other jackets I wear. I’m going to make an effort to pair it in interesting ways and wear it more often this fall.
Hi Gail and Kelly,
We are so glad to hear that both of you are out there trying trends and not just sticking to what is “safe”. That is the tough part of being over 40, is where to draw the line in trends vs FUN vs classy vs looking age appropriate.
One thing we like Kelly, is that your military jacket is in dark brown. That will give it a softer look than black or navy, and will make it more wearable.
Good luck with your search, hope you all will share photos of your finds and creative ways to wear this falls latest trend!
Well, for me personally I would stay away from this jacket only because I could not see myself getting a lot of wear out of this piece. I don’t function on what other perceive as “age appropriate” I just wear what I like. This is also probably on the more expensive side since its designer. I don’t mind doing trendy pieces here and there but I wouldn’t suggest anybody spending big bucks on something that is not a classic or basic piece you would wear like a hundred different ways. Again, nothing wrong with a super trendy item just don’t spend a lot of money for it.
Hi Budget Chic,
Well, sounds like you have the exact advice that we gave!
Good to hear that we are all on the same page!
Cheers!
Love your newsletter – it’s so refreshing and positive! Makes one feel that aging is okay!
Just a comment on the models, although they are beautiful, please can you model 40+ women so that we can see how these clothes ideas would look on older women. Most of these girls are probably in their 20s and everthing looks fab on them!
Hi Meena,
We are as frusterated as you are when it comes to trying to find photos of women over 40 wearing the clothes!!! The only magazine that we know is More Magazine, but even then, they are mostly tall and thin. We hope that one day soon, stores will realize that we want to see real women in clothes and show us how we might really look in them.
Thanks for your comment!