I love spring because of the layering possibilities. It’s still pleasant + cool enough that a jacket is a good idea. Once we hit May in Texas, it’s all about keeping cool in the heat — which sadly means no layers. But … right now. Oh, right now is sweet.
Do you have a go-to jacket? You know, the jacket that you can throw on over just about anything and feel great?
Mine used to be an army green utility jacket. But I’ve decided that my jean jacket is my new go-to jacket.
Are you a jean jacket fan?
I wasn’t totally sold on them. Until I found this particular one. It’s my unicorn jean jacket — the one that makes me feel comfortable + cool. We all have different tastes + styles, so my unicorn might be your dud — but if you’re starting your jean jacket quest, it could be a great starting point .
So tell me — what’s your go-to jacket?
Jean Jacket: Madewell
Dress: old from Forever21 (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Shoes: old from Madewell (similar color OR similar style)
My unicorn is a jean jacket that I don’t even remember buying. Maybe it just appeared, sort of like a real unicorn?
Thanks for your amazing blog!
Love your Jean jacket…but why unicorn? I’ve totally missed something haven’t I??!! Oh, my go to jacket the coming season will be my black biker jacket…not yet though cause our Melvourne weather (Australia) is doing crazy things so it’s still a bit warm.
“Unicorn” because it is like a fantasy… comfortable and cool being the qualities of a fantasy jean jacket
I tried buying a jean jacket and never wore it. Then, I found an amazing one that was already broken in and now it’s my go-to! I also love my sleeveless navy puffer vest. Both are great for layering!
Up until this morning my go to was my army inspired jacket, until I realized how stained it was from last year- so this post is perfectly timed. Right now, I’m living in my aviator jacket but soon, like you, I’ll be turning to my jean jacket.
Last year, I bought a jean jacket from American Eagle that I love. it’s such a perfect weight for spring and summer (and some of fall) in Pittsburgh! I wear my grey utility jacket the most though. I’m trying to find the perfect leather/pleather jacket because they always look so chic on everyone..I just can’t find the right one!
Ah, jean jackets. I’ve stopped wearing them some time around age ten and then a few years ago did I have something that could be only described as a bright moment: Wait a minute, jean jackets are COOL. Way cool.
Though right now my unicorn jacket is definitely my faux leather jacket, denim jackets are pulling a close second. I’m waiting for mine to arrive in the post – it’s a medium blue colour and cropped style (and I hope it fits). I already see it as a great layering piece, like you said, in many an outfit to come. Seriously, I planned like 5 outfits with it before telling myself that I should probably be a bit more creative than that. Glad you found your unicorn!
Kat
Can I have two unicorns? First is this military-esqe green bomber jacket. It’s Tommy Hilfiger of all brands. Second is my moto jean jacket from Express. Weird thing is that I picked them both up at Gabe’s (our regional discount store) within months of each other at least a decade ago. Gotta love staying power.
I tried on that Madewell Jean jacket, and was a little dismayed by the size of the ripped hole in the sleeve. I could tell I’d be catching that on everything and ripping the arm to shreds. I will stick with my American Eagle Jean jacket.
Unicorn? or unform? Awesome, either way. Love the blog :)
I found my unicorn jean jacket at Thrift Town. It called to me from accross the store. It was THE perfect shade of denim jacket. When I looked at the label it read, “Children’s Place.”
Turns out it was a kid’s jacket. But, it fit so well and the crop hits perfectly. I’m pretty sure it was supposed to be a normal size jacket for a little girl.
That’s my unicorn jean jacket story :)
Thanks for the daily outfit inspo!
Delaney
http://www.masteringmrs.com
Leather jacket is my one and only friend! With UK weather one can never be too sure about what the weather may bring.
I love my jean jacket- it’s been a spring and autumn staple in my wardrobe since college! Unfortunately I live in Boston where it won’t be spring weather until May. I’m still wearing my parka. Sigh.
Mine is a green utility jacket :) I almost paid $70 for it at J.CREW but waited a day to think about it and then got it for only $30. It cinches in all the right places.
But you gotta love just about anything Madewell.
Love this look! I love my jean jacket – its Levi, from the Levi store. Perfect fit for petite girls, and its always a classic!
I was wanting a leather jacket to fill this particular spot in my wardrobe. So last year I was out shopping with my step mom in a rare trip to CA and was admiring one WAY out of my price range. She told me not to buy it (which wasn’t happening anyway) because she had one she would GIVE me! The one she gave me is seriously the best I’ve ever seen (fantastically better than the pricey one I’d been eyeing). It’s the perfect taupe in a sweet bomber shape, with knit cuffs and collar. Plus she got it in Poland (my grandparents are the children of Polish immigrants so good family associations). Now I have my unicorn jacket thanks to my awesome step mom.
My denim jacket is probably my most well-loved piece in my capsule. In fact, I was starting to feel like I was wearing to TOO much, so for spring I searched for another jacket to throw in the mix that is similar functionally (casual, versatile, not too heavy). I ended up with a gray knit moto jacket, similar to this one: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21673641930777097/.
I like to think I can throw most of my jackets and coats over any outfit and look good ;). I used to have a denim jacket as my go-to, but now I like to change things up according to weather (and obviously) style conditions. I’d say my olive green parka, my black moto jacket and the denim one are all equally easy to layer and thus all get much wear.
I like jean jackets but I can just never figure out how to wear them without looking like a cow girl. My personal unicorn jacket is an army jacket. It’s a good in-between weather coat.
Mine is a perfect blazer, and sadly, the arm ripped yesterday! Time to use those emergency funds you talked about in a previous post to replace it. It’s definitely a capsule staple! For those moments when a blazer isn’t quite right, I’m thinking leather jacket. I’m on the hunt now for my unicorn leather moto jacket. Thanks for your amazing blog!
I live in SW Florida, so I don’t really wear jackets and typically choose either a blazer or cardigan. I am a cardigan queen. However, I have been wanting to get a nice lightweight jacket that I can use casually or dressed up for cool evenings. I have tried a few faux leather ones, but they don’t really seem like me so I am afraid I will never wear them. Maybe I haven’t tried the right one yet? Anyway, I’m not sure how I want to proceed, but I hope to find the right one soon!
Can you suggest a good work computer bag and an alternative to birkenstocks? Not sure I can pull that off.
Ever thought about doing a professional work capsule?
It’s funny, because I originally bought my jean jacket as a sort of statement piece–it has camo arms. But I’ve been really surprised how comfortable I am wearing it with everything. It’s almost like the camo functions as a neutral, like leopard print would.
I had a black vegan leather jacket that I wore every day for 3 years, except formal events. I wore it over dresses, over hoodies, with heels or sneakers. And it still was in great condition. But one day I decided it wasn’t fashionable enough – so I suddenly stopped wearing it and eventually donated it. I got a moto jacket to replace it and I was disappointed to see that I only reached for the new one 2 times in a year. I couldn’t get it, I thought the leather jacket was a staple of mine. I sold it after reading Marie Kondo’s book and realizing the new jacket didn’t spark any joy. That, and the fact that I grew out of my rebel teenager self when I became a university student. My current unicorn jacket is a black A-line trench coat. I wear it everywhere.
Uhhhmmmm… not worn a jean jacket in ages (and I am a jeans+t-shirt+trainers/bikenstocks type of girl). Maybe… not sure. Great you found yours, though! I have to say that I agree with a recent comment: how can you wear sandals AND a jacket? Here (Europe) those would never be a combination: sandals= hot weather… hot enough to make a jacket too heavy for a summer evening… are you truly going out of the house like this?
This is common in Texas. The weather can fluctuate enough during the day for this combination to make sense :)
I live in Europe too and sandals and jackets are definitely a combination. I mean, Europe is pretty huge so I guess it depends on where you are, but generally, if it’s cold in the morning, say, you want a jacket to cover your arms and neck but most people’s feet don’t mind a bit of chilly air. Or it’s a warm day and you feel great in the sun but then in the shade you want a jacket to feel comfortable. Or it’s a warm day, say 20 degrees, and your feet are more than happy in sandals but you don’t want your shoulders and arms to get sunburnt. Denim jacket would be perfect as it’s lightweight enough without being sweaty.
Anyways, these are basically the situations I’d happily wear sandals + a jacket :)
I’m still looking for that perfect jean jacket. My go-to is the army jacket still :)
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
This look is perfect for Texas spring (AKA the rest of the country’s summer) and that jacket is on point! I prefer my moto jacket (I just got this one but its so squeaky! I’m going to have to keep searching! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-faux-leather-biker-jacket/3911952). Hopefully I can find my own unicorn moto jacket!
Kate
myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
Just came across your blog a few days ago and love love love it! I have a rad vintage CK jean jacket that i found at Goodwill that I hope to incorporate on my weekends, but it could never replace the olive green short jean peacoat (yes you read that right) that I got in hight school and still wear at 29. I button it all the way up and it adds a tailored look to the jean jacket concept. Love it! Thanks for the amazing blog!!
My green military/utility jacket is my go-to right now! I just got a jean vest which I’m trying to get into for summer/spring. I actually work my military jacket to a get-together and a lady leaned over and said how “interesting” “that jacket” was Sam asked where someone would even find a jacket like that (old navy) and exclaimed how that color just does not work on anyone. ;) Just so you know your utility jacket color does NOT look good on anyone. I knew you’d want to know, just like I did. Lol
Hey! Absolutely love your site, you’ve inspired me to do a capsule wardrobe and whittle down to just the essentials. Our style is extremely similar so I’m always so excited to see what you post.
My only issue is finding this dress or something similar. The links you’ve shared in the 2015 spring capsule wardrobe post and here take you to Gap where the dress is no longer available.
Any suggestions for another place to go to find something similar?
Thanks!
I have an old jean jacket from Sisley that I’ve worn for 15 years at least. Love it!
Hi – maybe you’ve already gone through this in another post (in which case, please point me to it!) but I’m curious about what your process is for finding your “unicorn” pieces? How do you go from idea for a new piece to buying it (“it” being the perfect piece)? I’m new to this capsule thing and everytime I get a good idea of what pieces I might want to add I get overwhelmed at all the options and how to narrow them down. Obviously some things like budget and availbility will dicate certain decisions but what about when there are lots of pieces that fit in that crieteria – buy them all and then try em on and return the ones that don’t work?? Any insight on this more process geared question would be super helpful. Thank you!
I ordered the jean jacket from Madewell, and loved it. But I am too old to wear a distressed jacket to work (teacher) Had to send it back. Found a terrific dark wash jean jacket at Old Navy. I’ve worn it almost everyday. I just learn so much from this blog and thank you.
This season my go-to jackets will be a flax rayon/silk blazer, a light chambray cotton cardigan and a black anorak jacket. Caroline, for some reason, this 6.6 post didn’t make it into the March 2015 archives. Just thought I should let you know.
Ignore my previous post: I forgot it was April. :)
My go-to is an army green jacket I bought 9 years ago when I worked at American Eagle! I layer it with a brown puffy vest quite often since I’m in MN, but I bought a jean jacket last summer [AE] I’m hoping to incorporate more into my wardrobe this year…I bought it in the spring, wasn’t convinced on it, returned it, & bought it again a few months later.
The proportions are a little off. I think a cropped jacket would suit this look more
I love my denim jacket and my grey boyfriend blazer from topshop. They are highly rotated and go with just about anything in my wardrobe ;)
I also couldn’t wait for spring to wear my denim jacket! I love it :)
I bought a army green utility jacket recently online from Nordstrom. Paid a little more than I would have in the past but it turned out to be a great purchase. Comfortable but flattering because the waist can be cinched in. I also have a jean jacket I’ll hopefully get use out of. I don’t wear it to work as it is a bit casual and I work in a professional office setting. I feel limited in wearing my jean jacket as I wear jeans often outside of work and don’t like the jean on jean look on me. Feels too much like a jean suit. But love it with non jean bottoms, skirts, and dresses!
I would love to have a unicorn jacket! I have a leather jacket that I just adore but I try to save it for evenings.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
My go-to jacket is definitely a jean jacket! Mine is ancient, I must have got it like 10 years ago in a supermarket chain but it just goes with everything. I can definitely see myself wearing it another 10 years! x