Pairing orphaned suit jackets

• Jun 29, 2013

• #1

DamianM

Vendor

Messages

2,055

Location

Los Angeles

A question my girlfriend has is how to pair Orphaned Suit jackets with skirts.
I know it has to do a lot with the color. Blue she has a couple since they are so abundant. But how do you pair the different styling of each jacket without looking mismatched.
I understand how men can do this but can women?

 

• Jun 29, 2013

• #2

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted

Messages

13,719

Location

USA

I think that matching texture is almost as important as matching color.

 

• Jul 1, 2013

• #3

Miss Sis

One Too Many

Messages

1,888

Location

Hampshire, England Via the Antipodes.

I think matching texture/weight but contrasting colour could be easier, since matching will always be difficult.

A plaid or speckled fabric (like donegal tweed) might be an option to tie things together.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #4

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted

Messages

13,719

Location

USA

Miss Sis said:

matching will always be difficult.

Click to expand...

Try impossible.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #5

DamianM

Vendor

Messages

2,055

Location

Los Angeles

A.C. Lyles said:

Try impossible.

Click to expand...

true. shes not trying to match the colors but find ways to make the suit jacket work.
I understand that its easier if the materials are the same but in complimentary colors.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #6

Flicka

One Too Many

Messages

1,165

Location

Sweden

A.C. Lyles said:

Try impossible.

Click to expand...

Not if you stick to black.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #7

LaMedicine

One Too Many

Messages

1,116

Location

Cedar-Lined City, Far end of the Pacific

Is she trying to make the jacket and the bottom look like they're the original pair?
If so, that's just about impossible unless the fabric and design match.

However, if you match a solid color jacket with a plaid or print skirt or pants, or vice versa, it can be done, though it will be a more casual effect. In rthis case, pick a pattern where one of the colors is the solid color.
It is easier if the fabric and texture are the same or close, but it is possible to make it work, if the jacket is of heavier material than the bottom.
For instance, woolen jackets with silk skirts or pants. The other way around would be more difficult.

Good luck.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #8

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted

Messages

13,719

Location

USA

Flicka said:

Not if you stick to black.

Click to expand...

One would think so but matching black seems to be just as problematic as any other color; just ask the gents posting in the Formal Wear Primer thread. The consensus is that matching orphaned formal jackets/trousers can often "pass" in low light situations but can't stand up to the scrutiny of normal lighiting, much less day light.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #9

Flicka

One Too Many

Messages

1,165

Location

Sweden

A.C. Lyles said:

One would think so but matching black seems to be just as problematic as any other color; just ask the gents posting in the Formal Wear Primer thread. The consensus is that matching orphaned formal jackets/trousers can often "pass" in low light situations but can't stand up to the scrutiny of normal lighiting, much less day light.

Click to expand...

I think it's harder to match a male suit than to get an absolutely acceptable look for a lady. For a lady, it doesn't matter so match if it matches *exactly* as long as you look smart. No one can assume a man's formal jacket isn't supposed to entirely match his trousers, but for a woman, different fabrics, for example, may be entirely intentional – you may well want a skirt or dress to drape differently than you do a jacket. Female clothing doesn't come with as many hard rules as male does. You have to go much more by feel. It's just; does it look good or doesn't it?

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #10

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted

Messages

13,719

Location

USA

Flicka said:

. Female clothing doesn't come with as many hard rules as male does. You have to go much more by feel. It's just; does it look good or doesn't it?

Click to expand...

I agree and with the greater latitude comes a much greater opportunity for disaster. Navigating that and dealing with the vicissitudes of "fashion" is fraught with folly. IMO, this accounts for the dearth of truly well dressed , stylish women today.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #11

Flicka

One Too Many

Messages

1,165

Location

Sweden

A.C. Lyles said:

I agree and with the greater latitude comes a much greater opportunity for disaster. Navigating that and dealing with the vicissitudes of "fashion" is fraught with folly. IMO, this accounts for the dearth of truly well dressed , stylish women today.

Click to expand...

Absolutely. With great freedom comes great responsibility – and occasionally, great disaster.

 

• Jul 2, 2013

• #12

Lady Day

I'll Lock Up

Bartender

Messages

9,087

Location

Crummy town, USA

There is no real way to 'match' a suit jacket to an existing fabric, but how she pairs the clothing makes the difference.

Wearing a dress under a suit jacket was a common fashion in the mid 40s. Also, watching the weight of the jacket compared to the weight of the separates is good to look out for.

An example:
I have a tweed jacket I made that I like to pair with a flowered dress (of many styles). I prefer the continuity of a dress with a suit jacket than separates.

If separates are what she is going for, then I tent to follow the texture 'rule':
If the jacket is textured, the separates should not be (prints the exception). I try and keep my skirts a smooth finish if paired with a real chinky weave of a jacket. If both are pretty plain, then I often have the skirt darker than the jacket with the blouse lighter.

Finish it off with a brooch and she's good to go!

Hope this helps!

 

• Jul 3, 2013

• #13

DamianM

Vendor

Messages

2,055

Location

Los Angeles

ITs not that shes going for separates but we find alot of orphaned suit jackets and she would like to get some use out of them.

great points.

you do mention a simple rule that seams to be applied to men as well ( at least in apparel arts illustrations)
Dark hat- Light jacket- dark trousers/skirt
Light hat-dark jacket - light trousers/skirt

 

• Jul 4, 2013

• #14

LaMedicine

One Too Many

Messages

1,116

Location

Cedar-Lined City, Far end of the Pacific

DamianM said:

ITs not that shes going for separates but we find alot of orphaned suit jackets and she would like to get some use out of them.

Click to expand...

If that's the case, then it'd be easier to think in the same terms as matching a jacket to other clothing items, rather than think in terms of "suit" jackets. You can get lots of use from them.

 

• Jul 4, 2013

• #15

S

scarlett

One of the Regulars

Messages

296

Location

Los Angeles

I find quite a few jackets too and they are really too cute and well preserved to pass up. I usually pair them up with a cute blouse, jeans and cowboy boots. I like the way the jacket dresses up the jeans, and I don't feel sloppy on more casual days. I'm never really comfortable trying to wear them with skirts, they don't match well even if I follow the texture, weights, color guidelines.