Pairing orphaned suit jackets

[DamianM]

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?

 

[Tomasso]

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

 

[Miss Sis]

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.

 

[Tomasso]

matching will always be difficult.

Try impossible.

 

[DamianM]

Try impossible.

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.

 

[Flicka]

Try impossible.

Not if you stick to black.

 

[LaMedicine]

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.

 

[Tomasso]

Not if you stick to black.

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.

 

[Flicka]

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.

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?

 

[Tomasso]

. 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?

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.

 

[Flicka]

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.

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

 

[Lady Day]

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!

 

[DamianM]

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

 

[LaMedicine]

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.

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.

 

[scarlett]

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.