We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series.   This month, we’ve covered a lot of ground and walked through the 

Today week, we’re going to deep-dive into the essential jackets you should have in your wardrobe:

  • jean jacket;
  • utility jacket;
  • leather jacket;
  • trenchcoat;
  • wool overcoat
  • puffer vests; and  
  • scarves.

(True, scarves aren’t jackets, but I couldn’t resist.). The continued purpose of this column is simple: we’re here to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics. Think of it as building the backbone of your wardrobe.

We’ll dig down into each category, and I’ll give you examples of essential trench coats, for example. The way to read this post is simple:  in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that coat, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. So let’s get started: here are the most essential jackets any woman should have in their wardrobe.

Jean jacket

The most versatile jacket you can own, you can wear a jean jacket in any season. They’re the perfect transition-weather coat. Wear them with: 

  • jeans; 
  • skirts; 
  • pants; or 
  • dresses 

Pair them with: 

  • sweaters; 
  • button-downs; 
  • t-shirts

And layer them with other coats. It’s hard to think of something a denim jacket does not go with. Get one in a classic wash, or pick one up in yellow, red, or orange. You probably don’t need another jean jacket in your wardrobe, but then again, you just might. Some retailers that consistently stock denim jackets: 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Ralph Lauren denim officers jacket, white denim, striped sweater and yellow driving moccasins

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black pleated skirt, white tee, denim jacket, and gold metallic pumps

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

Field jacket

Field jackets, or military-style jackets, are generally multi-pocketed. Traditionally olive (or drab) green, long-time readers will know of my love for the quilted field jacket. The first quilted jacket came into existence in the mid-’60’s thanks to an American living in England. Mr. Guylas introduced a quilted vest in a timeless palette of olive and navy for hunting expeditions. Wear a field jacket with: 

  • jeans; or 
  • pants. 

And make sure to give them a pop of color with a colorful sweater or button-down. Make sure to check out: 

for a wide range of military-style jackets. 

spring, sprang, sprung

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

jackets and scarves

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

 

Leather jacket

Add a little spice to your wardrobe with a classic leather moto jacket. Perfect with your favorite pair of denim and a pair of Frye boots, the leather jacket is a staple in any classic wardrobe. But don’t be afraid to go modern chic with a dress and heels. Nordstrom always has an excellent selection of women’s leather jackets.

Faux leather moto jacket (Ann Taylor) | Essential leather moto jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern leather jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Faux leather moto jacket (Anthropologie)

Trench coat

Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench. Historians claim Thomas Burberry invented gabardine fabric in 1879. In 1901 he designed and submitted an Army Officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office, and so the military trench began. 

I absolutely love trenches and wear them in khaki, but also keep a lookout for fun prints. Pair them with a sweater and denim for a classic preppy look. Or, if you want to class things up a bit, dress them up with your favorite evening dress and a pair of strappy heels.   You can never go wrong with Burberry for a classic trench, but retailers like J.Crew have more cost-effective options. 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears an Everlane grey cashmere crewneck, high rise black cigarette jean, Tory Burch black ballet flats and a double-breasted trench coat

Twill trench coat (multi-colors, Ann Taylor) | Polished trench coat (Talbots) | Double-breasted topcoat in Cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Soft trench coat (multi-colors, Banana Republic)

Wool overcoat

If the north winds are blowing in your neck of the woods, then a wool overcoat is a must. This is the coat that you can throw over your jeans, trousers, skirts, and even dresses. A wool overcoat is one of the hardest-working items in your closet if you live in a climate that faces freezing temps and snow all the way through March. Choose a classic style in a flattering neutral shade, shoulders that fit well, and mid-size lapels.

Puffer vest

Practical and warm, the puffer vest is a casual staple of my wardrobe. Ranging in different types of colors, they come plain or can be adorned with, say, faux fur. Puffer vests are perfect transition-weather outerwear like denim jackets and really shine in the fall. I mostly lawyer them with sweaters, but they really shine with a crisp, white button-down. Orvis and Northface are always well-stocked with puffer vests and jackets.

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears five classic winter essentials

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

Scarves 

And then there are scarves. I absolutely love scarves because they are literally the easiest way to inject color and visualize interest into your wardrobe. Scarves come in every shape and size, from a cashmere scarf to quilted merino wool. Simple advice when buying a scarf:  have fun. Talbots and Ann Taylor are always my go-to for scarves. 

inclement weather travel style

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor)Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)

 

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor)Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)


In case you missed it 

Chic casual is always in and sometimes difficult to find inspiration for. And don’t forget our definitive denim guide for great jean suggestions to pair with your coats. 

one thing that gives me comfort during these trying times:  the natural world continues around us relatively unaffected.  here in Athens, the season is changing from winter to spring.  the trees are sprouting leaves.  flowers are blooming.  deer are moving in herds.  and the cardinals are singing their mating songs.  we have such a beautiful world, and if anything, hopefully world events will give us a new appreciation for it.   it’s been a rainy week where we are.  if you’re stuck at home but still able to take walks, you’re probably in the market for some fashionable rainwear for the spring.

singing in the rain

today, i’ve got two OOTD variations.  as a base for both outfits, i’m pairing a striped tunic top with  straight jeans from J.Crew. super simple.  super comfy.  but since the name of the game is rainwear, we’ll kick things off with my take on pretty in pink.  to my mind, nothing says spring better than pastels.  i’ve pulled together this pink raincoat from Talbots with a pair of baby blue leopard chelsea boots from Neiman. the outfit provides a nice pop of color against any backdrop. 

pink raincoat | polka dot umbrella | leopard chelsea boots | tunic top | jeans

similar raincoat | similar raincoat 2 | similar raincoat 3 | similar raincoat 4 | similar raincoat 5 | similar raincoat 6 | similar chelsea boots | similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | similar shirt 4 | similar shirt 5 | similar shirt 6

fashionable rainwear for the spring

for my second take on the OOTD, i’ve chosen the classic yellow raincoat accentuated nicely with a pair of red rain boots and black & red umbrella.  the yellow/red combination really pops when set against the black backdrop of the umbrella.  but you can imagine playing with different warm color combinations to get the same effect:  orange/red or yellow/orange.  have fun and make the outfit your own. 

yellow raincoat | black/red umbrella | rain boots | tunic topjeans

similar raincoat | similar raincoat 2 | similar raincoat 3 | similar raincoat 4 | similar raincoat 5 | similar raincoat 6 | similar chelsea boots | similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | similar shirt 4 | similar shirt 5 | similar shirt 6

dealing with the shutdown  

as we talked about yesterday on the blog, the world continues to move and change quickly around us.  things are changing.  people we know feel stress stressed or even panicked.  we may feel stressed or panicked.  that’s OK.  it’s OK to feel these emotions.  we’re living in a historical time that will be studied for years to come.  it’s important not only to read that but to say it out loud and internalize. 

remember though, calm, measured caution will always win the day.  and importantly, we will continue to be here for each other.   each and every day.  as a bit of an aside—but not really—i was telling kelly and my son about the victory gardens that were planted during WWII to supplement citizens’ rations.  millions of gardens were planted across the country in moral support of the war effort, but more importantly, as a general expression of solidarity for and with each other.  kelly and my son are going to plant one in their new house.  we’ll track it here on the blog.   

pink raincoat | polka dot umbrella | leopard chelsea boots | tunic top | jeans

yellow raincoat | black/red umbrella | rain boots | tunic topjeans

similar raincoat | similar raincoat 2 | similar raincoat 3 | similar raincoat 4 | similar raincoat 5 | similar raincoat 6 | similar chelsea boots | similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | similar shirt 4 | similar shirt 5 | similar shirt 6

it will comes as no surprise that preppy is my go-to style. it always as been, and it always will be.  preppy lends itself naturally to the spring and summer months.  but how do we keep that aesthetic alive and fresh when we’re in the cold, dreary depths of winter?  if you’re looking for some essential items to prep up your wardrobe—or if you’re looking for a little color to offset the gray days—today’s post is for you.  i’m going to give you some outfit essentials that will show you exactly how to keep the torch burning strong—how to dress preppy in the winter. 

how to dress preppy in the winter

yesterday on the blog, i was feeling neutral:  it was all about the whites, grays, and blacks.  (and for those of you that are wondering, Ann Taylor restocked the herringbone shawl collar wrap coat that’s all the rage.  so if you were looking to pick one up and missed out, make sure to head over and grab one.) 

today, it’s all about the color pop.  we’re no strangers to color over here on the blog, and we talked extensively last fall on how to introduce color into your wardrobe. preppy is all about well-placed color additions, and the outfit of the day features a blue monochromatic base.  some people shy away from monochrome, as it can sometimes feel redundant and/or aesthetically uninteresting.  however, monochrome is an easy way to introduce color to your wardrobe, and a simple way to successfully do it is by picking a base—shirt/pant, sweater/shirt—combination that runs the two ends of a particular shade spectrum.

here, i’ve chosen a dark blue gingham shirt and layered it with a light blue sweater from J.Crew. i’ve added visual interest to the outfit by pairing my base with a pair of houndstooth jeans that pick up both colors.  

similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses 

too cold for loafers?  

i’m fortunate that Athens weather often permits me loafers during the winter. if you too live in an equally forgiving climate, a pair of penny loafers is an obvious but timeless way of prepping up an outfit.  i picked this pair up from J.Crew, but if you’re looking for alternatives, check out these Oxford loafers i featured last week on the blog.  but if it’s Minneapolis-like weather where you are, make sure to check out this Easy Spirit winter shoe guide I put together a few weeks ago.  there are a couple of booties that would go perfectly with today’s outfit! 

similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses 

a puffer jacket is an essential

a puffer jacket is one of my top 5 essential winter jackets to own.  not only is it quintessentially preppy, but it’s just so darn versatile.  if you’re headed to work, out and about shopping, or meeting a friend, reach for your puffer.  it’ll keep you warm, and you’ll look good while it’s doing it.   this one is older but i’ve found a similar one at Nordstrom—totally reasonably priced—but head to your favorite retailer for yours.  

similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses 

we started the week remembering Thanksgiving with a guest post from my daughter-in-law Kelly.  my oldest son remembered Christmas.  what an outpouring of love we’ve received:  you’ve made both Kelly and my oldest feel most welcome over here on the blog.  we end our holiday memory week with New Year’s holiday memories as told by, well, me.    

we’re bringing you a new addition of fashion flash this week.  make sure to check it out above and leave a comment telling us what you’re favorite outfit is.  

outfit of the day

i’ve saved my most fun outfit this week for today.  how cute are these plaid ankle pants paired with this turtleneck sweater?  i’ve paired them with two pairs of shoes today, starting with these pumps from Banana Republic.  i’ve shown off several faux suede moto jackets this fall. 

make sure to catch our latest episode of the list to catch up on the top fall and winter coats this year.   

turtleneck sweater | faux suede moto jacket | plaid ankle pant | leather hobo bag | lug-sole loafers | pumps

New Year’s holiday memories 

well, when you reach the age of 61, there are lots of memories floating around in your mind. some are crystal clear. and some need to be dusted off. but new year’s eve memories are fresh in mind and for well over twenty years went something like this. you see mr. style was in the hospitality industry for forty years.

and running a hotel, whether it’s 1,000 rooms or 300, is somewhat akin to running a family. the size really doesn’t matter. and when you’re in charge, there’s a responsibility to make certain everything runs smoothly.

turtleneck sweater | faux suede moto jacket | plaid ankle pant | leather hobo bag | lug-sole loafers | pumps

so mr. style’s new year’s eve was always booked as he wandered the hallways, kitchens, ballrooms, and specialty restaurants making certain his staff and guests were happy campers. every year the boys and i would pack a suitcase and traipse along to the hotel with mr. style. sometimes we headed straight to the presidential suite, ordered room service, and movies and settled down for the evening.

if my mother was in town for a visit she’d tag along and order a vodka tonic or two. i always brought along a stack of magazines to flip through. mostly home decor magazines because january was always the time of year to refresh my home. but other times we would join mr. style for a delightful dinner then head up to the presidential suite for what was certain to be a quiet evening.

when we lived in Guam, there was always a fireworks show at the stroke of midnight on Tumon Bay with the ocean as the backdrop. other hotels had live bands playing, or dj’s spinning their tunes, and the new year would be ushered in the traditional way with auld lang syne playing in the background. but no matter if we lived stateside or overseas i always looked forward to the low key djalali new year’s eve tradition.

tomorrow i’ll dust off a memory and share how i celebrated new year’s day while growing up. since i lived in cornhusker country, it always involved football!

paint it plaid

for those of you that have been following closely the past few weeks, i’ve modeled these lug-sole loafers several times.  i’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again, they’re comfortable and go with just about anything.  make sure to pick up a pair. 

turtleneck sweater | faux suede moto jacket | plaid ankle pant | leather hobo bag | lug-sole loafers | pumps

headed into the holidays

we’re heading straight into the holidays.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and before you know it, we’ll be welcoming in  a new decade.  how quickly time passes.  (i wonder what New Year’s 1919 felt like.) 

we hope you’ve enjoyed our tour through the holidays and my new year’s holiday memories.  how are you celebrating the holidays this year?  let us know in the comments below. 

turtleneck sweater | faux suede moto jacket | plaid ankle pant | leather hobo bag | lug-sole loafers | pumps

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