Consignment, vintage and thrift store shopping offers us the opportunity to consider garments we normally wouldn’t like this…

Must Have Spring Jacket

Yes, I might have marvelled over this Ralph Lauren cavalry jacket had I seen it in a regular store, but I never would have tried it on partially because it would have been merchandised for someone much younger than myself and also because I wouldn’t want to faint from sticker shock.

One of my favourite consignment stores is where I spotted this beauty and those were both non issues.

I tried this military jacket on for fun.  I never thought it would fit or look any good on me.

In the end though it fit like a glove and I felt like a rock star in it.

And yes! Before you ask, of course every capsule wardrobe needs a military jacket in it.

Obviously.

It’s right up there next to plain black trousers and a crisp white shirt, both of which I don’t own.

Anarchist!

 

How many times have you had an invitation to a fabulous party that requires, “Army Attire Only“?

Right? 

Just last week my pug and I weren’t able to attend several celebrity star studded events because I had nothing to wear. Difficult to imagine if you saw the size of my closets. (As a style blogger it is totally normal to have more than one closet FYI.)

Zoë’s cavalry jacket was at the cleaners otherwise she would have probably gone without me. Ingrate.

 

Apparently military jackets *was* a big trend back in 2014 if we are to believe Who What Wear. I now own a “Cool-Girl Jacket”.

Yes I’m two years late.

No I don’t care.

These guys set the trend, way back when…

This guy too.

And this guy…

RIP

I didn’t do myself any favours by showing you the catalogue shot of the model wearing the jacket first. The girl and I mean girl is less than half my body weight and maybe less than a third my age.

Now you get to see this spring must have jacket on a real woman.

Prepare yourself…

Just so happens this vintage ankle-kisser-can’t-make-up-its-mind-maxi-or-midi-skirt is in the same colour as the trim on the jacket. Jackpot!

Of course this isn’t a must have spring jacket…

Or maybe it is.

Anything goes nowadays if you ask me.

Many people will dislike this look on a woman over forty. They may even call it, “Wackadoo!”

At least it is a WackaDOO and not a WackaDON’T. (I think, anyhow. Taste is subjective.)

One of my goals when I get dressed is to be memorable, this jacket helps me achieve that goal.  Often people just want to blend in when they get dressed but I am not one of them.

This suits my personal style statement perfectly.

I don’t follow trends, I follow what excites and suits me.

I honestly believe that “trend” is an antiquated word and has lost its meaning. Fast fashion and social media move too quickly. Every day there is a new “must have” item.

“The word ‘trend’ is a little bit like the word ‘luxury’ — nobody really knows what it is anymore, where it starts, where it ends,”- Pierre-François Le Louët

Understanding your body type, what appeals to your personal sense of style and knowing the impression you want to leave with people is much more important than any so-called-trend.

Do you think fashion trends are an antiquated idea?

Looking to figure out your own personal style statement? Get the full low-down and worksheet here.