Wowee! That’s a lot of blue I’ve got going on there. But you know, what? I tried a number of different ways wearing this amazing Chinese jacket, and it turns out that matching it to this blue neoprene skirt really made it pop. I didn’t buy the pieces together, but pairing these two bold items made it look like they were meant to be!
I keep a running list of experimental items I’d like to add to my wardrobe if I can find them, and a Chinese patterned jacket with a mandarin collar was definitely on the list. I love how vibrant and delicate they are, but you don’t see them very often. I knew I’d likely find one at a vintage or consignment shop, so I kept an eye out for one and eventually found this at Second Time Around in Wicker Park, Chicago. It’s an upscale resale shop with locations in several major cities.
I initially tried the jacket over a black sheath dress for work. I thought it would look unique yet polished, but in fact the jacket appeared boxy and a little old-ladyish. I didn’t expect that. I stared at the jacket for a minute trying to figure out what it’s best qualities were and how I could play them up. The color and the scalloped edge really stuck out to me. What if, instead of trying to isolate the piece against a sea of boring black, I actually put it with an item that had similar qualities like this neoprene skirt? The color was a perfect match, and the flared line and seams of the skirt mimicked the scalloped edge you see when I wear the jacket open. The fact that cobalt blue is an of-the-moment color trend, as are coordinated skirt and top outfits, was just an added bonus (score!).
WHAT I WORE:
- Blue Neoprene Skirt: (Grazia, purchased on MyHabit)
- Blue Chinese Jacket: (Golden Dragon, made in China, purchased at Second Time Around)
- Black Wide Belt: (brand unknown, purchased at Second Time Around)
- Black Tee: (Banana Republic)
- Black Patent Leather Booties: (Via Spiga, purchased at Nordstrom Rack)
WHY I WORE IT:
I wore this on a Friday for errands out in the city and then straight to dinner with friends.
- The black tee and tights were chosen to provide a contrasting background for the jacket and skirt without showing it up. I like the way black and cobalt pair to draw your eye to the blue and only see the black as a backdrop.
- Though the belt has solid straight lines, rather than the fluid and curvy lines of the jacket and skirt, I chose it to create a definitive line between the top and bottom of the outfit. Both the jacket and skirt have a lot of width to them, so breaking it up a bit at my waist was deliberate. Next time I wear this, I might choose a medium-width belt that doesn’t draw as much attention.
- I chose the black patent leather booties to echo the shiny jacket, and to match the black tee, belt and tights.
- I put my hair up because I wanted to show off the neckline and collar of the jacket, plus it added a touch more polish to the look.
- The simple yellow earrings were intended to complement the jacket but not to draw any attention away from it. As you’ve likely seen – I tend to keep my jewelry pretty minimal when I’m wearing a loud outfit.
If you have bright, bold pieces in the same color, I encourage you to experiment with pairing them together. It comes across as playful yet coordinated and is a new and unexpected way to where them.
Try it! You’ll like it!
XOXO,
Belle
