1 Jacket, 18 outfits
How I decide if a new piece is worth keeping.
If you’ve been following my Clothes IRL series, you may already know I’m a serial outfit repeater. I tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, often in different ways—this makes me feel like I’m getting the most out of my clothes.
Whenever I buy something new, I go through an exercise of trying it on with other pieces in my closet to figure out the different ways I can wear it. Playing dress up can seem frivolous and time-consuming at first, but doing so saves me money and headaches down the road.
If it feels like I’m forcing a piece to work too hard with the rest of my clothes, I take it as a sign to return it. On the other hand, a piece can make me feel inspired and unlock outfit after outfit using everything else I already own. This gives me the reassurance that I’m adding something that pairs well with the rest of my wardrobe—and that it’s something I’m actually going to wear because I already know how to style it.
This exercise of trying on a new purchase in different ways is something I used to watch my mom do when I was little. She couldn’t afford to spend a lot on clothes, so I always admired the way she’d stretch her dollars by being very cautious of buying the right piece that could work a million ways.
It made me realize that if there’s an upside to having a limited clothing budget, it’s this: it forces you to be selective with what you buy and to learn how to be extra resourceful (and creative) with your clothes.
I recently bought a brown jacket from Mango, and while I intended to wear it mostly as a top, I was pleasantly surprised by how many other styling possibilities it opened up for me (I had a feeling it would be a keeper.) So, I wanted to share with you my process of trying it on with several other pieces in my wardrobe—you’ll notice a lot of times, I reuse the same pieces as a base and switch up only one or two things, which is often enough to make an outfit feel fresh to me. I’ll also share some other styling ideas I’ve been thinking of, inspired by the jacket.
One of the things that initially drew me to this jacket was the possibility of being able to style it as a top, so I started there, wearing it all buttoned up. Love the idea of wearing the jacket as an alternative to the “going out” top.
Other “going out” ideas, this time using it as a jacket.
I wondered if the jacket could work dressed down, too.
I realized I love the combination of brown and grey together, so I continued with it.
With warmer weather (finally) around the corner, I’ve had linen pants on my mind. Love the contrast of the jacket with the linen and will definitely be wearing this combo during the cooler spring temps.
What else could the jacket go with?
Pulled some inspo from my ‘saves’ and what’s been catching my eye recently. Can you tell I’m craving colour for spring?
Wear the jacket as a top with off-white denim, straight or barrel leg (currently on sale).
A brown and butter yellow combo feels so fresh for spring. Here’s a button-up, a boatneck long-sleeve top on sale (this would feel very ‘90s minimalist with the jacket), or knit polo.
Also love the idea of the jacket layered over a red v-neck sweater or cardigan and paired with dark denim.
Something casual: the jacket + navy t-shirt + comfy grey lounge pants (Aritzia or Donni)
Something dressy: the jacket + a sweet, airy v-neck dress + strappy sandals
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Well done! Great looks, great exercise, great philosophy! This jacket is perfect for you!
I devoured this post because I have the same jacket (in black) and it has stumped me on more than one occasion even though I love it. This is FRESH inspiration and I love it! Thank you!!