Hi Belle!
I’m having trouble figuring out how to transition my casual wardrobe to adulthood after being in a rural college town for so long. I wear a fleece zip-up jacket on chillier days and I’d like to know about some acceptable, more put together spring/summer/fall/general outerwear styles that are really easy to pair with casual clothes for brunch, a Nats game, etc. My budget is $125 or less.-KG
Oh, the zip-up fleece. I see a lot of zip-up fleece living out West. Hell, I saw a lot of zip-up fleece living in D.C.. And while there is nothing wrong with a fleece jacket when you’re hiking, camping, sailing, or doing some equally outdoorsy activity–for in-town wear–we can do better than fleece.
For me, a casual jacket should fall somewhere between fleece and a trench coat. A trench can be worn casually, of course, but variety never hurt anyone. Additionally, sometimes, an outfit is simply too casual for a trench. Here are a few options that are (mostly) in your price range.
Tommy Hilfiger Belted Utility Jacket ($69)
Barbour Calvary Quilt Jacket ($133)
LOFT Relaxed Utility Jacket ($128, also in petite and tall)
Rebecca Taylor Tweed Moto Jacket ($330)
Tommy Hilfiger Denim Jacket ($65)
Plus-size? This Ralph Lauren utility jacket has a sleek, Town and Country look to it. Also try this Lane Bryant moto jacket.
Oh goodness, I never saw the appeal of the North Face. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean you should wear it everywhere. It’s still basically a sweatshirt.