Casual Friday

A good denim jacket topping off a casual look in cool weather is very appealing. There have been several jean jackets in my collection, but they do not stay with me long. They always feel stiff, boxy, and out of proportion for my shape.

While researching recently, I read about the classic Levi’s jacket and realized what I have been doing wrong. The breast pockets need to be at least four inches wide; anything less makes it look like you bought it in the Junior Department. Slash pockets at the side are handy and flattering. The jacket’s body needs to be pliable and softly faded, but not in a trendy way. The buttons should be silver-colored metal for me. Tabs are necessary at the waistline to adjust it down if needed. The collar needs to be in proportion, not too large and pointy. The sleeves need to be narrow enough to layer another jacket or roll/push the sleeves up. Wearing the jacket with a longer layer underneath helps to disguise my short thick waist.

On Saturday, we took a drive up to Watauga Lake Winery to have lunch, take a tour and learn how wines are made. It’s a tremendous amount of work, and it takes at least two years to get a good bottle of wine. The local winery has won many awards, including Double Gold for their port-style wine, Duncan Hollow, at the International Wine Festival Competition.

My Levi’s jacket is from Dillard’s. The top is from White House|Black Market. The straight leg black jeans are from Chico’s last year. Wearing more than three colors in a look overwhelms me, and I prefer solid neutrals over bright colors and prints. The shoe-boots are several years old by Franco Sarto. Wearing a structured bag and keeping the other items sleek and simply kept me from looking too sloppy. The bag is based on a classic, as are many of my selections.

The leaves are not at a peak in our area, but they started to change last week.