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Red, White & Blue for Spring

I’ve had some requests lately for alternatives to denim jackets that aren’t cardigans — basically a jacket that works as a layering piece or an outfit completer piece.

I hear ya. As much as I love my denim jackets, sometimes you want something a little more sophisticated.

Cardigans can be frumpy and blazers can be stuffy, but a casual structured jacket levels up a basic outfit and completes the look in a modern way.

This roll tab sleeve jacket from White House Black Market is the perfect completer piece. Unfortunately it’s almost sold out, but I’ve rounded up some other good options at the end of this post.

The key here is to find something with enough structure to flatter your curves (or create curves if you don’t have them where you want them) but relaxed enough to be comfortable. What I like about this type of jacket is you can dress it up or down.

I wore this jacket this weekend over a white tee with blue jeans and nude flats to run to the mall, but for this post I went for more of a classic preppy look that you could wear to lunch with friends or even to work if you’re a teacher or work in a casual office. (Swap out the jeans for pants if you prefer.)

I really like how the back of this jacket is designed so that you can cinch the waist if you’d like. I probably should have done that to give it a little more structure through the waist area. It’s also a flattering length.

These jeans are actually Abercrombie — go figure! Initially, they’re comfortable and flattering, but I wanted to wear them around for a day so I could compare to my white Old Navy Rockstars. The Old Navy pair is the clear winner.

These Abercrombie jeans stretched some as the day went on, and they did that funky thing in the crotch area that high rise jeans sometimes do. When I sat down, I had too much extra fabric there, and I find that annoying.

That said, they have a flattering fit, so they may be worth a try — you just may want to size down. I went up to a 30 in these, but perhaps the 29 would stretch out and be okay after a few hours. For reference, I found the size 8 (which equals a European size 29) to be perfect in the Old Navy pair.

I get a ton of questions about these Rothy’s flats. In fact, the only reason I ordered them is because I was getting so many questions, and I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about and be able to give my personal opinion of them when asked.

The verdict is, they’re super cute and very comfortable, but I had to size up a half size in The Point. I hear The Flat runs true to size. FYI, the return process was easy, and shipping is free both ways.

The most common question I get about Rothy’s is, Are they worth the price? 

I know this is an annoying answer, but it depends. Personally, for shoes that aren’t leather, I think the price is steep, however, they’re made in America with recycled water bottles, which I think is super cool.

I know I don’t exactly practice or promote sustainable, earth-friendly fashion, but that doesn’t mean I’m not aware of the issues that fast fashion has created, and I’m all for supporting companies that are trying to address the issue. If that’s your passion, perhaps you will feel the price tag is worth it.

I also think they’re worth it for those who are willing to pay a premium for comfort. They really are comfortable. Not to say that they offer much support, but they’re incredibly soft and comfortable to walk in. A lot of people compare them to Tieks.

I’ve had Tieks, and I found them dreadfully uncomfortable. The elastic dug into the back of my heel, and I couldn’t even wear them around the house for 10 minutes. I tried a few different sizes to make sure they weren’t too small, but they just didn’t work for me. That said, some people love them, so it’s really a personal decision.

Maybe I’ll order a pair of Tieks and do a side by side comparison to the Rothy’s. Would y’all find that interesting?

As for the rest of the outfit, I wore this stripe tee and carried my taupe crossbody.

This tee is one of my favorite finds this spring. It’s cute with shorts, jeans, and skirts. It layers nicely under this jacket, but it’s also really nice on its own. I wish we’d shot a few pictures without the jacket so I can show you, but you can see it in this IG post if you’re interested. It was on sale, but it’s not at the moment. I’ll be sure to let you know when they put it on sale again.

My Love crossbody is a few years old, but this one is similar. I almost carried a white bag, but I like how the taupe contrasts with the rest of the outfit. It’s a little unexpected, but it still works into the cool neutral tones I’m wearing.

For accessories, I like my go-to pearls with this look, but I decided to live dangerously and throw on a pair of drop earrings for a change. Ha! I also threw on some Alex and Ani bangles and my mixed metal watch to complete the look.

stripe tee // navy roll tab sleeve jacket // white skinnies // red flats (option / budget option) // sunnies // similar Love crossbody // earrings // bracelets // ring // watch

photo credit: Alison Cornell

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32 Responses

  1. I’m a huge fan of a topper. For some reason it’s the best way to add some interest to an outfit (and then I’m always cold too, so there’s that).
    I really like the length of this jacket—some I’ve seen are so long. Which isn’t always bad, but the shorter ones aren’t so overwhelming!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. Thrift store outfit challenge These are actually kind of fun, as a Fund raiser for Relay for Life we did a Thrift store outfit fashion show, raised a lot of money for the Relay

  2. What a great outfit Jo-Lynne!  Because I have a thick backside, I think a jacket that covers that area would look better on me.  When I’m in ON tomorrow I will have to try on a shorter jacket to see how I feel.  I don’t wear jackets too often, so the navy one I have in my closet may work.  Have an awesome day!

  3. Cute – almost but not nautical (I know you understand what I mean). And I can’t tell you how much I love my Rothy’s – so comfortable! I also like that you can remove the insert and toss in the washer.

  4. Cute outfit!  Figures you do a “how not to wear a jean jacket” the day after I finally go out and get myself a jean jacket :P.  Oh well, I do like it, and it probably works better for certain situations.  Thank you for talking about the shoes – I get constant ads for them on my FB feed, and I am curious about them.  I have a pair of tieks because someone gave them to me (she said they were hopelessly uncomfortable on her), and I find them okay but not great, and not worth the money.  I like the way they look, but they are literally like walking around barefoot.  Just curious – how do you compare them to the TB flats you like so much?  Might be interesting to throw them in the mix, since it’s a similar price point.

  5. I LOVE this outfit! But I love all red, white and blue together (my son is a July 4th baby – so we wear a lot!)
    Anyway, I’ve found the Loft has some really cute jackets this spring that aren’t too bulky. Have a great day 🙂

  6. As soon as I saw the first picture I thought your shoes looked like Rothys! I would definitely be interested in a side by side comparison with Tieks! I sometimes struggle with plantar fasciitis, so comfortable flats that I can add an Ortaheel insole to are always on my radar. 

  7. I’m excited about your thrift store challenge. My friends are amazed at what I find at thrift stores. I love the thrill of the hunt, but it does take alot of time. I almost always get compliments on what I’m wearing. If someone ask where I got it, I will tell my close friends but should I be embarrassed to tell others? Some people would turn up their nose but I’m pretty happy that I’m saving money and still look stylish.

    1. Girl, I’d shout it from the rooftops! Haha! I think it’s amazing what people find at thrift stores. I’ve tried, but I don’t think I’m patient enough, and you definitely have to go often to get the good stuff b/c it goes fast.

    1. I bought this jacket at my local WHBM too and I love it! You might ask your local store to do a search to see if another store has the jacket in your size. Not all stores offer this service but many do and shipping is free!

  8. Very cute outfit today! Like others have said, I’ve been curious about Rothys but haven’t know anyone who has tried them. Your comment that they have no support convinced me I don’t need them. Every time you say you like the ON Rockstar jeans, I giggle. You know…since you’re the premium denim lady😂

    1. I know. It pains me to say it. But I have tried them before and didn’t care for them – they stretched out horribly both times I tried other colors in the past. I don’t know what they did to make the white ones not bag out, but they need to fix the other colors too!

  9. Help me with the Tory Burch sandals. I don’t like a flat sandal. I like about a 1-2 inch heel or wedge. I love born and clarks for their comfort. How are the TB sandals? love the look and I love the price now. And do they run true to size or small? Many reviews say they run small.

    1. Yeah, I don’t get that. I wear an 8 – my regular size in most shoes. Sometimes I can get away with a 7.5 in a sandal, so maybe if you have thicker feet you may want to size up, but I feel they fit perfectly and TTS.

      They are very comfortable, but they don’t have any support. They aren’t cushy comfortable, they just fit the foot really well, especially once they’re broken in.

  10. Spring cleaning I hear ya!! I’ve been cleaning since yesterday and I’m just about done. I have French doors to clean but my back is telling me another day… You think your house is clean until you spring clean and pull things out, and we’ll let’s just say surprise😳lol and your light fixtures all if a sudden provide better light ha! We head to Florida in a few weeks and I want to come back with all this behind me. I love your little  jacket and I agree they are a nice change from sweaters, and can transition to fall if roomy enough for a sweater. 
    Hope you have a great day. We’re suppose to have some nice high temperatures come mid week after this rain clears out. Yahoo!

  11. I love the look of the jacket. I am trying to decide how much wear I would get out of it. I live in Florida and you know how it is hot here most of the year. I would love it if you would do a review on different brands of flats. I feel like I am always looking for a comfortable elastic ballet flat. I have to have the elastic ballet flats so they stay on.

    1. Oooh that’s a good post topic idea. I love the Sam Edelman Felicia flats – they don’t really have elastic, but I think they stay on really well. I have narrow heels: https://rstyle.me/n/c2ybs5gthw

      I also love the Tory Burch Minnies. They are $$$ but worth it. Sometimes certain colors go on sale: https://rstyle.me/n/cx5rxkgthw

      I found Tieks to be too tight for me.

      The Lucky Brand Emmie is good but not as comfortable as the Tory Burch and Sam Edelman ones: https://rstyle.me/n/c326stgthw

      I also ordered the Frye ones, which are super cute, but I was disappointed in the comfort level so I sent them back: https://rstyle.me/n/c326uigthw

      I hope that helps!

  12. This is such a good one! The jacket is the perfect topper for that tee too. I have been wearing all of my denim jackets like crazy this spring, but I really don’t have many options for when I wear blue jeans. Something like this would work nicely.

  13. Hi! I hope I didn’t miss you reviewing them but how are those shoes? I’ve been waffling between those and Tieks as both are a bit spendy. What is your most comfy ballet flat?

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