If you’ve been around my site a while, then you already know that I’m not a huge fan of purging items when trends “go out of style.”
Because we are old enough to realize that style is cyclical, and those retro style jackets can be worn in fabulous ways.
Quote of the day: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
Today, we’re showing 3 examples of retro style jackets that have made a comeback, and how each of us styled them in a way that feels modern, playful, and very wearable.
But as I always like to point out, your style outcome is NEVER just about one item. Even if your retro style jackets don’t feel modern or wearable, pairing them in different ways can be the solution.
Even though I live in Arizona, my closet is full of jackets because they can transform a look in 2 seconds flat. And if you are a thrifter like I am, you can find some treasures for a steal.
Fashion has been repeating itself for decades.
The silhouettes may shift slightly, the fabrics might update, and the styling definitely evolves, but the core pieces often return, again and again.
These examples aren’t the only ones I’m seeing all over the younger girls. I’ve also seen
-Varsity jackets
-Rugged leather jackets
-Barn jackets
-Army jackets
The reason retro style jackets come back so reliably is that they’re practical pieces with personality.
They add structure, texture, and attitude to an outfit without a lot of thought or planning.
Which is why I always suggest being thoughtful before donating a well-made jacket.
Other inspiration for different types of jackets we have showcased on the blog recently:
–Tweed jackets
–Jacket length comparison guide
–Velvet jackets
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Lesley is wearing a corduroy jacket, one of those pieces that quietly cycles in and out of fashion.
Corduroy had a major moment in the 70s and again in the 90s, and now it’s popping up everywhere again because of the current Love for texture and vintage-inspired fabrics.
One detail that really works fabulously in Lesley’s outfit is the proportions.
She paired the retro style jacket with a shorter skirt, which creates a 2/3 to 1/2 balance.
While this isn’t a RULE you always need to follow, it does create a wonderful way to pair pieces.
It’s also a perfect example of how a retro style jacket can look completely modern simply by pairing it with updated silhouettes.
Details:
-Loafers are having a moment right now, so pull out an old pair and feel free to upgrade them with a fun pair of socks.
-Lesley wore this same jacket with a black skirt of the same length last year.
My outfit features a bomber jacket.
Bomber jackets have one of the most interesting fashion histories. Originally military wear, they exploded into mainstream fashion in the 80s and 90s and have been popping back into style every few years ever since.
What I love about bomber jackets is that they seem more casual in our Retirement Lifestyle, yet can be made with cool materials or fun prints.
I layered one of my handknit vests under my jacket and wore it with my “nun” skirt (as Rob calls it), which I consider very edgy and “out there.”
Details:
-I added fishnet hosiery with my booties.
-There are a couple of bag charms included to add more fun to the look.
-BTW, this purse was made from a sailboat sail. Isn’t that so cool?
Charlotte is wearing a faux leather moto jacket, which might be one of the most timeless retro style jackets out there.
Moto jackets first gained popularity in the mid-20th century with motorcycle culture, then became a fashion staple in the 80s and 90s.
And yet… they never truly disappear.
What I love about my mom’s outfit is how she brightened up the neutral jacket. I believe that a pop of color can completely transform almost any outfit.
Details:
-My mom’s worn this jacket on the blog many times, for example, with jeans and with a dress.
-The pop of color with her purse really modernizes the look, taking it from old lady matchy matchy to young and fun.
If you pull something out of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, you might worry it will look dated.
But usually the trick isn’t replacing the jacket.
The trick is styling it differently.
Here are a few ways to modernize retro style jackets:
These small tweaks can make an older jacket feel completely fresh again.
After decades of experimenting with fashion (and yes, purging things I wish I hadn’t), I’ve developed a simple rule.
Before getting rid of almost anything, I ask myself:
If the answer is yes to either of those questions, there’s a very good chance it will come back into style. And heck, I could make the case for creating a DIY from it if either answer is no.
Purging is a trendy thing to do, and at times, we need more room in our closets, but remember, it can be an addictive cycle.
Instead, let’s wear what we have and use our creativity to make things work.
One of the biggest style myths out there is that we always need to chase the newest trends.
Yet, sometimes the best pieces are the ones we’ve had all along.
Retro style jackets remind us that fashion isn’t about constantly replacing things. Instead, how about we reimagine them?
So if you’re tempted to do another closet purge, may I ask you to reconsider? And let’s find those fabulous retro jackets that are hiding and have fun styling them.
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because I love to showcase all ages, body shapes and women who love different styles.
The post The Promising Reasons for Keeping Retro Style Jackets appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
