Would I Wear Gingham And Ruffles

Happy Sunday and the first of March, ladies. Meteorologists recognize this as the first day of meteorological spring, which works for me! I’ve often thought to try on the outfit my “would you wear it” mannequin is wearing so I was happy to see some of you suggest it here last week. I keep my opinion to myself on Saturday because I’m most interested in having you discuss it.

Today I want to share my thoughts and what I see and how I might style it.

gingham tweed jacket and ruffle sleeve blouse

Here’s what I see:

A spring vibe in both classic and feminine shapes with Easter-like colors. A very pretty look.

Blazer

The blazer has a classic vibe with its tweed and fringe edging, then goes preppy with the gingham weave. It’s one-button closure is high on the torso which, if closed, would make your legs look longer. The notched lapels angle out but below the shoulder line so wouldn’t make shoulders look any broader than they are. The welt pockets are dressier than a patch pocket so this could easily be dressed up.

Blouse

This blouse is a polyester mix so wouldn’t wrinkle. Because the ties actually work on the blouse, they could be snugged up the forearm so the cuffs didn’t interfere with life. You know, eating, cooking, shopping, washing your hands, etc. The yellow is cool-toned, so I could wear it. A bell cuff like this helps to minimize the look of large hands. The tie at the neck could be worn open and loose or tied into a low bow. The raglan sleeves and v neck help narrow the look of your shoulders.

Pants

The pants are a classic high rise shape with slant pockets in front and faux welt pockets in back so these could be dressed way up. They’re cropped but not overly, so the regular length could work as a full-length pant for women with shorter legs. The petites are a full 2″ shorter than this.

 

over 50 style blogger jennifer Connolly styling gingham tweed jacket from Nordstrom
tweed gingham blazertie sleeve blousehigh-rise navy pants

Would I wear this?

I would wear the blazer, often, with many things. Casual blazers have the ability to polish any outfit and this one is fun. It would be lovely over this casual summer dress, dress down with dark denim jeans and a simple white tee, or dress up over this dress, or this dress for Easter, upcoming graduation, summer wedding or shower.

My style is not overly feminine so I would pass on the blouse. If I did choose it I would tie the sleeves higher and pick the aqua version which is a better color on me.

The pants are a no brainer and perfect for me. Their seasonless fabric is machine washable which makes them easy to wear and care for.

Thanks for sharing your styling ideas here yesterday and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident. Because ultimately, that’s what really matters.

42 Comments

  1. Thank you for bravely putting on the outfit. Love this new concept. Seeing clothes on a real person is a game changer. Especially because they pull back shirts and dresses when they are on a mannequin.
    Well done!

    1. My pleasure! They really do manipulate clothes for effect on the mannequins.

      1. Lois Williams says:

        The outfit looks immensely better on you than the mannequin I must say, great post.

  2. What fun to see you in an outfit from, Would You Wear It! You look great in the jacket and pants, so springy. I think the blouse is a nice color, but the floppy sleeves are not my style. I’d be trying that jacket on if I lived near a store. I can see it with jeans, white pants, khaki pants, dresses and jumpsuits. I’d have to see if the sleeves were long enough, where the waist hit and length of the jacket on me, as I’m tall with long arms. Shopping online is difficult with more fitted pieces. But I love the color and stying!

  3. Rhonda Williams says:

    You look lovely. Way better than on the mannequin!

  4. I didn’t change my mind. The pants are nice. I would wear the blouse. But a definite no on the jacket. Don’t like the gingham and the unfinished looking edging. But that is just me.

  5. Definitely have the same opinion as yesterday would by jacket & pants but not the blouse. This blog is my favorite you do such a great job. We are the same coloring , height & approximate weight so it really works for me. Thank you!

  6. Christine says:

    So appreciate the analysis! Never thought about cool tone yellow before!

  7. Well now that you pointed out why it would work, I would try it. It looks good on you. My main objection is those sleeves but I might try this blouse with a vest. I like the jacket and pants.

  8. Miss Boots says:

    I love that you tried this on and offered your comments on it! Please keep doing this.

  9. I like them both together or separate. Your blog is excellent in showing the readers how mannequins only draw an idea to its story and the real moment is having the customer try it on. That blouse would my favorite…..I would pair that with white denim and take that on vacation! Did you buy the blazer?

  10. I agree that if you’re trying to add the jacket and blouse to your spring wardrobe, switch out the black pants for either white or blue jeans. Add a simple white t shirt to the jacket and it softens all the detail on the jacket. I’ve purchased some pieces similar to these in the past and everytime I thought I might wear them, I ended up going with my tried and true classic pieces. Eventually they ended up in the donate pile.
    Great post Jennifer!

  11. Wow! Would you wear it has been loads of fun. I look forward to it every week. Then came your analysis – even better. And now you in the outfit! Fantastic!

    I didn’t like this outfit at all on the mannequin. Not only the wrong blue and yellow but didn’t like the blouse and jacket separately or paired together.

    But you changed my mind. It looks really good on you. Maybe it’s that it suits your physique and your hair and skin coloring. It’s quite your style. The mannequin is too neutral to pull it off.

    Thanks for making a fun column even better!

  12. Did you buy it? That’s the real tell.

    I found this look too fussy for my taste, and a bit disjointed. The black pants are too heavy for the lightness and frilliness of the blouse and jacket. Maybe this would be better with a simple white top and white pants. I think that transitioning to spring is something other than putting a spring top with black winter pants, non?

    1. The pants are navy, but it’s hard to tell in the pictures.

  13. I liked seeing you in the outfit on a real person. Your explanation of why a piece works, or not, is fascinating to me. But, I still don’t like the combination of aqua with yellow. It looks like an Easter Egg to me. For that price, I would pick a more neutral colour in the blazer and get more use of it year round. I never wear yellow. It’s a terrible colour on me. And, there is something about the sleeves hanging out of the blazer that looks wrong.

  14. So appreciate when give the low down on the Saturday outfits…so helpful. I learn so much, which is one of the reasons why I follow your blog.

  15. Linda lennon says:

    The blazer looks great on you! The cost per wear would not be positive for my lifestyle. I hardly ever wear jackets or blazers anymore since I’m living an active retirement in Southern California. I do love the inspiration though; I still own a number of spring blazers, all classic Talbots. Maybe a new blouse is all that’s needed for an updated look.

    1. A new blouse or accessories are a nice way to update your current blazers.

  16. It looks GREAT on you the way you paired it with those pants! I might give it a try the way you are wearing it!

  17. Catherine says:

    I am in love with the blazer, trying to justify the cost per wear! I would wear yellow under it but not so feminine. I love ruffles on other people but it isn’t my style. I would love to see you style this a few different ways.

  18. What a great idea for you to try the mannequin outfits from the Saturday posts! I love it. It looks so different on a person than in the store and gives you a much better idea how to style it.

  19. I love that you’re showing the mannequin outfit on yourself! I really appreciate your style analysis & tips.

  20. This is fun but it doesn’t change my initial impression. Lovely blouse but need it in a warmer yellow. The jacket has a nice texture and cut but the gingham is a hard no for me. Probably the only print I won’t wear. The pants are perfect. Will definitely have a look at the blouse. Thanks again for all the trouble you go to on our behalf, always learning and refining as I age. Happy Sunday!

    1. I’m glad this helps cement your opinions. It’s good to test initial impressions.

  21. I enjoy your analysis of the Saturday outfits, very insightful. And you should incorporate modelling the outfit as a standard feature of the Saturday post. It adds a lot.

  22. Vicki Mikola Dack says:

    Oh, heck; NO! The combination is too little girl looking for me with all those ruffles. As for the jacket –its not finished. My preference is classic, tailored, and polished looking.

  23. Joyce Reardon says:

    Well it certainly looks prettier on you than the mannequin! It’s ok, but still not my favorite. I enjoy all of your insights!

  24. I agree–you have demonstrated that the saying “it looks better on the mannequin” is not always correct. This outfit definitely looks better on you! You could sell that jacket by wearing it around the store.

  25. Doris Harding says:

    Although I did not care for the outfit on the mannequin, it looks much better on you! The jacket especially looks Spring-like and fresh, and I’d definitely consider it a good addition to my wardrobe.Thanks for modeling it, and thanks for your Blog; love to read your opinions about fashion and fit

    1. I wasn’t sure on the mannequin but loved it once I tried it on too! Great piece for spring

  26. Love the gingham blazer, brings back a 60’s vibe with a new twist. The ruffle blouse overpowers the blazer – too much going on with the ruffle and the tie. The blazer is a stand alone piece-perfect with a crew neck tee (white, pale yellow or soft pink) and a silver necklace. Jeans without a frayed bottom and solid color tennis shoes and a coral colored bag for a pop of color would make a perfect outfit.

  27. The jacket is a keeper because it is so springy and versatile. The blouse is too feminine for me; those sleeves would always get in my way and I don’t like the ties. Pants are good. Thanks for showing the outfit on yourself.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *