The Statement Jacket is a Wardrobe Hero for Women Over 50
I admit this is a style that has been close to my heart for a long time whether “on-trend” or not. A statement jacket is that great piece that instantly elevates the simplest outfit. It adds personality, and a little attitude without you having to say a word. From bold patterns to textural fabrics and distinctive silhouettes, these jackets and coats create a collected personal look that can be yours alone. Let’s chat about why the statement jacket is a wardrobe hero for women over 50.
This jacket (a perfect early October piece for cool mornings and nights) is a recent purchase from Etsy. I am wearing it with an old block print shirt from J Crew, Madewell jeans, and another reader’s favorite the vintage indigo mules also from Etsy. I anchored the closing with a native american pin from my collection. I love mixing ethnic treasures.
The Statement Jacket is a Wardrobe Hero for Women Over 50
What is a Statement Jacket
A statment jacket could be a bold color, a unique texture, an unexpected pattern, or a distinctive silhouette that instantly transforms whatever you are wearing.
This option is one of my more classic pieces. I had a similar jacket to this great Chicos Leopard blazer (size small) for years (sadly too small). This jacket is great with the Ann Taylor faux leather skirt (size 6), and boots (on the buy one get one 1/2 off right now at DSW), and would be equally at home with a column of denim, earrings are Machete here.
This lightweight crewel suzani jacket (a favorite of you readers) comes from Etsy. I am wearing it with a Talbots sweater dress, (size medium) Gentle Souls booties, and a favorite hat from Gigi Pip.
I have owned this great coat (a wool blend) from Sundance for years (one on ebay here, and a couple on Poshmark here I like it best with jeans from head to toe. My Artemis slippers add a bit of pattern and interest. The hat is from Overland Sheepskin Company similar sunglasses at Quince here.
The Statement Jacket is a Wardrobe Hero for Women Over 50
Why you Need a Statement Coat
Quite simply, they’re just plain fun. Who says we need to fade into the background at our age. Why not stand up and be noticed? I’m not talking about crazy old lady stuff, but rather letting the jacket take center stage. A great statement piece adds instant personality and flair to a simple pair of jeans or a column of color.
I was gifted this beautiful sweater-coat from Farm Rio. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but admittedly I LOVE it. It can also be worn with the self belt. I find if I belt something heavy, I end up with a bathrobe look. It is a fairly weighty outer layer (without being overly so) with a beautiful drape . I am wearing it with the (they are terry cloth and oh so comfy) Rag and Bone jeans (size 26), Ariat cowboy boots (they come in wide), a denim shirt (similar here), a great bag from Etsy seller Laura Shepherd, and Caddis sunnies.
How to Style a Statement Coat
Don’t overdo it, let the coat be the star. I have several Biya and Johnny Was versions that I have collected over the years. I almost always wear them over a column of color with boots or shoes, so the jacket is the main event.
This Biya duster ( I own a few other itterations of this version) I invested in this year. I love the colors. I am wearing it with red linen shirt from JCrew, Ayr jeans ,Caddis sunnies, and Gentle Souls booties.
I have owned this version of the Biya duster(a couple on eBay here, for at least five or six years. I am wearing it with a black ribbed turtleneck (similar here),Kut from the cloth jeans, Native American cross necklace from my collection, and my Gentle Souls booties I have had for years (also on buy one get one 1/2 off).
Johnny Was gifted me this beautiful coat a few years ago. It has hidden buttons with appliques that mimic old quilting squares. You can find a couple on Poshmark here, and on eBay here. I am wearing it with a column of black, faux leather pants from Lysee, and Gentle Souls booties I have owned for years. This jacket is weighty enough to wear as outerwear.
The Statement Jacket is a Wardrobe Hero for Women Over 50
Where to Find Statement Jackets & Coats
The best place to find great statement jackets and coats are the resale outlets (eBay, poshmark, mercari, velstaire collective, etsy and the like) where you can find great interesting jackets for less. Be patient,
I am a sucker for vintage Ralph Lauren jackets and sweaters. I found this Ralph Lauren sweater at one of the resale outlets. Many of Ralph Lauren’s high end offerings command big prices in the aftermarkets. You have to be vigilant and patient to find good buys. I am wearing it with my denim trench/dress here on Poshmark, and here on eBay, Gentle Souls booties, and Gigi Pip hat.
If you have been reading this blog long, you have seen this jacket many times. It is very special to me, and I wear it often. It belonged to my sister who passed way too young. My niece packed this up and sent it to me after her death. I think of her every time I wear it.I have been on the hunt for a short tapestry jacket from Biya/Johnny was that she wore often as well. I have not been able to find it in a medium and it runs small. My sister had great style and was an incredible cook and hostess. I am wearing it with jeans just as she did, a great crossbody from Lattigo leather (I really like the quality and prices of their leather bags), and my gentle souls comfy booties. Etsy has a great selection of Kantha coats here.
Statement Coats I am Coveting
Further reading:
How to Wear a Statement Jacket Over 50
NY Times the Rise of the Statement Coat
The Power of the Statement Coat
Thank you for reading The Statement Jacket is a Wardrobe Hero for Women Over 50. The beauty of a statement jacket or coat is that it works hard for you. I have had most of mine for years. They keep you warm, stylish, and put together without much effort. It’s not about being loud; it’s about standing tall in something that feels uniquely you. Whether you gravitate toward a bold color, a timeless silhouette, or a beautiful texture, find the one that makes you feel confident every time you slip it on. Because after 50, style should be easy, expressive, and always a reflection of you. Do you have a statement coat or jacket that you love?
I was looking for a beautiful statement jacket to wear over a sheath dress — as the mother of the bride. I stumbled on Shibumi, a woman-owned company in the UK that also sells on Etsy. I purchased the most beautiful embroidered silk long jacket that was perfect for the occasion. The fabric choices and customer service were unrivaled. I have no idea how they’re handling the tariff situation, but I highly recommend this company. Be sure to note Princess Anne wearing a variety of jackets! Here’s a link:
https://www.shibumistyle.com/
Hi Bette
I think I may have that shop saved in my favorites, but thanks for sharing! I will make sure I do!
It’s so hot in TX they must have been staying in cooled areas with their coats and jackets.
I ordered an Argyle cardigan from Anthropologie, haven’t gotten it yet, I’ll probably wear it a couple times in Dec. when it’s 60 degrees. lol
Hi Cindy
It finally cooled down here, although it is that funny time of the year when it is chilly until noon and then you find yourself cooking!
Wow, Cindy! What a plethora of ideas and pictures of sweaters, jackets, and coats to wear as we head into fall and wi ter! The photos of you wearing so many inspiring looks are beautiful. You work so hard to find clothing that is lovely for your readers. Kudos to you!
Love to you,
Judy Castor
Hi Judy!!
I was thinking of you guys as I prepared todays post….all the good times antiquing all over the Midwest and New England!!
OMG – I haven’t got a single statement coat/jacket! I’ve always craved a jacket that I can embroider myself – either a heavy cotton or wool. Your cream barn jacket that was embroidered with personal detail was the inspiration. Maybe one day when I have time…
I have two barn jackets I love, a navy suede jacket, a black leather jacket, two puffa jackets and sundry vests and one almost floor length Italian tailored, double-breasted, cream, woolen overcoat (with centre back vent which is my absolute must).
I would love to have the courage to wear a statement coat but in my little town it’d be rather an eye-catcher and I like to fly under the radar. I will watch and admire you instead.
Now that italian coat sounds amazing!! I did crewel work back in the 70’s when in college…I embroidered a wool blanket for my now husband. Wish he had hung on to that!!
Love this post! And love statement jackets, particularly yours. I also style them over a column. Funny timing, just yesterday I was remembering a Chico’s jacket that I loved and wondering why I donated it! Needless to say, I’ve added to my thinking about it list.
This post gave me a smile and reminded me of “Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors”! So enjoyed this post and look forward to reading your posts every day!
Hi Helen
Let’s give a shout out to Dolly!!
The Suzani jackets are beautiful and affordable! I’m petite at 5’1” and worry about the unisize of the jackets. They usually overwhelm me. If you would guess, are they a medium sized or large? That style usually needs to be a medium sized at the largest on me. Unfortunately we do not have shops here in our small town since all shut, during the pandemic. You carry your coats and jackets well.
Hi Sydney
My jacket fits me perfectly. For reference I am 5’4 135
Beautiful jackets and coats. I recently purchased a Crewel Suzani Jacket, after seeing them on one of your recent posts. Absolutely love it, and look forward to wearing it, now that our weather is turning cooler.
Hi Jill
That crewel suzani jacket was a huge reader favorite. The one I featured in the second photo is one of them. Great price and quality!! I am so glad you enjoyed yours!
I love coats and/or sweaters! You have so many beautiful pieces! Do you pick the coat before you pick your outfit or vice versa?
Pat
Hi Pat
The coat!! I almost always wear them over a column of color, whether it is denim, black or whatever. I like to keep the lower layer simple normally! Great to hear from you! I hear you are visiting Pat & Bill soon, or maybe you have already been.
Cindy, I was blown away by your incredible jacket collection. Statement jackets are wardrobe heroes!! My favorite jacket is from Eileen Fisher. It is not colorful but makes up for that with a beautiful swingy silhouette with an inverted pleat in the back that complements my petite 77 year old frame. It is a pewter metallic material with a stand up collar. I always get complimented when I wear it. You inspired me to look for more colorful beauties. I always enjoy reading your thoughta and perusing your lovely wardrobe,
Hi Jean
I know exactly what jacket you are speaking of. For some ridiculous reason I gave mine to the Goodwill, and I have regretted it ever since. I loved those steel versions she had sometime back. They were classics.
I just returned from Round Top. Women over 50 (and those much younger) wear every style, tradition, and length of folkloric and Americana coats/jackets/kimonos/dusters. I have been sewing them for years, wearing them “column style” with Chico’s black Travelers tank and pants, jeans and denim shirts. Online independent pattern companies sell easy patterns. My women’s shelter resale shop had a Pendleton blanket for $20 !!! last week, and it is “under construction.”
Hi Linda
Roundtop is so inspiring isn’t it? I have so many old tattered textiles that I have saved for jackets etc., sadly I do not sew and have not found anyone here is the area who does. I would love to find someone that could create magic with my treasures! Can’t wait to hear about your blanket coat! Score!!
You have so many beautiful statement jackets/coats. They really do make your simple outfits stand out. I’ll keep my eye out for one locally.
Hi Joanna
It is always best to shop local!!