This guest post was provided by Shana from The Mom Edit to solve my real-life fashion challenge of always grabbing my gray fleecy North Face jacket-sweatshirt-thing Every Single Day. Last time, she answered my clothing conundrum call for help (4 perfect pooch-hiding nursing-friendly outfits), I bought 5 new things. FIVE! That’s crazy for me.
Heather asked me to come up with some North Face jacket alternatives. This, it turns out, is tricky. I mean OK – there is always the standard fashion-mag-answer: ‘wear a chic blazer’ or something….but I just can’t see myself ever debating between the two. I reach for the North Face jacket when it’s cold, when I need to fit a jacket over a bulky sweater, when I want to be comfortable (or, in other words, 99% of the time), and I reach for a chic blazer, uh…um…
[crickets]
Well. In my head, I reach for my chic blazer when I go to the office (never), or date night (rare).
So. In order to find stylish alternatives to North Face jackets, I must also find pieces that are practical (read: washable) and cozy. Or else they’ll find themselves hanging with all of my chic blazers – in the back of the closet.
[click to see larger!]
1. Chic Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are having a big moment. So big, in fact, that they are masquerading as chic jackets. My favorite is the sweatshirt-as-moto-jacket. This seriously versatile piece elevates any daily denim ‘momiform’, yet looks equally amazing over a dress for date night.
Want to be totally on-trend? Try a bomber jacket. The sporty-chic vibe of the jacket looks especially cool with striped tees and ankle-length denim for day, or with a bandage mini at night.
3. Upgraded Workout Jacket
Of course, you could just upgrade to a more stylish performance jacket. They may not be quite a cozy as the ubiquitous North Face, but most do offer wind and rain protection, and layer beautifully over sweaters. If you go this route, be picky. Look for a workout jacket with special details (asymmetric zips, or strategically placed ruffles) or – my fav – a seriously cool pattern. I especially love these with coated (faux-leather) denim.
4. Layer Vests and Hoodies
Hoodies alone aren’t anything special. Puffer vests? Same deal. But when you put puffer vests with hoodies, the sum is greater than each of its parts. Elevate the look further by going with a cashmere hoodie (I swear by these – just handwash), and a puffer vest with something special: retro details, or a chic pattern.
Any other ideas for getting out of the North Face jacket rut? I’d love to hear them!
[ps affiliate links embedded in this post will let you purchase easily and give a few cents to Shana]
where can i find #1? i don’t see an affiliate link and i’m in love! i too have a go to… my adidas zip up (for running… yea like that’s happening). It’s past time for an update
Kelsey, your email didn’t work, but I hope you come back to see the links!
Any links for the chic sweatshirts? That sounds great!
The magic affiliate links aren’t working and I want these cool layers as much as y’all do. I will personally email anyone who comments once they’re up and running!
I would love the link for these jackets. Thanks.
So, here in northern California, it doesn’t get too cold. But during the winter here, I pretty much live in my Batwing & Robin jacket from Athleta (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93755&vid=1&pid=918829002). It’s surprisingly warm for such a light weight hoodie, and I find the cut quite flattering. I frequently get compliments on it 🙂
North Face is apparently the new trendy non-trend according to NYMag http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/02/normcore-fashion-trend.html
Cheers!
I already bought the black modcloth moto sweatshirt jacket thing and am contemplating the anthropologie for twice the price… what? it’s my birthday month! 😉
@Hayley that’s a cool article… I only started reading it and it’s blowing my mind.
Shana, by “handwash” do you mean put it in the washing machine on cold in a lingerie bag on the hand wash setting, or do I really need to hand wash?
This is funny because I just got a new gray fleece today! I’m a breastfeeding mom of a 6 week old in chilly Pittsburgh, PA so I needed something warm to wear around the house that provides easy access for nursing. But, at this time, the fleece is just for wearing in the house. I usually put on a cardigan (and a warm winter coat) when I go out.
@CKM, Fleece is very practical for new moms as a spit-up repellant and protector of underlying clothes. I had just found that I grabbed it all the time for wearing around my house so my husband never saw my always-adorable outfits. heh.
I’m still picturing going out at night with Heather and her showing up in a “bandage mini.” (Which I had to google image search to confirm it was what I thought it was.) Love ya Heather but I am not seeing it!! LOL!
Karen and all, If I do buy a bandage mini, can I wear pants under it?
I have the first jacket and I love it! It’s perfect for LA, but may be a little thin for other parts of the country (unless layered it as suggested).