All You Need is Tweed

While we are still enjoying this “don’t need a real coat yet” weather and out shopping for our heavy duty outerwear, we still need something to wear as the temperature begins to drop. One stylish option for both men and women is a tweed jacket.

Tweed is on my official cold weather fabrics list, but some fashionistas wear tweed in warmer months, too. In fact, it seems like this year, designers campaigned to add this fabric to the “year-round list,” right next to leather.

A tweed jacket is always a perfect option for cooler weather, so this is an item that will work year after year if you choose a basic style. It also happens to be perfect to work most of the current trends we are seeing for both men and women: the retro look, the menswear, and equestrian.

Women have two classic styles to choose from: a short, boxy “Chanel” jacket, and a menswear-styled blazer that hits below the hips. Both of these styles look great for work with a nice trouser or a stylish skirt; for play, you can pair either one with jeans and a t-shirt.

For an instant ladylike look that works for both styles, all you need is to pile on the pearls for an effortless, chic European look. Several of these jackets are already embellished with piping on the pockets or ornate buttons, but to get more mileage, opt for a plain jacket in both styles and add your own embellishments like brooches, faux fur collars, and pocket squares.

For men, the tweed jacket is stylish, and can also swing dressy or casual, depending on the rest of your outfit. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt can instantly go out with a pair of nice shoes; you can also head to the office with a pair of khakis or woolen slacks.

A tweed jacket can be considered a wardrobe stable for both men and women. Both may want to spend a little more on this particular item, but it’s definitely an investment, especially if you plan on letting it serve as outerwear until you need a traditional coat. After that, it can simply join the rest of your wardrobe for the rest of the season.