This year, I’m trying to be more aware of the pieces I grab all the time for styling. You may know at this point how much I adore styling up a pair of shoes or jeans a bunch of ways — it’s my absolute favorite thing to write about and do here. But then it dawned on me (and Angela mentioned it, too…thanks Ang!) that I always reach for my Anine Bing olive utility jacket when putting together those kinds of posts.
Why I Love The Anine Bing Army Jacket
When thinking about why I always reach for this jacket, after having tried quite a few in a similar style over the years from various brands, I have a number of reasons in mind…
- the fit: it’s casual but structured
- the feel: the fabric is soft, but not drapey and it’s SO well-made
- the details: the collar, the seam details and the fabric make this better than others I’ve tried
- the color: it’s not too blue, not too dark – a classic army green, which turns out is the perf neutral
- the versatility: it’s a real outfit-maker…pops easily over almost anything and adds structure
- the style: it’s a classic cool style without being too boring or too trendy
at Shopbop | at Anine Bing | most similar alternative (on sale!) | cute plus size option (on sale!)
jacket, S: at Shopbop // at Anine Bing | tee (xs) | jeans** (28) | loafers
These things are really all we can ask for in a jacket! I do realize the price tag on this one is steep, so while I got mine on sale a few years ago, I think it’s worth the look at why I love it and cost-per-wear consideration. I’ve also linked some similar options at the bottom so you can rock this vibe at different price points.
But I do find myself, after having tried on a bazillion things over the 5+ years at this job, slowly adding more higher-end pieces into my wardrobe. As someone who used to ADORE a bargain (and still does) I have found that the items I think about for a while and spend a little more on are the ones that remain in my forever closet instead of being donated or resold. They just have those little special details in the shape, fit and style that make this picky gal like them better. They’re the things I wind up bringing on trips with me when I can only choose a few pieces. They’re the ones I wind up talking about in blog posts like these. Haha. Now let’s get to the styling.
4 Ways To Style The Anine Bing Army Jacket
1. To Warm Up A T-Shirt Dress
I don’t wear a ton of dresses, but when I do, I really prefer to layer a jacket of some kind on top. Unless it’s the hottest of days, this is my go-to casual dress look. I adore the sleeves pushed up on this jacket for some rad styling, and it’s just soft enough to allow this to work! (Note: for some reason the color of the jacket is a little bluer in this pic than IRL)
jacket, S: at Shopbop // at Anine Bing | dress (s) | slides (so comfy!)
2. To Jazz Up Your Sweats
Anything comfy and drapey and not dressy needs a little structure to make it feel street-appropriate, in my book. I used to grab a denim jacket all the time, and while I still don’t mind that look, these days I’m opting for this instead.
jacket, S: at Shopbop // at Anine Bing | pants or here (1) | tee (or this tee on sale) | vans
3. To Make A Graphic Tee & Jeans Look More Pulled-Together
This would be fine without the jacket, but how much more styled and rad is it with? Yes. It’s the basic outfit saver!
jacket, S: at Shopbop // at Anine Bing | jeans** (28) | tee** | sneakers
4. To Finish Off A Joggers Look
Especially for slouchy comfy stuff…saved again by the structured jacket! I have had a lot of coffee at this point! Everything is exciting!! But seriously, this is my loungewear-to-streetwear trickiest of tricks!
jacket, S: at Shopbop // at Anine Bing | tee (xs) | joggers (s) | loafers
A Great Army Jacket Alternative From The Gap
I was placing a Gap order recently and noticed this cute option they have. The green is so pretty and a little bluer than mine, if that’s a better shade for you. It’s also a little longer but has a drawstring waist at the back for a flattering fit. The material is a little more structured than my Anine Bing you see above, but is still soft to the touch. It’s a great alternative, as is this cute one from Banana Republic, if you’re looking for a green that seems more olive like mine.
GAP Utility Jacket (s) | tee** | jeans (26) | sneakers
Shop My Anine Bing Army Jacket & A Few More Like It
I realized I’ve also thrown this jacket on with denim cutoffs (see my favorite pair reviewed here) but haven’t snapped a pic. I will have to do that soon and put it up on socials. It’s super cute, and ooh…I’m thinking would be a great topper for the shorts outfit in my latest white loafers post, too!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have codependency issues with our jackets. We always need one. Even in the dead of summer, I rarely go anywhere without a jacket. If you live somewhere more moderate, you probably know what I mean. This was less so the case for me when I lived in Nashville and just wanted a light cardi I could fit in my purse for buildings blasting the AC, but what living here in Portland has taught me is that jackets are real outfit-making pieces. They can seriously make or break your look. Good news about the army jacket? It always seems to be a real game-changer!
As always, if you have any fit or style questions, drop them in the comments below or DM me on IG at @laurajansenstyle! Happy to answer them in either spot!
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily musings, donut pics and dance parties over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle. I try to keep it real over there, with a side of fun and a good dose of social justice.
