The Budget Fashionista

How much should your suit jacket match with your skirt or pants? Other than the traditional black on black, what other combinations do you wear? I love the effect of a black or white jacket over a colourful print skirt. But how about black pinstripe over a plain black skirt like so: http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/risephotography/JACKETS/772988_F.jpg?

I happen to think that coordinating, rather than matching, works best. I rarely wear jackets, but I love to wear my dark olive jacket with a black shell and black skirt. I also have a navy wool jacket that originally came with a matching skirt. I loved that suit for a long time, but then I got taller, and the skirt became too short, so I replaced it with a longer skirt in a darker navy. It doesn’t match exactly, but I love it. Plus, during the summer, I once wore my black wrap top with an ivory shell and my favorite print skirt with the black background. I would’ve worn it again, but I started to show.

I also like the idea of a pinstripe jacket with a solid skirt.

To me, it just looks better when things aren’t so matchy-matchy.

too matched is an old look. You are on the right track. As long as it relates in some way it works.

I totally agree! This issue always makes me think of what Clinton Kelly and Stacy London always say on What Not to Wear (love that show)—it doesn’t have to match, it just has to go. That goes for suit separates, handbags and shoes, accessories, you name it. Makes every look more modern, quite frankly . . .

Not only is it a more modern look, but it also looks more confident, like you have your own style (which everyone has) and you know it (which not everyone does).

I know a lot of women who are horrified at the idea of a jacket and skirt that don’t match. I’ve heard at least one rude comment on my navy jacket and darker navy skirt because they don’t match. I think the outfit looks better precisely because they don’t match.

I’m also a mix it/match it kinda gal.  Since I am a shoe-a-holic, I play mixes with shoes.  Unexpected pops.  If it is for a matched up suit I’m wild with the shoes.  If I change textures/patterns/colors within the suit/dress I’m more conservative with the shoes.  I think its so fun and you just don’t look like everyone else, yet tailored.