Raise your hand if you ever had a pair of railroad stripe OshKosh B’Gosh overalls like I did many decades ago? Or maybe your kids have sported them? Just add the engineer’s cap and you’ve got an instant costume. But the jacket? Now, that’s a staple that should be hanging in every gal’s closet.
I’ve always got my eye out for a completer piece that I don’t already have and as soon as I spied this trucker styled jacket in a railroad stripe, I knew had found gold. It’s classic and versatile but perhaps a bit unexpected because of the stripe which makes it a great alternative to a denim jacket. Pop quiz time … do you know why this iconic fabric is associated with the clothing worn by train engineers?
This striped fabric is akin to seersucker and in the latter part of the 1800’s, a type of heavyweight dark blue seersucker known as “hickory stripe” was used to make the overalls, work jackets and peaked caps of train engineers and railroad workers. The fabric was durable like denim, cheap to produce, and was easy to see at great distances.
Few of the items in my closet are one trick ponies and this jacket is no exception. The blue and white color combination makes it “suitable” for work, easy to get playful in when paired with denim, and it can be fun and flirty, too. Like with other “I gotta have it” items, I was mentally creating outfits while waiting in line to pay for this beauty and it became the perfect choice for this week’s featured item.
Dressed Up For Work
In Up Down All-Around, I usually share my work look first so that is what you see below. I paired the jacket with a tweed skirt, a print top, and an old favorite pair of wedge pumps. In recent years, I moved away from the matchy-matchy look of a tailored suit in favor of separates. Most often, my completer piece is a cardigan because blazer/jackets aren’t as plentiful in the stores as they once were.
Jacket – Croft & Barrow (exact,
other colors as well)
Top – Loft Factory Store, bought last year (option 1, option 2)
Skirt – Michael Kors, old (similar look, another option)
Pumps – Carlos, old (similar look, peep-toe option)
Dressed For Play
A basic look for play is jeans, a tee, and fashion athletic shoes … check, check, check. Last month as I was looking through all of the red/white/blue options that were so predominately on display in the stores, I found this graphic tee that was sporting the patriotic theme but it didn’t smack you in the face with it.
A palm tree made of stars, a surfboard, and rolled cuffs on my thrifted jeans define my California casual look. Notice the gathering of fabric near my left index finger? It’s the old “coin and rubber band” trick that I use to draw in my boxier tops for a more shapelier silhouette.
Dressed For Fun
As you can see, I’ve stayed with mostly blue and white for each of these looks and with this last one, I’m mixing up another variety of patterns. The fullness of my peplum top is balanced out by the slim fit of my cropped pants and the added height that I get from my cork wedge sandals.
Not only do I have mixed patterns in this outfit, I’ve also mixed my metals. Gold toned jewelry with blue and white is a classic look, and even though the buttons on the jacket are silver toned, I think that the combination adds a twist to an old standard.
Top – Merona, no longer available (fun option, another cute choice)
Pants – Harper, this print no longer available (very similar, lots of sizes and colors)
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s link-up is Jen from Librarian For Life And Style. Her artistically inspired shirtdress worn as a tunic certainly fits with the floral theme for last week. I adore how Jen has kept the accessories neutral to allow the main focus to remain on the lovely print.
These “3 looks” posts are my favorite to do because I rarely buy something without thinking about the variety of ways and occasions I will wear it. Whether it’s an investment piece or a fast-fashion item, I think that personal style is about how you mix an item into your current wardrobe and adapt it to your lifestyle. There are more ideas for my railroad stripe jacket swirling in the gray matter so don’t be surprised if you see it again in another post sometime soon.
Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.
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20 Comments
I love these jackets because they are so perfect for many occasions, Rena!!
And the best thing about this stripe is it’s a little easier to print mix because the stripes are so subtle!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…Sending love for Monday…
Jodie, I like the stripe because it’s a bit unexpected and usually triggers some interesting comments.
Rena, this is the cutest jacket! I love all three ways you have it styled! It’s funny that you showcased this particular jacket today as I just spotted a railroad striped denim jacket on the clearance rack at Kohl’s the other day and I thought “Ooh, I have to have this!” But alas, the largest size I could find was a medium which would never do. I may have to check online for it! I hope you are well, my friend! You will be in my thoughts all next week for sure!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, great minds think alike. When I last checked, most sizes were still available on-line so I hope you luck out. And thanks for the positive thoughts for the coming week.
Hope your having a great weekend Rena! Looking fabulous as always xx
http://www.vanity and me style.com
Thank you, Laurie.
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t have a denim jacket! Love them! Have a great weekend.
Nancy, I have far too many denim jackets so finding one with an unusual twist was a lucky break.
Awwww, thanks for the shout-out! 🙂 And I loooooooove remixing posts — they’re so practical AND inspiring, my favorite combo!
You’re most welcome, Jen.
I purchased a railroad striped Jean jacket at Penny’s probably 15 years ago. In my many wardrobe purging since then I have kept it. It’s a CLASSIC!!! Thank YOU Rena for doing some creative pattern mixing with it because for some reason that had not occured to me!! I LOVE mixing patterns but had over looked the potential of this jacket. Your inspiration is charging my creative juices.
I am keeping you close in mind and heart and sending good karma and prayers for a successful surgery on Monday. You’ve got this girlfriend.
Jude, the railroad stripe is indeed a classic. I’m so glad to hear that you still have that jacket and I know that you must have some great ideas for styling it.
that is such a cute jacket and you styled it fabulously. I prefer the looser cut of the trucker style too.
It is great to have in the wardrobe such a versatile and cute piece like this jacket. o)
That’s a great jacket, Rena! Both my boys had railroad stripe overalls… Brings back memories.
It’s such a versatile jacket, just like a denim jacket, but much more interesting.
Great jacket and love the ways you styled it! You’re a doll!
LOve this striped jacket!!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/carrying-some-drama-in-sleeves-to-work/
Such a great twist on a denim jacket! I enjoyed seeing the variety of ways you have styled it – they are all fab. I don’t remember owning this type of overall myself, but I know my sons did when they were tots.
I love your style! Great post and blog!
http://chicglamstyle.com
I know I had overalls and they might have been Osh Kosh! There’s so much blue in this post! I think that my favorite is your office look!