Why The Cropped Jacket is So Flattering + 4 Style Tips When Wearing a Cropped Jacket

Over 40 fashion blogger showing how to style a cropped jacket in 4 chic looks.

If I were to do a deep dive into my closet the 2 items that I have the most of are jackets and jeans.  Why you may ask? well, these are items that I wear a ton and both can be styled in so many different ways.  Focusing on the infamous third layer aka THE JACKET is a hero piece that is guaranteed to elevate any look.  In fact, adding a fabulous jacket is one of my favorite style tips when learning how to create an outfit that is both stylish and modern.

My favorite style of jacket is the cropped jacket since it’s so universally flattering, especially for petite women (5’4 and under), and here’s why.  A cropped jacket hits at the waistline which creates an illusion of a smaller waist even if you don’t already have one.  A long, oversized jacket can end up overtaking our silhouette and the cropped jacket is guaranteed to never do this. Adding a timeless and versatile cropped jacket to any look is guaranteed to take it to the next level!

  If you’re wondering how to style a cropped jacket then keep scrolling because I’m featuring 4 ways to wear a cropped jacket plus 4 STYLE TIPS when wearing a cropped jacket of any kind.

SHOP LOOK 1:

Woman over 40 wearing cropped tuxedo blazer with green fitted cargo pants as one way how to style a cropped blazer.

Over 40 Dallas fashion influencer showing how to style a cropped blazer.

4 STYLE TIPS WHEN WEARING A CROPPED JACKET:

  1. WEAR A TOP THAT IS FITTED UNDERNEATH THE JACKET: Because cropped jackets will show more of your waistline, you don’t want to have contrasting hemlines with a longer or more loose-fitting shirt. That’s why I always wear my favorite bodysuit or a fitted tank with my cropped jackets!
  2. WEAR A HEEL: A cropped jacket creates a division at the upper 1/3 of your body, so it goes without saying we want to elongate the bottom 2/3 portion as much as possible. A surefire way to do this is to wear a heel! Even if it’s a kitten heel or a low heel it will go a long way toward creating that slimming lengthening effect.
  3. TUCK IN YOUR SHIRT: This will accentuate your waist even more contributing to the divider at the upper 1/3 of your body. Even the half-tuck will do if you don’t like tucking your shirt in all the way!
  4. PAIR WITH HIGH-WAISTED DENIM OR PANTS: If you’ve followed me for any length of time then you know I absolutely preach the benefits of high-waisted pants. So it’s no surprise that high-waisted bottoms are the recommended style when wearing cropped jackets! This style will accentuate your waist and make your legs look even longer and slimmer.

 

 

MADEWELL CROPPED JACKET:

The first jacket in this guide for how to style a cropped jacket is this tuxedo blazer from Madewell. I love the luxe Italian fabric and you can never go wrong with a black blazer. It also happens to be ON SALE for 60% making it well under $100. I’m wearing an XS and I find it fits true to size.

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GREEN CARGO PANTS:

I love the classic style of these olive cargo pants from Nordstrom. The cotton fabric is super comfortable and holds its shape very well. They are also very flattering thanks to the high waist! I’m wearing a size 24 in these classic cargo pants.

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Over 40 fashion blogger wearing lace embellished cropped jacket with skyscraper jeans as one way how to style a cropped jacket.

SHOP LOOK 2:

IVORY CROPPED JACKET (UNDER $100):

I am completely in LOVE with this next cropped jacket! The lace detailing on the sleeves absolutely takes it to the next level and the ivory shade can be worn all year round. I’m wearing an XS in this affordable option.

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Dallas Woman over 40 showing how to style a cropped jacket with the hottest denim silhouette of 2023.

SHOP LOOK 3:

Over 40 fashion blogger wearing chanel inspired cropped jacket with wide-leg denim and a white bodysuit.

Over 40 woman from Dallas wearing white bodysuit with cropped tweed jacket and wide leg denim with designer handbag.

CROPPED TWEED JACKET:

The next look in my guide for how to style a cropped jacket features this gorgeous Chanel- inspired tweed number. The detailing brings a lot of interest to a look and I like that it’s fitted enough to go well with one of the most popular denim trends of 2023: wide-leg denim. I’m wearing an XS in this designer dupe that is on sale for 20% off right now.

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Dallas over 40 fashion influencer wearing Alice & Olivia cropped blazer with modern skinny jeans as an example of how to style a cropped jacket.

SHOP LOOK 4:

Dallas fashion blogger over 40 showing how to style a cropped jacket with modern skinny jeans and platform sandals.

Dallas woman over 40 wearing cropped satin blazer with modern skinny jeans and white bodysuit.

ALICE AND OLIVIA CROPPED SATIN BLAZER:

The last look in this guide for how to style a cropped jacket features a designer piece I can’t get enough of. This cropped satin blazer from Alice & Olivia is all kinds of chic and I just LOVE the retro vibes of the structured shoulders. I’m wearing a size 0 in this luxurious cropped blazer.

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BUDGET-FRIENDLY VERSION 20% OFF WITH CODE HEATHER20:

If the designer version is out of your budget I highly recommend this option from one of my new favorite designers, Karen Millen. It is so similar, the only difference being that this one has pockets. This jacket happens to be $70 off and you can get a further 20% off with code HEATHER20. These discounts combined make for a deal that’s too good to pass up!

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Thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate you!

XOXO, HEATHER

My mission is to empower women to look and feel confident. I hope through the different looks I create that I am able to inspire YOU to express yourself in a way that makes YOU feel good – on the inside and on the out. If you wear what you love and what you feel your best in your confidence will shine through and that is the best accessory a woman can wear! Every woman deserves to look and feel like the best versions of themselves, no matter what their age!

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