Pulling You Up By the Lapels

Attached is an image of now out of print Vogue Pattern V8400. I owned and worked this jacket pattern to death using a variety of 2 yard lengths of fabrics to make jackets that never cost me much (Remember Paron 50% Off Fabric post?). Each one usually took me about 2-3 hours to complete and since I took liberties with finishing no two versions were ever alike. Without the collar they seemed more relaxed. I wore them with the ease of a wrap sweaters but I rarely wore them for long because they always had an air of dating about them. They ending up hiding at the back of my closet until I had the urge to pull them out again and play or decided to donate them to make room back there for other things.

I recently read that the collarless v-neck jacket is trying to make it's way back into fashion. Perhaps its time to have another look at them? I won't take this as an opportunity to gloat about the fact that I can just reach to the back of my closet and wear what I have, because knowing me I will find that pattern and make a brand new one that reflects this seasons fabrics and colors.

I will suggest that before you go spending 100s of dollars on the new versions that you consider finding a simple pattern and investing the time to make one to "try on" the style and see if it works for you. Your version need not be lined and making it will allow you to fit length and size to your needs. If sewing a jacket isn't something you would consider doing why not take a jacket you love but rarely wear, or a jacket you find on the sale or on consignment store rack, to a tailor and have the collar removed and the body re-styled to meet your needs. It will still cost less that then current price the designers' tags are asking.

Havia Collarless Jacket Theory$439.50

Chloe Pre Fall 2009