There is something undeniably special about a jacket that does all the talking. This season, I'm loving the return of the opera jacket: a little dramatic, a little romantic, and just the right amount of unexpected. Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, evening dressing and the beautiful tailoring we've seen from designers, the opera jacket is having a moment. Think velvet, satin lapels, intricate embellishments, beautiful buttons and cropped silhouettes that make an ordinary outfit feel a little more considered.
But here's what I love most about this trend: you don't have to be heading to the opera, a black-tie event or even a particularly fancy dinner to wear one.
The secret is in how you style it. Pair a statement jacket with denim, keep the rest of your outfit understated, or lean into the glamour with beautiful evening separates. It's all about finding the balance between polished and effortless. Here are three ways I'd wear an opera jacket right now.
Look 1: The Everyday Statement
One of my favorite ways to wear a more elaborate piece is to pair it with something completely unexpected. Enter your favorite jeans. A beautifully tailored or brocade opera jacket paired with straight-leg or relaxed denim is the perfect combination of dressed-up and undone. Add a simple white tank or fitted knit underneath, a classic leather belt and a great pair of pointed-toe flats or kitten heels. For accessories, I'd keep things relatively simple: a structured handbag, gold earrings and perhaps a great pair of sunglasses. The beauty of this look is that the jacket becomes the focal point. You don't need to overthink the rest.
Tara’s Style Edit: The easiest way to make a statement jacket feel wearable is to dress it down. Pair something traditionally formal with a casual staple like denim. The contrast makes the entire outfit feel modern rather than overly dressed.
Look 2: The Polished Evening Look
For a dinner, a cocktail party or an evening out, I love the idea of a beautiful black opera jacket paired with tailored trousers. Look for interesting details: satin lapels, velvet fabric, jeweled buttons, subtle beading or a little sparkle along the cuffs. These are the details that make a jacket feel special without requiring an entire evening wardrobe. Underneath, wear a simple silk camisole, a fitted black top or even a beautiful strapless piece. Add wide-leg black trousers, a pointed-toe heel and a small clutch. If your jacket has embellishment, let it do the work. You don't need statement jewelry, a dramatic shoe and a bold handbag all competing for attention.
Tara’s Style Edit: When wearing a statement jacket, think about proportion. A cropped or fitted jacket looks especially beautiful with a high-waisted, wide-leg trouser. It creates a flattering silhouette and makes the outfit feel intentional.
Look 3: A Little More Romance
This is the look for anyone who loves a little femininity and doesn't mind standing out. I love pairing a beautifully embellished or textured opera jacket with a fluid satin midi skirt or slip dress. The combination of structure on top and movement on the bottom creates a really beautiful balance. Try a cream, champagne or black skirt with a richly textured jacket. A simple camisole or fine-knit top underneath keeps the outfit from feeling too formal. Finish with a delicate heel, a small evening bag and understated jewelry. You could wear this to a special dinner, a celebration, a winter wedding or even a night at the theater. And don't be afraid to mix textures. Velvet with silk, tweed with satin, or embellishment with a simple fluid skirt can make an outfit feel much more interesting.
Tara’s Style Edit: Don't be afraid to mix dressy textures. The most interesting outfits often combine pieces that you wouldn't necessarily think to wear together. A structured jacket and a softer, flowing skirt create just the right amount of contrast.
