A Jacket for Sundays, Lunches and Everything Else

The first thing I noticed was the stand collar. It gave the jacket a more polished look without needing a scarf, and the three large covered buttons matched the fabric.

I was still a little unsure. I've owned tailored jackets that felt stiff or pulled awkwardly when I moved, and I didn't want another one hanging unused in my closet.

The Vera also had seams at the waist, a slightly flared hem, and side pockets. Those details made it look more shaped than my old cardigan, while still appearing practical enough for everyday wear.

Of course, photographs can only tell you so much. I would have to try it on to see whether it felt as good as it looked.

When the package arrived, I carried it inside and opened it in the hallway.

I took the jacket out and held it up in front of the mirror. The beige looked just as I had expected from the photos, and the covered buttons and collar gave it a neat, finished appearance.

Then I tried it on.

I turned slightly to look at the shape from the side. The seams at the waist gave it some definition, while the flared hem kept it from feeling too formal.

I smiled at my reflection. It was a small thing, but I felt good in it, and that was exactly what I had hoped for.

The following Saturday, I wore the Vera to the farmers market, where I usually pick up honey and apples.

As always, I bought my coffee first. Then I walked between the stalls with my cup in one hand and the other tucked into one of the jacket's side pockets.

Gail, who lives two doors down from me, was standing by the honey stall. She looked at me and said, "Well, look at you."

I laughed and told her it was just a new jacket.

She gave me a knowing little smile, and I bought two jars of honey before heading home.

It was a simple morning, but I noticed how easily the Vera fitted into my routine. I could wear it with my usual clothes and feel a little more put together without making a special effort.

The following Thursday, I met my friends Carol and Jean for our usual lunch.

It was windy when I arrived, so I slipped my hands into the side pockets while I waited for them. With my old cardigan, one pocket had a hole in it, so having two proper pockets was a welcome change.

Inside the café, I wore the jacket open over a white shirt and jeans.

Carol noticed it almost immediately. "Is that new?" she asked.

Jean told me to stand up so she could have a proper look. I laughed, stood beside the table, and turned around for them.

Carol smiled and said I looked like myself again.

I didn't know quite what to say to that, but I thought about it for the rest of lunch. I hadn't bought the jacket to impress anyone. I had simply wanted something that felt right for me.

After wearing the beige Vera a few times, I started to see how easily it worked with the rest of my wardrobe.

I could wear it over a white shirt and black trousers for church, or pair it with jeans for a more casual day. The shape made an ordinary outfit feel a little more finished without being overly dressy.

I also appreciated the practical details. The pockets were useful, the buttons gave the jacket a neat appearance, and the stand collar added structure without requiring much styling.

For years, my gray cardigan had been the easiest thing to grab by the door. Now, I had another option that felt just as easy to wear but suited the occasions when I wanted to look a little more put together.

The Vera hadn't changed my wardrobe completely. It had simply given me a piece I was happy to reach for.

The Vera is included in the Ellis & Rose Fall Sale, making it a good time to explore the available styles for the season.

If you've been looking for a jacket that feels polished without being too formal, you can check the product section below to see which colors and sizes are currently available.

I paid $74.99 for mine. The page shows $199.95 as the earlier price. It is called the Fall Sale, and the page says it runs while sizes last. I cannot tell you for how long but I would grab your chance.