I have my eye on the expressive quilted jackets from Free People, Chloe, for…a Really long time. Are they too boxy? And the prints – they are pretty, sure, but do they only work in these sooooo much specific circumstances in the style of Free People? Think: going to a festival, worn over a bra… or an inexplicable winter hike, wearing only huge fur boots and a fluffy hat (no pants, apparently) and maybe a voluminous giant T-shirt?
I know you know what I’m talking about.
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Shorts (27) | Bag | Sneakers
But we had one of those quilted jackets (in the “maroon” combination) hanging around the office, and soon I found myself…in love with it. First, it’s softer than I imagined it would be – not stiff at all – and almost cozy when you put it on once the AC kicks on. I ended up reaching for it so often that – even though I wasn’t planning on doing any winter hikes without pants (although some would say my denim shorts come close, haha) – I finally gave in and bought a quilted Chloe jacket.
Is the Free People Chloe Quilted Jacket Worth the Price? (A Review)
FP Jacket (size small) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Dress | Bag | Flip-Flops
First things first: This quilted jacket is made of 91% cotton, 9% viscose and the quilting is 100% polyester, so it *almost* works like a fleece jacket – or surprisingly warm. There’s a toggle closure that works well enough (definitely more of a fashion jacket than a technical one), and the fit is roomy rather than oversized. But the jacket is soft against bare skin and feels good.
Let us delve into this.
How does the FP Chloe quilted jacket fit?
FP Jacket (size small) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Dress | Bag | Flip-Flops
I just described this jacket as “roomy,” and by that I mean that the armholes and sleeves are cut wide enough to fit over even the thickest sweater. While the jacket has an oversized seeI ended up going with my usual size S. This is notable because I usually have to size down with Free People jackets (I’m an XS on the FP Pippa Puffer, for example), so despite the overall oversized look, I wouldn’t size down. The main differences between sizes seemed to be sleeve length and a little more room in the shoulders. But since this piece is roomy on the inside—not just big and long—this jacket layers like a champ.
Which color/print should I choose?
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Shorts (27) | Bag | Sneakers
I ordered several colorways to try out and found this one—“Dark Combo” at Free People or “Midnight Combo” at Nordstrom & Revolve—to be my favorite. The smaller print made it easier to wear—it looked less overwhelming on my smaller frame—and the fact that the print has a decent amount of black in it is grounding and made it blend pretty seamlessly into my year-round wardrobe.
I also loved the Maroon Combo – basically the same print, just in brighter colors. And although I didn’t end up keeping the wild, feminine Peach Combo, it looks drop dead pretty. Since these are such bold jackets, there’s probably a way to combine a print that you like.
Can the Chloe jacket from Free People be washed?
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Shorts (27) | Bag
The instructions are simple: machine wash cold. I would probably let mine dry *mostly* outside the dryer, hang it up, and then put it in the dryer for a few minutes to soften it. Based on the softness level of the jacket hanging around the office, these jackets are Do become softer over time.
Outfit ideas with the Chloe jacket from Free People
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Shorts (27) | Bag | Sneakers
Apparently a statement jacket like this is a clear hit with t-shirts and jeans – and the comfortable/casual/cool vibe of this jacket is made to pair with everyday basics. And while I’m not putting this jacket through its FULL test (it is still summer, after all), I’m pretty happy with how I was able to incorporate it into my existing wardrobe.
Outfit 1: With summer dress
FP Jacket (size small) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Dress | Bag | Flip-Flops
This was perhaps my most exciting discovery: this quilted jacket looks great with dresses. It has something of that oversized bomber jacket (again, casual/cool) and just factories. In fact, I try it on with a few different dresses in our YouTube video No More Denim Jackets With Dresses: What to Wear Instead.
So for those summer nights when a cool breeze comes along and I wish I had something to put on… this jacket.
Outfit 2: With boxer shorts
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Boxer Shorts
I Love my boxers (just a cheap pair from the men’s section at GAP), but they’re so casual that I feel a little silly wearing them *too* dressed up. For me, boxers work best with sandals/tank top/dressed up. But this Chloe jacket, because it’s a “Just A Little Cotton Jacket,” has enough casual vibe to go perfectly with really casual pieces like boxers. And yet it still elevates the look (which a regular hoodie wouldn’t).
Outfit idea 3: With striped tank top + jeans
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Tank Top (small) | Jeans (27) | Bag
This is basically my uniform for early fall. And that’s the great thing about florals: they look great with stripes.
side note: These jeans are some of the sexiest I’ve ever worn – the matching denim belt is awesome.
Outfit idea 4: Over a matching tracksuit
FP Jacket (size S) – also at Nordstrom, Saks, Revolve | Travel kit (XS) | Sneakers | similar backpack | suitcase
So here’s something fun: Those capelets from Frank & Eileen that I love so much? They are great for layering on other pieces, I literally can’t think of a single coat that fits above them. Until now! The whole thing is a fantastic travel outfit – the FP Chloe jacket helps with the wild airplane AC and will look really cute when you get to your destination with all the dresses/jeans/pants/shorts in the suitcase.
That’s it! I know someone is going to ask me about the Amazon dupe, and I…I just don’t know. In general, the similar pieces on Amazon aren’t as good as the real thing (of course there are exceptions), and I’m uncomfortable with how similar the dupees look to the Chloe quilted jacket (the color combinations are almost identical – they even use FP images that you can report to Amazon for your FYI).
However, I can vouch for the comfort and quality of the FP Quilted Jacket. It is a garment that is surprisingly practical and really fun to wear.
Hello,
S
