Believe it or not, I used to really dislike blazers. Due to some traumatic blazer situations growing-up, I felt that blazers were too stiff and too masculine for my style. Obviously I've gotten over my aversion to blazers and I've done so by learning what to look for in a good blazer for my body and my taste. In fact, if there is anything I've learned from reading personal style blogs, it's that you can't just go out looking for a blazer, or a striped dress or a chambray shirt in general. You must have some specifications in mind in terms of fit and styling potential. If you don't, you will walk away with a lovely striped dress that doesn't fit or go with anything else in your closet (believe me, I've been there).
Recently Inge from This Ever Evolving Life wrote a similar post about her frustration with blazers and what she's learned about finding the perfect blazer. She gives some fantastic tips and I thought that I would throw-in my two cents. Disclaimer: these tips work for me. I realize that your body is not exactly like mine and what works for me might be the worst advice for you. However, I'm hoping that by pointing-out certain factors that go into the fit of a blazer, you will be more aware of what you can look for when shopping.
1. Material: I have found that I prefer blazers made from softer, more flexible materials like knits and ponte. These blazers feel more comfortable to me. Also, the flexibility flatters my body by accentuating my thinner points rather than being boxy like some stiffer blazers.
2. Length: I know that some ladies purposely buy blazers in various lengths to create different looks. I , however, have found that the only blazers that look good on me hit me at mid-hip. Be conscious of which lengths look best on you.
3. Detailing and Color: I think that my style is rather feminine and I don't typically like incorporating menswear pieces into my wardrobe. For this reason, I prefer blazers that have a little feminine detailing like a ruffle or that come in feminine colors (see above photo). What is your style? How can you find a blazer that fits with what you like and what you wear?
P.S. When I saw these French bobbi pins on Anthropologie's website, I knew they had to be mine. I'm a sucker for anything French! Do you have any styling advice for cute bobbi pins?
What I'm Wearing:
Blazer: Gap (exact)
Linking-Up:
Basic Training Corporate Style- Fashionably Employed
Penniless Socialite- Favorite Fashion Friday
Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance- Three-fer Thursday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Favorites
Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday
Love this post! Mine was focusing more about how to style blazers I already had, but I also realized that I just need to be better about which blazers I buy to begin with! Love this outfit on you, the dress and blazer are really cute together.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think that our posts really complimented each other :) Isn't crazy all of the things that you keep in mind while shopping now that you never contemplated before?
DeleteI love soft blazers too! So comfy! Love the pink! And J'adore the bobby pins!!!
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup! Any thoughts on creative ways to style it?
DeleteI don't use bobby pins in any way but for function, so I can't give you any pointers there, but yours are super cute! I think you have some great pointers as far as picking blazers goes!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first venture into decorative bobby pins. Haha. I think I used to wear them in middle school but I probably don't want to go for that look again.
DeleteOoooh I love this pink blazer! Sooo cute! And those tips are great! I have a couple of blazers that are a stiff material and I really don't like them. I wish I had invested in some softer pieces because I think I would get a lot more wear out of them!
ReplyDeleteI agree, before I figured all of this out, I bought blazers I didn't like very well. It's how much you learn about picking-out the right things just by paying more attention.
DeleteWe like the same kind of blazers, Whitney :). I just love that pink one--the whole outfit is great! Now I want to go shopping......(what else is new?!)
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Thanks, Allie! This blazer is still for sale at Gap (and it comes in Navy and Grey, too). I gave-up shopping for Lent it has been SO hard!
Deletelove the pink blazer and stripes combo! :)
ReplyDeleteMerrie @ www.PetiteCareerGirl.com
Definitely agree I'm still figuring out blazers and how they are best for me, but it's all part of the learning experience. I love the navy and pink combination by the way! I'm a first time visitor, but like the work wear inspiration you put together. If you're interested, I host a weekly Fashionably Employed Link Up and I think your outfits would make great additions. It goes live each Monday and you can check out this weeks (still open here). Thanks for sharing! Pinning the great color combo in this outfit for inspiration later :)
ReplyDelete~Jen
http://www.basictrainingcorporatestyle.com/2014/04/creating-depth-with-layers-stripes-and.html
Thanks SO much for stopping-by! I'm heading over to your blog to link-up :)
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