Oh how I love a blazer for taking an outfit up a notch in the style stakes. Winter for me is about capes, anoraks and knits but come the warmer months and I add a lighter weight blazer to my outfits. This week I had a reader enquiry about how to wear blazers when you are curvy…well I say wear them often and wear them in colour.
I know, it freaks out my clients too when I suggest colour but trust me, a blazer is the easiest way to lift your basics and the perfect way to wear your ‘best’ colour close to your face to really make your eyes and smile shine.
Target Edge to edge blazer in legion blue $55
Target Waterfall jacket in white $59
Target drawstring waist blazer (pink or navy) $55
So how do you choose your best blazer? Well you need to try them on…try lots on! Personally I steer clear of all the fuss, you know, like big pockets and big collars. When you’re curvy ‘keep it simple’. I prefer a blazer with no collar or a faux collar as it’s less bulk around my chest and allows me to add a large statement necklace or a scarf 🙂
The less bulk under your blazer the better, especially in the warmer months.
Add a print tank or cami under a plain colour blazer.
If your blazer ticks ‘most’ boxes then it might pay to take it to be altered so it’s ‘perfect for you’. Sleeves can be shortened, waists can be cinched in and arms can be taken in or let out.
If you’re pear shaped add all the ‘bells n whistles’ up top. Go for padded or embellished shoulders, lapels and collars while keeping pockets slim lined. Steer clear of angled pockets that will draw your eye outwards emphasizing your pear shape. Choose your length to sit just short of your hips.
Apple ladies (like me), choose jackets that sit just lower than your waist, a print jacket is your friend.
Blazers love a slim line bottom but don’t be afraid to experiment with a maxi dress.
You don’t need to do your blazer up…I never do…ever. Buy your blazer so it’s fitted (but still comfortable), this will enhance your curves. Make sure you can comfortably move your arms, if you can’t you’ll never wear your blazer.
Look for stretch fabrics or ponte panels in your blazer, a little stretch and ‘give’ is so much more wearable.
I love a top with a rear curved hem in a longer line, and I especially love them peeking out below a blazer.
Remember to push up your sleeves (or cuff them) a little to expose some skin, it balances the decollatage or ankles.
A white (or off white) blazer is one of the best ways to lift an outfit and can really add a sophisticated finish…even to a pair of jeans. When wearing a blazer with jeans add a canvas sneaker (like converse) for a relaxed look or finish off your outfit with a heel or wedge for a more polished dressy look.
Layer a blazer over a shirt for a creative look, like I’ve done above. I love layers for practical reasons like warmth and being able to peel off the layers when needed but I also love layers for the smoke ‘n mirrors they create. Layers are an easy way to create new lines, break up pattern, create a waist or elongate.
Target cross hatch blazer in grey marle $59
Target navy stripe ponte blazer $59
Yeah, some of these are ‘throwback’ pics when my hair and body were both a little different but they illustrate how to have fun with blazers. Add them to a dress, skirt, shorts or jeans. Bright colours love to be teamed with black, it just makes the colour really ‘pop’, so if you are a lover of black clothes just add a blazer in colour
I hope this answers some of your questions about how to wear a blazer. The warmer months are coming and you’ll see me in blazers more and more, and in colour. Take a peek at Target and City Chic next time you’re at your local shopping centre, maybe even grab a few blazers and try some on.
Are you a fan of a blazer? Do you think you might try one?
I’ve never worn a blazer, but after reading this post, I think I should. You certainly know how to carry it off. And when did Tarjay get so cool?!
You could totally wear a blazer Sammie 🙂 Target get cooler every year and this season is no exception.
He’ll yes- I love a blazer! I’d wear them everyday if I could! I have quite a slim waist for my size, so wearing a fitted jacket shows that off and really polishes an outfit.
Perfect way to enhance a nipped in waist…you’re on to a winning formula Tracy 🙂