Trend to Try – The Blazer

Blazers are so on trend right now. Gone are the days of this wardrobe staple being relegated to corporate wear or masculine man style dressing. Today you’ll see blazers in tweed, denim, military style & every colour of the rainbow. They’re being worn over dresses and jeans, from casual to cocktail, summer to winter and everything in between!

Tips for getting fitted for a blazer

When buying a blazer you want to make sure it’s a comfortable fit, there is nothing worse than feeling like you can’t raise your arms, wrangle kids or give a special someone a hug. Make sure your blazer is made from fabric that feels comfy and look for stretch. this means your blazer won’t feel tight across your back, under your arms or around your arms. Winning! See below for a very special blazer with stretch.

Note that not all blazers need to be done up – but take that into consideration when you’re trying one on – would you like that option? Personally I never ever do a blazer up, I prefer the way it can cut me into thirds or break up a colour/print and doing it up totally goes against all that. Do you want to wear it long or short in length? If wearing a shorter style then add a top underneath with a little more length for a stylish look. What’s the fabric like – is it going to be easy to take care of, does the fabric breathe?

Can you cuff the sleeves? Cuffing the sleeves of a blazer means you will expose slim wrists and skin, balancing the skin of our face and decollatage…try it and you will love it. Even better, look for a blazer with a fun lining so that when you cuff the sleeve you expose it a little. Little tips like this lead you a step closer to a stylish and ‘pulled together’ look. You’re welcome 🙂

There are literally so many options in a Blazer so make sure you choose one that works for you!

Take a stroll with me and let’s have a look at some styles in blazers that I love plus I will show you how you can make this timeless but totally on trend item work for you.

With Jeans

My personal fave look is jeans, a T-shirt (plain white or slogan), a blazer and a pair of ankle boots – on trend & timeless. So easy to dress up or down. Want a more ‘laidback’ look?…swap the boots for sneakers. More ‘amped’ up? Switch the tee to shirt and add heels for an instant & stylish upgrade, perfect for date night or drinks with the girls.

Tunisia Double Breasted Blazer (18-26), City Chic So Plaid Jacket (14-22), Loriel Longline Blazer (18-26)

Go Feminine

Offset your masculine blazer by layering it over something ultra feminine like a floral maxi dress or floaty skirt. If you choose a skirt then add a t-shirt to make your bottom half the star – heels, boots or sneakers – they’ll all work. Think Molly Ringwald circa 80’s and you will be on the right track.  Here’s a few fave bloggers who rock a skirt or dress with a blazer…

Malindawithan_a, Andandreastyle, Fashionista_in_suburbia

Oversized

I love the 80s and the slouchy oversized blazer is making a revival in the present day, of course it is because everything comes around again (and again).  Try an oversized blazer with jeans & slouchy boots or sneakers – wear it all loose – it’s supposed to look like you’ve raided your boyfriend/hubby’s wardrobe – have fun with it but don’t forget some feminine touches like a hair-tie, headscarf or pretty earrings.

ASOS Curve Mix & Match Tailored Blazer (16-28), Taking Shape Desiree Jacket (XXS-XL), Halle Zip Detail Ponte Blazer (6-18)

To the Office

A blazer doesn’t need to be part of a suit for corporate wear, mix back a solid colour or print with your workhorse pieces (skirt/dress/pants/dress) and instantly add some class and sophistication. If you work in a creative field and need to add a lick of schmick when meeting with clients then team jeans/leather pants with a blazer.

If black is not your thing then think about keeping all your colours in the same tone for the office, for example, a light grey blazer, with a cream shirt & a pair of pants in another shade of grey will look totally put together. Alternatively collect work pieces in your best tone, perhaps pinks and blues teamed back with grey, claret, soft white and grey.

For ladies who lunch…or head out to after work drinks or events then add a ‘special’ blazer to your wardrobe. A few extra touches like leather trim, a bit of bling, snazzy buttons ( yes, I said snazzy…nan would be proud) will make all the difference.

Printed

A printed blazer will take your most basic pieces & colour blocking to another level and pattern clashing is not only a fun and expressive way to assert your style personality but it is also very on trend. It takes a brave soul to do matchy-matchy sets so instead clash it up, think checks with polkadot and don’t forget to play with scale and tone.

Mango Floral Print Blazer (S-XXL), Taking Shape Deep Sea Jacket (12-24), ASOS Curve Tie Waist Check Blazer (18-28)

Military

This blazer is so on trend & looks like it will be sticking around.  Look for gold trim or buttons to bring out that military vibe.  You’ll find this style in a variety of colours & fabrics. Ladies the ‘denim’ jacket in the centre (below) is from Taking Shape is actually not a true denim. Instead it’s a stretch with a fabulous denim wash colour, fold up cuffs and bang on trend military hardware. I rate this jacket and if you struggle with fit or have an active lifestyle this is a great blazer choice for you!

Bohemian Traders Khaki Blazer (XXS-4XL), Taking Shape Sea Captain Jacket (12-24), Bohemian Traders The New Navy Blazer (XXS-4XL)

I hope you’ve found a blazer that you love in this lot, it really is a totally versatile wardrobe staple that’s also a trend I think you should totally try!

Til next time

Jen x

 

*this post contains affiliate links which means if you click and purchase I may receive a small commission but you pay no extra. Neat huh! Please see my disclosure policy for more info.

 

Updated September 2018