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Women's Blazers Buying Guide

The blazer is a woman's secret weapon in a man's world.  A few decisions, like the kind of fabric, the placement of the buttons, and details like pockets or sashes can help you find a piece perfect for the office or even a night out. The wide variety of designs on the market right now can have you looking structured and professional or curvy and feminine. Here are a few tips for getting the look you want.

Fit

Since blazers are a little pricier than tops, it's especially important to find one that fits correctly and will flatter you over all the outfits you mix it with.

  • Be sure that the shoulder seam of a blazer hits you at the outside edge shoulder. Any further out and it's too big, any closer and it's too small.
  • Check that you can actually button a blazer before you buy it, even if you intend to wear it open. If there's any gaping, especially at the chest, go up a size.
  • If you have a hard time finding blazers that fit, check out petite, tall, or plus size guides, and if all else fails, size it for the shoulders and midsection, then get it tailored.

Fashion

As with all clothing, little details on your blazer can work all sorts of visual voodoo in your favour.

  • Button stance (how high or low the first button of your blazer lies) can affect how busty you look. If you're slim all over, go for a low set, single button closure to add bulk to you chest. If you're chesty enough already, as they say on What Not to Wear , "lock and load" with at least two or three buttons.
  • Lapel width can also make a difference; as with all accents above the waist, fuller lapels add dimension to your chest, while slimmer ones don't, and allow attention to focus elsewhere.
  • For an hourglass effect, pockets over the bust or at the hips can fill you out and a sash at the waist can cinch you in.
  • Heavy fabrics skim over your curves, but may add bulk; go for a medium-weight material to have your blazer glide over rolls without adding width. Loose-fitting models in light fabrics and a long cut can slim you.

Function

Now that you know how to flatter your body with a blazer, choose the right one for where you need to wear it.

Business

Cotton 
Seersucker 

  • A breezy, breathable option for Spring through Indian Summer. 
  • Perfect for dressing up denim, casual dresses, and even walking shorts.
  • Adds great structure to an outfit without a lot of weight.

Linen 

  • Both looks and actually is low-maintenance--wash and dry in your machines.
  • Comes in a variety of colours and is relatively inexpensive, so buy a few and dress up (or down) some of your favorite basics. 
  • Cool and breathable for warm months.
  • But watch out: linen wrinkles easily. 

Silk 

  • Perfect for an evening business function.
  • Devastatingly chic over a perfect pair of wide leg trousers in a contrasting colour and fabric.
  • Or, keep it sweet over a dress with a little volume in the skirt. 
  • Usually dry-clean only, so save for special events and for goodness sake, watch out for the punch.

Rayon 

  • Rayon can imitate the look and feel of many different kinds of fabrics, so your style options are many (and often for lower prices than the real thing).
  • The catch: usually dry clean only, so save them for special events or always wear over other breathable (and absorbant) fabrics.
  • The fabric might get a slight sheen over time.

Wool 
Lambswool 
Cashmere 
Wool Crepe 
Wool Gabardine 
Flannel 

  • Natural fibres make blazers very wearable, and quite cosy for fall and winter.
  • Look put together but feel comfy in flannel or sweater blazers; just remember to keep things structured with the rest of your clothing for a professional look. 

Hip

Velvet 
Velour 

The mods were the first to rock this trend, and it's been on the fashion radar in varying amounts since, for these reasons: 

  • High impact. Toss a burgundy velvet blazer over dark jeans and tee shirt and suddenly you're dressed--especially for night.
  • Comfortable. Warm, soft, and fuzzy--enough said. Great for Fall and Winter.
  • Versatile. Tie a matching ribbon around your waist to look romantic, or wear it with tough textures to look funky. 

Denim 

  • A great dresser-downer that simultaneously adds structure.
  • Toss over business trousers and a shell to from work to watering hole.
  • A nice way to look put together on weekends and days off--just don't try to wear it with jeans in a matching colour. Actually, just don't try to wear it with jeans.
  • A cute alternative to a jacket for day, especially over a cotton dress or skirt (since it will go with whatever colours or patterns they're in). 

Corduroy 

  • Similar in effect to velvet, but toned down and more wearable for day.
  • Great with denim (but not too much else--careful mixing textures and patterns here).
  • Inexpensive.

Leather 
Lambskin 
Suede 
Pleather 
Faux-Suede 

  • A less rebellious version of the leather jacket, and a sleeker one.
  • A nice jacket alternative for cooler months, with the added bonus of blocking wind.
  • Mixes great with a variety of autumnal colours and patterns--especially with scarves and boots. 

Military 

  • Edgy, sexy play-up on the menswear origins of the blazer.
  • Keep things relatively feminine by choosing a blazer that fits your curves and accentuates them (for example, wide-set shoulders + a cinched waist = there's definitely a girl in there!)

Dressy

Silk 

  • The ultimate topper for a dress when you don't want to look too girly.
  • With matching trousers, you can be just as formal and sexy as if you were in an evening gown, but with an original edge. Google Cate Blanchett  for a great example of silk trouser suits for evening done right.

Satin 

  • Has the sheen of silk, but can be more structured and less expensive.
  • Let it be the focal point of your outfit, and pair with more down to earth fabrics, like dark denim.

Lace 

  • As is the case with many dressy items of clothing, the lace blazer is certainly more for a look than it is for anything else (warmth, shelter..)
  • Beautiful way to add visual interest to an outfit; picture, for example, a plain, satiny sheath dress in a dark colour. Then imagine a cream lace blazer over top. Gorgeous and one of a kind. 

Brocade 

  • Just as ornamental as the lace blazer, but so much moodier.
  • Wear it in a deep, dramatic colour (think theatre curtains) and pair with dark denim to look devastatingly romantic, but up to date.
  • Dry clean only--but even that may not reverse the damage sweat and deodorant can do. Be sure to wear underarm guards or a shirt with sleeves, especially since this fabric can get toasty.  

Fur 
Fake Fur 

  • As always with fur, you'll make an impact, but there are no guarantees that all the attention will be good. Buy faux to protect your conscience (and your garment, if you can shout "It's fake" before the red paint is tossed).
  • Keep fur limited to an accent, not the whole garment, and allow it to be the focal point of your ensemble. Too much else going on will look cluttered.  

Related Guides

Petite Clothing Shopping Guide

Blazers for the vertically challenged.

Tall Women's Sizes

Blazers to keep your wrists warm.

Jeans

Just add jeans to your blazer to put the casual in Business Casual.

Casual Work Clothes for Women

For when you need to look hot and professional.

Men's Sport Coats and Blazers

Hey, guys need to look hot and professional too!

External Links

  • Ehow.com: great tips for choosing and fitting a blazer.

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