But I don't work at an office!
Blazers. I used to be super against them. I thought they were just “too much” and a little too stuffy for me.
The first blazer I actually bought was after college. It was a ruched, ponte 3/4” sleeves (i know, horrible. why was that a trend?). And well, never wore it- shocker! (and thank goodness).
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve accumulated a few nice blazers that I’ll know I’ll have for some time.
I’m not going to lie, but they really did get a lot of hanger time. I’d rarely wear them.
However, I started to have jobs where wearing blazers was really beneficial for me. So... I had to make them work.
And it wasn't that I had to just make them work with the clothes that already existed in my closet, but I also still wanted to feel like "me".
So, I opened my closet and ... at first glance, I was like "ew yikes, uhhhh....nothing goes with this…"
Then comes the waaaaaaaave of discouragement.
After flailing on my bed in frustration (gotta get it out!), I tried to look a just little harder and think out of the box. So I did.
It came out, that I liked the combinations BETTER than if I had bought complete outfits for them.
Even now, I never ever “need” to wear a blazer. Most days I’m working from home, cleaning, exercising, or walking to the market. But you know? I still am SO thankful I have them in my wardrobe because even though that being my lifestyle, I wear them quite frequently!
And I think you'll like them, too if you use them creatively, as well!
I was just travelling in the States with a blazer and was SO thankful I did. It was that one piece in my suitcase that could transition just a FEW pieces to make NUMEROUS outfits for SO MANY different occasions.
Below are a few ways I made blazers work with my typical outfits.
Catherine Malandrino (similar to the cut of mine)
For my shape, my go-to is skirts. So, I took a bubblegum pink, leather skirt that I'd typically wear with a simple tank or Tee for a summer day (even with sneakers, too). If I have a lunch or am going into a church, I can easily pop this blazer on. It gives me a little more polish and modesty without being too hot on a summer afternoon : )
I am a HUGE-o fan of white jeans. You get the comfort and ease of denim, yet they looked much more polished and classy than blue jeans. If you're afraid you'll get them dirty- that's perfect! Just use bleach and you don't have a prob! I also love to pair a metallic loafer with jeans, it give it just that extra little nudge to a little more polish and unique-ness.
Shorts are from Anthropologie
You may recognize this top I've worn in 2 of these photos (i wear it, a TON). It's one of my biggest recommendations to clients. They're so easy to pop under a sweater, jacket, blazer... also pairing quite easily with shorts, skirts, jeans and slacks. I recommend sizing up 2 sizes (yep... for real!) because it will give you a flowier fit, which when tucked in will really highlight a smaller waistline.
I can't wait to see how YOU pair your blazer.
Question: How will you be wearing a blazer?
