Wear a Blazer
The blazer is a super-chic fashion item that can be used to create a broad variety of looks. Wearing a blazer the right way starts with choosing the right cut for your figure. From that point on, you can use your blazer to create professional, dressy, or casual looks.
Contents
Steps
Choosing the Right Blazer
- Go for a cropped blazer if you have an athletic build. Women with an athletic build tend to have sturdy, broad shoulders and slim hips. A cropped blazer is a little lower in the front and higher in the back, causing the bottom to be cut diagonally downward toward the front. This cut creates the illusion of larger hips and a curvier waist, de-emphasizing the shoulders as a result.
- Look for a short blazer if you have larger hips. Women with larger hips, such as pear-shaped women, should choose a blazer that stops just short of the hips or just below. Anything longer will draw unwanted attention to your hips. If you are pear-shaped and have a smaller bust to match your fuller hips, you could also wear light shoulder pads to draw the eye upward and make your bust more noticeable. Lots of details or decoration on the top will also help balance your proportions out.
- Choose a very fitted blazer if you have a petite build. Blazers are very professional and chic, and as a result, they can make the petite woman look very mature in a way that few other clothing items do. Make sure that the blazer hugs and accents your curves very well, though, or else you could end up looking as though you are swimming in the excess fabric.
- Stick with simpler blazers if you have a full bust. Decorations and structure on the upper part of the blazer can highlight the bust, making you look top-heavy as a result. Choose a simpler style that nips in at the waist to highlight your curves rather than your chest.
- Choose a fitted blazer if you tend to run in the plus sizes. A blazer can look very flattering on a plus size woman, especially if it nips in slightly at the waist. The blazer should fit without being stretched or stressed, but it should not be too loose, either, since the excess bulk will not do anything to flatter your figure.
Keep Things Professional
- Choose a blazer in a simple color and style. The less adorned or extravagant the jacket looks, the more professional it will be. For best results, look for a blazer in a neutral color, like black, gray, tan, brown, or navy. Pinstripe blazers can also look very professional.
- Wear a tailored shirt beneath the blazer. The classic button-down shirt will almost never fail, but almost any tailored blouse can create this look as long as the pattern is simple and the neckline does not interfere with the neckline of the blazer. Neutral colors, strong gem tones, and pastels all work well, but avoid neon colors.
- Throw on tailored slacks. Straight-leg styles look the most professional and usually work best, but a boot-cut can also do the trick. Your pants do not need to be the same exact shade as your blazer, but it helps if they are in the same color family.
- If you feel like being a little more girly, try a knee-length pencil skirt instead of the trousers. Stick with simpler styles and avoid anything that looks too gaudy or decorated.
- Slip on closed-toe shoes. Heels, fashion boots, and flats are all appropriate, but you should avoid casual shoes, sandals, or open-toe shoes. Wear neutral colors for a classic look, or make things pop with a splash of bright color, like red.
- Keep your cosmetics and jewelry to a minimum. A little foundation to smooth your complexion and a small amount of lip gloss or subtle lipstick can keep you looking professional and at your best. One piece of stylish jewelry, like gold bangle bracelets or a silver chain necklace, can also do a lot for your look while keeping it very professional.
Glam It Up
- Consider a more decorative blazer. A simple style can be worn with this look, but this is also a good opportunity to have a little fun with your look. You could choose a blazer with decorated pockets, an interesting lapel, or some type of design on the front. Classic neutrals, like black, brown, gray, and white, tend to be the easiest to match, but you could also try a pastel or gemstone blazer for an interesting twist.
- Slip on a dress in a classic cut. One of the best options is a knee-length dress with a pencil-cut skirt. You can choose just about any neckline, from v-necks and square necks to turtlenecks and cowls, but you should try the dress on with the blazer before wearing it out to make sure that the neckline does not clash with the way the blazer is cut.
- The "little black dress" is a good option for your blazer, especially if you have a pinstripe blazer or a blazer that is a few shades lighter and somewhat decorated.
- As an alternative to a solid dress, you can also wear a nice blouse and pencil skirt. Make sure to add a little feminine or glamorous detail. A vertical ruffle down the front of the shirt works wonders, or a skirt with a little metallic shine can also take your look to a whole new level.
- Slip on your favorite heels or flats. Closed-toe heels tend to look best, but you should opt for a bit of color or embellishment to make the outfit look a little dressier. Depending on your dress, strappy high-heeled sandals can also work well. If heels are not your thing, though, you can also get away with an embellished flat.
- Get fancy with your hair, make-up, and jewelry. Style your hair however you usually would when dressing up, whether that means giving yourself an up-do or keeping your hair down in sultry waves. Your make-up should not be caked on too much, but a dramatic lip color or smoky eye can really pump this look up. Your jewelry should still be kept to a few pieces, but colored jewels, sparkling diamonds, or pearls can really invigorate your look.
Dress It Down
- Choose a simple blazer, but experiment with the color. A simple black blazer works well, but this is your chance to get as crazy with the color as you want. Avoid too much embellishment, though, since embellished blazers tend to look a little dressier and may make it harder for you to dress it down.
- Select a casual but fitted top. Fitted t-shirts work well, whether they are in a solid print or have a graphic on the front. For an even more casual and more layered look, you can also slip a fitted hoodie over your t-shirt and beneath the blazer. Make sure that the blazer is a little on the looser side, though, since too much bulk beneath a slim blazer can make your look a little too sloppy.
- Wear jeans. Dark jeans will make your look a little more chic, but medium washes can also look appropriate while keeping things even more casual. You can choose nearly any style you want, from boot-cut to skinny jean, as long as the style works well with your figure.
- Go for fashion boots or flats. Heels tend to look a little too dressy for this look, but a fashion boot with a low heel can still work. Flats that are not too dressy or embellished are also a fairly casual shoe and can look great with this style.
- Keep your accessories to a minimum. Too much sparkle or bling will look too dressy. A funky ring or chunky colored bangle bracelet can work great, but stay away from dainty pieces or ultra-feminine designs. Keep your make-up looking natural, too, if you even bother to wear any at all.
Things You’ll Need
- Blazer
- Button-down shirt or blouse
- T-shirt
- Hoodie
- Dress
- Dress pants
- Jeans
- Heels, flats, or boots
- Jewelry
- Cosmetics
