QUESTION:
Why a black blazer?
ANSWER:
It’s timeless, chic, and elevates almost any look. Think of it as the more-sophisticated-older-sister to your favorite black cardigan. Same idea, but with more polish.
* * *
I used to think blazers were just for people who worked outside the home, professionals with proper offices, etc. When I was fresh out of college I collected as many bargain blazers as I could to look the part of someone who wanted to be taken seriously in her work. And then when I transitioned out of a corporate setting to being at home with my kids, blazers became a distant memory.
Fast forward about ten years (whoa, time flies), when my youngest went off to school and I began to think about blazers again. Last fall I added some pretty plaid ones to my closet and started styling them interchangeably with outfits I might wear a denim jacket with. (See: How to Style Blazers for Everyday.) I love the way blazers take an outfit up a notch, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the direction of more ‘dressy.’ Depending on how you style it, blazers can actually make outfits more interesting.
The fit and tailoring of a blazer are often polished, which can add crispness to an outfit, even if the blazer is an oversized or relaxed fit. The materials alone are worth considering a blazer for. Linen, tweed, wool, all fibers that add interest, warmth, and depth to a look.
When the pandemic hit, I honestly thought I wouldn’t wear blazers again for a long time. And in fact, many months passed, and I just didn’t reach for them. But as our time at home has increasingly stretched out, I have become impatient with repeating the same cardigans and at-home clothes. I have, at times, found myself craving comfort through polished outfits. If I can’t control the world around me, at least I can look sharp. (Though on plenty of other days I reach for elastic-waist pants and slouchy sweaters too.)
So I’m back to wearing blazers a little bit, and most recently I’ve added a black blazer from Madewell. It’s the Larsen Blazer, which is slightly oversized and made from a cotton/wool/poly blend. I like it because the fabric has a subtle weave to it, instead of being black and shiny. I’ve been mulling over the merits of a classic, black blazer lately, and believe me there are many, and I was so enthusiastic about it I compiled some tips for you guys!
3 WAYS A BLACK BLAZER CAN MAKE YOUR OUTFITS LOOK CHIC
1. Wear it With Basics
I love the idea of taking the most basic outfit and turning it into something slightly more chic. A white tee, your favorite jeans, and some heaps of gold jewelry. It feels very Parisian to me, except maybe they wouldn’t wear sneakers. I think this outfit would be even cuter if the sneakers had some bold colors, or the tee was a graphic tee. (I almost went for my earth shirt, wish I had!) I can’t wait to recreate this one soon. Maybe I’ll add a beret!
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Larsen Blazer, c/o Madewell, size Medium (runs TTS, and only slightly oversized IMO) 30% off with code JOLLYGOOD
Baja Tee, Jungmaven, size Small
Jeans, Agolde, size 27
Sneakers (10), c/o Thousand Fell, super love these
Glasses, Lowercase NYC
2. Pair it With Comfort Pants
If anything has become clear this year, it’s our love affair with elastic waist pants. The ability to wear something that flexes with our bodies and makes us feel good all day long is clearly a virtue. But, you can take a beautiful pair of comfy pants (or even a mediocre pair!) and make them next-level chic by adding a simple black blazer. I love the way this outfit looks as much as I love the way it feels. I will definitely repeat it, all I need to do is swap tops for a totally different look. I finally caved and ordered these comfy pants, which would look très chic with a silk cami and a black blazer. Cozy/comfy outfits can be chic too! Perhaps that will be the great sartorial takeaway of 2020.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Larsen Blazer, c/o Madewell, size Medium, 30% off with code JOLLYGOOD
Turtleneck, thrifted (similar)
Wide Pant, Lauren Winter, FW’16
Western Boot (11), c/o Everlane
3. Use It to Add a Warm Layer to An Already Cute Outfit
We’ve all been here: when we put together a cute outfit in the wintertime, only to have to cover it up with cardigans or coats to stay warm. I feel like a black, wool blazer is the answer to that. You can add it over your cute, delicate top, or even over a dress and add warmth and polish, and interest at the same time.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Larsen Blazer, c/o Madewell, size Medium, 30% off with code JOLLYGOOD
Blouse, Sezane (from last year), similar
Skirt, no longer available
Tights, Sheertex (love them!)
Monk Strap Shoes, Solovair x Toast (7)
Bag, c/o ABLE
Thanks for following along! I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy styling to you!
xx
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I bought this exact blazer for this exact reason – I actually found your blog while looking for photos of it to add to my wardrobe inventory. So tired of loungewear!
(And cute outfits, by the way!)
Thank you London! I’m so tickled you found me! I agree, loungewear feels good, but I can only do it for so long!! It feels good to change things up.