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October 12, 2009
Jenae Lee
Meet the blazer. It’s chic, comfortable, completely timeless, unisex, versatile, wear it anywhere, anytime…and what’s that? It’s affordable?! Yes it is. Go to your local thrift store such as St. Vincent De Paul or Thrift Town and pick one up that has nice quality for about $3 to $5, and you’ll be glad you did. Do not go to stores like H&M or Forever 21 for blazers. The material is cheap and they don’t look good.
When buying a blazer, make sure it’s a good fit. It has to be a bit loose so you can fit jackets and sweaters under it. This sounds silly but when trying it on, wave your arms around and check if you can hug someone in it. If you can’t, it’s too tight.
For a nautical look, combine a blazer with a white striped t-shirt, a pair of chinos rolled up to the ankle, and either a pair of Sperry Topsiders, or some classic Converse. For a casual, effortless look, take any crisp, plain white tee or shirt with a great graphic with either a skirt or a good pair of jeans. If it’s cold outside, layer a blazer on top of any hoodie. If you like to play with layers you can wear it on top of cardigans, vests, or sweaters. Need to look nice? Wear it with a button-down shirt and have it tucked in or out with either a pencil or flowy skirt for girls and a pair of skinny jeans for boys. Girls can wear it with floral or ruffle dresses for a strong, girly look. Want to go for a grunge look? Choose a flannel and match it with faux leather leggings for girls or ripped jeans.
Remember, when you’re wearing a blazer, accessories are so important! Accessories make the outfit. For girls, I recommend sparkly, chunky necklaces, brooches, watches and scarves. Don’t be afraid to pile on bracelets and necklaces. Boys can wear watches and scarves. A studded belt can replicate a Burberry look and a leather or braided belt can make an indie or sailor look. Keep in mind that rolling up the sleeves to a mid forearm length can make a whole difference, too.
Also, don’t worry if the blazer has shoulder padding because it’s been everywhere on the fall 2009 runways and it seems to be seeping into the spring 2010 runways as well. It’s been seen in lines from designers such as Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabbanna. Thinking of the 80’s power suit? The difference in the 2009 shoulder padding is that it is more wearable for everyday. The shoulder padding is there to make a sharper silhouette with more shape.
Experiment with everything in your closet. Blazers can be dressed down and dressed up. The possibilities are endless! Just think of it as a cardigan with more material that will give you an amazing chic or tough look.
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