How to Wear a Blazer Casually
For years I have admired the style of bloggers like Lizzy Hadfield and Emma Hill and coveted their blazer collections. I have longed to emulate their cool, minimal, almost androgynous vibe with straight leg jeans and longline blazers.
Of course, this seemingly effortless look that they convey is not so easy for a curvy lady! Part of the minimal, man-tailored look is the fact that it consists of straight lines. Well, I am not very straight-lined! I’m all curves (with a few lumps and bumps!), as are many plus-sized women. And large-busted women. And apple-shaped women. And muscular women. Ha.
So I have tried blazer after blazer, searching for that streamlined look. But when they skimmed over my hips, they were way too big in the shoulders. And if they fit in the shoulders (one of the most important fit spots to get right to not look frumpy and sloppy), they splayed wide open at my hips, creating a “there’s no WAY that jacket could button on her” look. And so I learned to settle for the next best thing, longer cardigans. Something that did hang below my butt in a more or less straight line.
Until now. I am SO thrilled to have found a blazer that actually fits (and the angels sang from on high). Well, as good as a blazer is probably ever going to fit this body as it is. Old Navy (bless you, Old Navy!) has these blazers that are traditional in style, yet are actually a thick knit (cotton, poly, spandex) with a little stretch to them. Which is perfect for curvy women and ladies who just like a little ease in their clothing (and who doesn’t want a little more ease in their life??).
The look I love with blazers is not corporate or businessy looking. I like them over a flippy dress or jeans and a tee. A blazer is a perfect counterpoint to a casual outfit. It sort of grounds it and makes it modern. And it’s just fun to mix things up!
Today I’m wearing this black and white plaid blazer over a black and white striped tee and light wash jeans. But I’m also looking forward to wearing it over a black crewneck sweater, or the marigold dress I posted last week, or my blue chambray shirt and white jeans. The combinations are pretty much endless! Be prepared to see this blazer A LOT!
What I’m Wearing
- Old Navy Boyfriend Jacquard Plus-Size Blazer in black&white plaid, size 2x
- Boohoo Black and White Striped long-sleeved tee, old. Similar here in plus and here in straight size.
- Old Navy High-Waisted Secret-Slim Pockets + Waistband Power Slim Straight Plus-Size Jeans in Lily wash, size 24 short
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CHINA ALEXANDRIA AUTHOR
YOU LOOK GREAT BUT IT ISN’T ABOUT LOOKS IT IS ABOUT HOW ‘YOU’ FEEL WHEN YOU WEAR SOMETHING NEW, CHINA
bettyewp
Thanks, China – I feel great in this!
Clover
Oooh! Nice! You wear that so well! 🙂 A ponte knit is really good—-has some structure but *moves* with us. And I love that plaid. You will enjoy this for quite some time. Woo hoo!
bettyewp
Ponte knit, yes! I couldn’t grab that word when I needed it 🙂
Debbie from Illinois
Love this look! You look great. 👍🏻
bettyewp
Thanks, Debbie 🙂
jodie filogomo
Look at you print mixing Bettye!!
I just love that plaid with the stripes!! It makes me glad I didn’t give away all my blazers when I retired…they work for casual days too!
XOXO
Jodie
bettyewp
Yep, I really liked the stripe with the plaid 🙂
Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
I love blazers for casual outfits. Bettye you look amazing and wonderful you found this blazer that wirks so good for you.
XO Tina
bettyewp
Thanks, Tina!
Iris
Looks great on you – and I love it with the jeans.
I just wore business suits (with blazers/jackets) too much in the corporate world – when I left that career I decided if I never had to wear one again it would be too soon.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com