The Fundamentals Of The Classic Black Blazer

Styling The Basics | The Blazer

Do you have a bunch of cute pieces hanging in your closet, but you have no clue what to wear with them???  It is most likely because you do not have the basics. Without the basics, your wardrobe can’t function properly. When I worked with clients, a lack of basics was the problem 99% of the time!  A black blazer is one of those basics. (I give out freebie basics checklists when you subscribe to my newsletter here. Download and print these to help you.)

Finding the perfect black blazer is no easy task, but I want to help you with your search by sharing some key tips. (Learn more about styling your blazers here.)

Criteria for the Perfect Basic Blazer 

• Opt for a classic blazer so it gives you the most versatility
• Make sure the hemline is right. It should fall to your leg joint or about where your leg meets your hip. The longline blazers are great too, but not quite as versatile and you don’t want to wear a longer blazer if you have shorter legs proportionally.
• When it comes to your sleeve length, make sure the sleeves fall somewhere between your wrist and your first thumb joint.
• Another thing to think about when buying a blazer is the button placement. The ideal placement is between the belly button and right under the bust.
• Make sure it fits your body. It may sound like a no brainer, but there are so many women who compromise fit just to check a box. If you can’t lift your arms overhead or it feels too tight in the bust, shoulders, etc., it’s not the right jacket or not the right size. If it’s too roomy, tailoring can help.

Go-To Brands For Blazers

If you follow the blog, you know that my all-time favorite blazer is the Veronica Beard Scuba Blazer. I’ve owned it for many years now and change out the removable dickey all the time. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and versatile. It is a little pricey but it’s been worth the investment for me. Another high-end brand to look at is Smythe. The Smythe Duchess Wool Blazer is a great option. Some other brands with great, classic options include J. Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Everlane. For very affordable options, look at H&M, Express, and Asos. I’ve included some of my picks above.

How To Style

You can find plenty of style inspiration of me in a blazer all over the site. Just search “blazer” in the search box.  A blazer will take any basic look up 10 notches, creating a much more elevated sophisticated outfit. Under your blazer, you can wear a sexy lace cami for date night, a tee shirt for a more casual look, a sleeveless shell or blouse for work, a turtleneck or a button down.

On your lower body, wear jeans, ankle trousers, jogger pants, skirts, dresses, or wide leg pants. The possibilities are endless!

For more blazer outfit inspiration, check out these posts:

Styling The Basics | Blazers
5 Ways to Wear A White Blazer
Spring Blazers
All White Summer Look With Blazer
How To Style A Blazer: Tips from 40+ Style Bloggers

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