Bobbi styles some of her favorite blazers.
How to combine the timeless blazer with dressy and casual pants to ensure miles of chic in your wardrobe.
Anyone who knows me has heard my stance on “uniform” dressing—that is, being able to combine pieces from your essential wardrobe to create stunning go-to looks that are a breeze to pull together. In this post, we’re going to focus on a favorite third piece essential—the blazer!
Blazers make an amazing third piece and should be an integral part of your wardrobe if they’re not already. They are investment pieces upon which you can draw continually as you pull your looks together. This is also a style that can be worn year-round and really pop your look.
As a third piece, blazers are perfect with casual wear, including jeans, and can even go with shorts, skirts, and dresses. More classic looks include the Diane Keaton version of menswear—simple, polished, timeless, and rich—paired with various silhouettes of pants. When we’re talking about this more timeless style of blazer dressing, we’ll often see wide-leg and drapey trouser silhouettes. And let’s not forget that blazers are essential for your business looks.
HOW TO BEGIN
Today we’re going to focus on the style categories mentioned above. I’ve shopped single- and double-breasted blazers in both solids and plaids in a variety of fabrications. In addition, I’ve shopped the pants to go with them. I have divided the pants into two categories, so look for dressier and more casual options. This will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.
SINGLE- AND DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZERS
A common thread to note when it comes to all the gorgeous blazers (regardless of whether they are single- or double-breasted) is their length; they will all cover your backside. You want this length regardless of whether you have narrower or more generous hips. The longer length of the jacket lengthens you and creates the illusion of a longer, slenderer look.
SPRING TREND SPOILER ALERT!
Blazers play a major role in upcoming trends this spring, although the emphasis is on massively oversized silhouettes. You all know that I am about timeless chic, so here’s my take on the season’s blazer trend… Rather than opting for the drastically oversized look, I would encourage you to run with the “boyfriend” style which is somewhat oversized and a more relaxed fit. You will see some of those in our shopping here.
I would also encourage you toward more slender fits which are timeless and chic. Both shapes are perfect for building your essential wardrobe, so once again, I urge you to take a pass on a trend that is just that—a trend that will not serve you well in the long term. And remember, a trend is only as good as it makes you look so you will want to keep that in mind.
YOU’LL WANT TO NOTE…
All the blazers have been combined into one shopping area. The designer blazers are of the quality you want for professional use; their quality and cut are phenomenal. These are truly investment quality and are pieces you will have for years. Their ROI (return on investment) is priceless, although that is a subject for another day. Just know they are there! You’ll see these spectacular pieces in black and a few plaid incarnations. I’ve also included some yummy, fun blazers of the less expensive variety that you’ll love for more casual use—although they, too, will work for luncheons and other similar situations.
I’ve included both single- and double-breasted blazers in this incredible collection, but for the record, my preference is the double-breasted silhouette. I love the style and punch it brings to any look. Having said that, I do own numerous single-breasted blazers and love them for their lengthening, slenderizing simplicity. The upshot is that both styles have a lot to recommend them. They each bring different attributes to your look so, happy deciding which is better for you!
WHAT TO WEAR UNDER YOUR BLAZER
When creating a look that includes your blazer, tops to consider include the crispy white shirt, a white or cream silk blouse, and knit tops in crewnecks, mock, and turtlenecks. Obviously, sweaters are wonderful under your blazers as well. And all of these—except for the white or cream silk blouse—are perfect for both dressy and casual looks. For casual, you can’t go wrong with the iconic white crewneck T-shirt. In fact, when it comes to my own casual looks, I always lean toward the white crewneck T-shirt to wear under my blazers.
I just know you’ll love these yummy blazer treasures as much as I do!
BLAZER LOOKS WITH DRESSIER PANTS
This first section of pants includes dressier options in a variety of neutral shades. They are chic, luxurious, and of investment quality. A number of them are perfect for work, board meetings, and dressier luncheons and some could easily be used for cocktail. These pants are fabulous even without the blazer, so as you peruse the shopping, you’ll want to think of the multitudes of ways you could wear them in addition to pairing them with your blazer.
Enjoy the hunt!
BLAZER LOOKS WITH CASUAL PANTS
The pants in this section range from neutral olives and khakis in cotton to linens and jeans. All are perfect for your blazer looks. Think daytime and evening casual as well as casual cocktail. And as above, you’ll want to think about the many ways these pants can be worn for everyday life and even for certain events, without the blazer. This is always an added bonus as you want to be able to wear what you own in a variety of ways.
On the trending front, many of the adorable casual pants I’ve shopped for you are ankle length. FYI, these look fabulous paired with sneakers and flat sandals.
SUMMING IT ALL UP
Whether they are worn for dressier events or more casual living, blazers evoke timeless, show-stopping chic. I am so in love with them and all they can do to polish and pull your look together—even your casual looks! That, my friends, is what will set you apart from others. And how much fun is it to be “en trend” this season?
Many of the pieces I have shopped for you will serve you for years to come, so enjoy the hunt! And, as always, if for any reason you need help, please reach out to us at [email protected].
PSSST! Looking for more recent shopping? Check out some of our other recent posts!
• Deals & Steals: My Love of the Discounters
• Wardrobe Essentials—Must-Have Jeans
• The Best Winter Boots to Complete Your Look
