Let’s Help This Reader Find a Slouchy Blazer!
“This fall, the piece of clothing I need is a slouchy blazer,” my friend Lina recently texted me. “As a therapist, I want to look relaxed but also professional, and I’ve landed on a T-shirt, blazer, and jeans as my trusted combo. But I want it to look cool, not buttoned up like a riding jacket. Can CoJ help?”
Yes! I love this everyday work uniform. The #1 key to getting a relaxed look is to find a blazer with a soft shoulder and cuffs you can fold up. Here are a few that fit the bill (many of which happen to be on sale):
Madewell is currently holding their Insiders Event, which means these two relaxed blazers are more than 40% off: brown, blue. They’re styled here with tees, but you could mix it up with a striped shirt, thin sweater, or cotton turtleneck.
This ivory Rag & Bone blazer is currently 65% off (!!!), and its easy fit and single button feel effortlessly cool. I really love it. The shoulders on the blue one are a little more structured, but the denim fabric makes it feel laid-back, and how cute are the striped cuffs?
You can also search pre-loved ones, since, as my blazer-loving friend Gemma says, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a blazer prince.” Here are two: houndstooth, plaid. (Our editor Kaitlyn actually has the plaid one and wears it all the time.) And Loft’s oversized striped number is currently 50% off.
Plus, Alison’s pro tip: “Try to size up, if you can — that’s one way to look casual, not stuffy.”
Thoughts? Which would you wear? Any other blazer recs? If you’re someone who likes a little more structure, this sculptured blazer is beautiful, too.
P.S. Women share their weeks of outfits, and do or don’t: ghost lashes. Plus, more reader shopping questions (and please ask yours below!).
(Top photo from Paris last year.)
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Tags: reader shopping
Comments
152 commentsI know Zara is fast fashion, but I’ve had a few of their blazers for 5+ years and if you get a classic style, they are amazing! Also a fan of rent the runway’s selection of blazers (Reiss is a current fave!).
I search on Zara by material and I have some 100% cotton and linen items I’ve kept for a decade or more.
I have a request too!!! I live in the tropics but love taking a vacation every year to experience a crisp, cold winter. Love to dress up, and have great sweaters, jackets and coat but I am stumped as to what footwear to carry for a “fancy evening”. Think going to the opera, or a fancy dinner. I hate heavy boots and my go to when travelling in the winter is the waterproof Ugg boots, but they don’t exactly go with a long dress and fancy coats! Please suggest any light weight, easily packable winter fancy footwear!
I’ve never really bought pre owned clothing in the past. I found it really difficult to piece though and hard to find my size. I am really petite. But I started shopping on The RealReal and I am obsessed. It’s so good. And you can buy really quality stuff for a fraction of the price.
Sculpted Stretch Ruched-Sleeve Blazer at Banana Republic :) https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=1175218041&vid=1&tid=bfpl000004&kwid=1&ap=7&ds_agid=291580580-1266637727169334&gclid=38ed3e4ca5e61fb68db554f550ef3ee8&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=38ed3e4ca5e61fb68db554f550ef3ee8&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BNF%7CPFR%7CB%7CS%7CNB-PLA%7CW%7CMSC%7CDCM%7CN%2FA%7CBAU%7CPRS%7CUS%7CU&utm_term=4582764535569544&utm_content=BRFS_NB_US_Women%27s_Clothing_Outerwear#pdp-page-content
I snagged a double breasted lined ivory linen blazer from Loft for $30 a week ago! Lined linen! $30! It feels slouchy despite the structure and I’m wearing it with skinny jeans before and after Labor Day. Beautiful fabric. If any are left, recommended sizing DOWN… I ended up purchasing it twice (it runs large) and giving one to my mom.
Really happy to see all the secondhand love in the comments section on this one! There’s so much great clothing out there that already exists. Internet comments would sometimes have you believe it’s all picked over/overpriced/in an unrealistic size, but it’s just not true.
Love blazers on other women, but as a super short, very narrow, somewhat busty individual, I was never invested enough to pay the significant tailoring costs. My fellow miniatures who need a professional dress code on occasion – do you ever wear waistcoats? I thrifted a few. Same polish, greater range of motion.
If you want a softer, less structured blazer, I wholeheartedly recommend the Big Rock Boyfriend Blazer at Bleusalt!! (It’s soooo soft)
I’d love to see a post on various people’s “uniforms”. At 42 I’m finally finding the clothes that I really love and work for my body. Once I find something I love, I look on the resale sites to get several of them and basically wear them all the time.
This is my hottest topic right now!! Last spring I came up with a list of wardrobe rules for myself – for example, I only wear black, white, and gray tops, although my pants may be blue or green. I have a whole set of rules that go together and I was really strict about reducing my closet to only those items that follow the rules. It sounds limiting but I have found it to be INCREDIBLY freeing because basically everything in my wardrobe works together on the first try!! I’m no style icon and I never will be, but it’s so much easier to get to a ‘generally decent’ look. It’s made such a huge impact on me that I’m wondering if I should start up a little side business around coaching women on this?? Is that crazy?
I am doing this too! At 42 I was tired of never having anything to wear while also have so many clothes. I have really leaned into a color palette so that virtually ever top matches with every bottom in my closet. I find I look best in more autumn colors but I also have navy, red, eggplant, and teal. Defaulting to brown, navy, or olive as a bottom instead of black has made a huge difference for me. I also have found the silhouettes that work best for my body – wide leg pants and a more fitted top is my go to. The Maeve Avery pants are basically my holy grail pant so I look for those on resale sites if possible. But really sitting down and refining my wardrobe has been incredibly freeing because I am confident about everything in my closet.
@Anne, no it’s not crazy it’s an amazing idea. And I think there’s a market for a low or medium budget version for folks that want a little nudge but don’t want the closet pare-down to be a whole other financial investment. Go for it!
I feel like I’m always getting blazers wrong? they don’t work on me. but i did just misplace my favorite cardigan so maybe i should think about a blazer replacement!
Hey, me too! I’m busty and blazers never fit right, even with tailoring. I finally got one of those sweater blazers (on sale at the J. Crew outlet) and that solved my problem. There’s enough stretch that it works for my shape, and I get more structure than I do from a cardigan.
This is the perfect item to find at a thrift store, if there ever was one.
Came here to say exactly this! Get thee to a thrift store for blazers galore!
Truly. I scored a J Crew wool blazer for 10$ at a thrift store.
Yes! Of all the things that don’t need to be purchased new. Thrift shops are full of blazers.
Exactly! It’s one of the most well stocked sections in all the many locations I’ve visited. Especially plentiful options if you’re between a medium and extra-large, in my area, too.
For those in Canada, FDJ has been a life saver for this curvy girl. Jackets look neat and fit well (without stretched out bust area or gaping holes). https://fdjcollection.com/collections/jackets
I always get compliments on the Everlane oversized blazer in buttersmooth. I love how the material feels too. It really is buttersmooth. I bought one size up & it’s a perfect slouch fit!
My local Goodwill is filled with blazers! Dont forget to check the men’s section. You can find higher quality blazers really inexpensively, or try out a different style without a big investment.
Jumped straight to the comments to write one word: vintage. Of course, tens of others have already said the exact same thing, but I can’t resist adding my voice to the chorus: please PLEASE don’t pay $$$ for a new blazer that is essentially recreating a vintage look from the 80s, at far lower quality. You can get superb quality and cut vintage blazers. Look for a pure wool. Don’t even consider second-hand high street or designer brands, a classic 80s or 90s blazer will be better quality every time. Even designer brands in natural fibres like cotton, wool and linen tend to be much lower quality than you’d find in a vintage mid-list label. If you like the fit of a high-street brand, get the chest measurement and see if you can find a vintage one of the same width. I’m as passionate about avoiding clothing waste as the next person, but in this case my message is simply: save your money and get something better quality for less. (Same goes for most of Sezane’s autumn line).
This!! 🙌 I’m told New York may be an exception, but you’ll be spoiled for options anywhere else. I see them most often for about $10-15 CDN.
I just got a heathered brown blazer from Quince and it’s everything I had hoped. So easy and comfy and it feels pulled together and high quality. Fantastic fall piece.
J Crew Factory for their sweater blazers! Teacher in the Midwest and I own four sweater blazers that I rotate through!
This!!
AYR has a nice one on sale now (still a bit pricey) but it is 100 percent cotton and a nice weight – looks like it will wear well and because it is cotton it will breathe well too. Quince also has some great ones that mimic higher end brands like the Rag and Bone Slade blazer.
I like the Aleida blazer by Allsaints. It’s unstructured and doesn’t have any buttons (sometimes I feel like the buttons on blazers are too blingy/over the top). I got it over 7+ years ago and it’s my most worn blazer. I would recommend sizing up.
The Loft pinstriped blazer is great!
Blazers don’t work great for me (5’0″), but I’d love to hear other tips for dressing professionally without looking stuffy! I’m more of a streetwear style gal, but I have to live in office-appropriate clothes most days. How do you keep some edge and approachability while still being professional?
Wide leg pants! You will need them hemmed (I’m also a short queen) but they look so chic and together even with sneakers underneath.
I’m 5’1, and for me, cropped blazers and shirts work really well – you can buy them, but I’ve also shortened one at home, it’s not that difficult and looks so, so much better :)
I’m 5’3″ and love cropped Chanel-style jackets. They are iconic with jeans and even better with dress pants if necessary. Wear them with sneakers or heels. Perfect for shorter people because it lengthens your body, imo. Alternatively, long, blazer sweaters but polished ones, that are almost a coat, but are in fact, a sweater. I feel really put together in a dark one over slacks and a blouse. Comfy as heck but you look like you have it together, haha…
Any of my petite plus girlies out there have any suggestions? I’m a size 16P and have NEVER found a blazer that fits well…
Tailoring. I am also a lady of limited height, and the only thing that allows me to wear blazers, even ones that are ostensibly sized petite, is getting them tailored. This is one (of many) reasons why I cannot share the enthusiasm for thrifting–it is hard enough to find things that fit me in size and style in stores where everything is neatly organized and labeled and there is extensive selection. Thrift stores generally just feel like an exercise in futility.
I have a commonry one from a few seasons ago that’s good! I think the trick is the fabric has slight stretch to it.
Just got a slouchy one of Banana Republic Factory – on sale too! The shoulders seemed big so I sized down! 5’2, 145 lbs and I got a small!
Same. I buy second hand online through limited sites but it’s impossible to thrift if you are 112 lbs and 5’0 tall. And if you do find something, it has to be tailored. Don’t get me wrong I love good tailoring but not for something that isn’t special or something I won’t wear all the time.
I have repurchased versions of this Anthropologie Cartonnier loose draping blazer multiple times – can’t be beat for non-Court days but still meeting clients in office: https://poshmark.com/listing/Anthropologie-Cartonnier-Black-Draped-Blazer-Striped-Cuffs-M-6aa4c6067aaa641927267b53 and https://poshmark.com/listing/Cartonnier-Anthropologie-Abstract-Print-Blazer-Jacket-Small-Blue-Red-Watercolor-6a94682a29572d6d8bd13f5a
I’ve been gravitating towards big blazers and wide-leg pants, but sometimes I feel like I’m cosplaying David Byrne. As a middle ground, I like Eileen Fisher blazers (or open-front cardigans) because they feel a bit art dept-y (or straight-from-the-coven), which, while not as cool as David Byrne, is more my vibe.
Uniqlo has a great oversized unisex blazer right now. It’s soft and can be casual or dressy. Note in sizing, I am a S/M, started with the small, and had to exchange for an XXS.
Tibi Liam blazer. No question!
I am having a moment of falling in love with my fashion after a phase of stagnation, and the key has been a set of 3 vintage men’s blazers I got at an estate sale for $20. Not each: total. They’re big. I just roll up the sleeves. One is camelhair and two are gorgeous subtle plaids. This is one of the easiest looks to buy secondhand. Just go a thrift shop and try on jackets! Easier for bigger women than tiny ones, but boys also wear blazers, so there’s a secondhand blazer out there for everyone. If they smell a little musty, the trick is: spray them with vodka. Mine were a little back-of-closet-in-the-PNW musty and I tried this vodka trick for the first time. Sprayed everywhere, inside and out, and left them in the sun for an afternoon. 2 rounds of this and even my sensitive sniffer finds them entirely fine. Apparently this is a theatre trick for cleaning costumes that can’t be washed! I’d have to drive an hour to get to a dry cleaner in my rural area, so this is a fantastic new trick for me.
This is excellent!
Yes, the vodka trick really works! Good for getting restaurant smells off of a coat after dining out, too. Just don’t use the Grey Goose and admit to it…
Theater person here; can confirm! Spray bottle with 50/50 cheap vodka and water.
A couple of blazer adjacent alternative options – a cotton quilted ‘kantha’ style jacket, or a tailored knit cardigan in a blazer style might work for some!
I’m wearing the brown Madewell one right now. It can be dressed up or dressed down. I love it.
Sadly they’re basically sold out in all sizes, but I’d love to find one secondhand. I’m normally a small. Do you find it TTS or should I size up for a slouchier look?
I did find it TTS. I’m 5’4″ 125ish and I ordered the XS because I like things more fitted.
I’d love to rock blazers, but at 5’1″ it feels like this is a clothing style entirely sartorially out of reach. Everything is “oversized” these days, and even XS sizes look atrocious on me. Vintage blazers are always gigantic. More tailored, leaner blazers fit but look super uptight and ladies-who-lunch what with all their darts and waist shaping and stiffness. In my imagination I’m slouched over a good book in a Paris café in broken-in jeans, great boots, and an effortless vintage menswear houndstooth blazer that’s all softness and soul and drape. In reality, sigh…
Same! Would love suggestions for slouchy blazers that work on petite frames.
I know other readers have discussed shopping the boys section before – would that be a possibility?
5’2″ lady here, and I have an Alex Mill Janine twill blazer (olive green) that fits the bill. I roll the cuffs, which are long, but the torso and shoulders are perfection. No similar options on the website presently, but check resellers!
This comes in xxs on up. More tailored but stretchy and looks great with jeans. https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=746944001&vid=1&pcid=1091198&cid=1091198&nav=hamnav%3AWOMEN%3AWOMEN%27S+CLOTHING%3ABlazers#pdp-page-content
Same. I’m 5’3” and petite. These just look silly on me. Finding blazers is extremely difficult.
I am 5’0 and have a great fitting oversized blazer from Old Navy and another from Banana Republic Factory, both in petite sizes.
hello eFriends. I am shorter with giant chest, so sorry to say but tailoring is the answer. I have had luck with vintage Talbots and Ann Taylor petite , I get a bigger one and take the shoulders in a bit. Petite saves me from having to do the sleeves . (I will only buy wool or linen ) Go to tailor for Men so they can chalk your jacket like man suit. Some of mine are 15+ years old and have paid their way for sure. Current JCrew and Banana have lightweight wool in petites as well that dont break the bank, worthy investment . Happy shopping.
I like sweater blazers. Are there any good ones with big pockets?
Quince is selling some that have sizable front pockets! I don’t own one, just saw online.
Yes! Try Quince sweater blazers and jcrew factory, both have large pockets. https://www.quince.com/women/knit-blazer
CoJ team, I appreciate the links to secondhand shopping. Pretty please would you also consider more posts on styling what we already have? Bonus for changing perimenopausal bodies? I wake up not knowing just how big my waist will be on any given day, which is not a “what to buy” dilemma.
Seconding! Or even just easy ways to jazz up what we already have, like a fun accessory. I’ve been reaching for Gap mid rise easy twill pants to help with the ever changing waist. My uniform for work has been these with a nice tank and cropped button down sweater. Over time, I’ve become intolerant of anything that is uncomfortable. More structured clothes feel restricting and stiff. I wonder if anyone else’s experiencing that change. Have many types of clothes always been so uncomfortable? I didn’t always feel that way.
Great idea, and such a pertinent topic for many of us!
Yes to this idea!
I have moved and keep moving A LOT and it’s just not practical to keep buying stuff. I look for winners that can be styled many different ways or tailored, and often shop secondhand just to find more interesting clothes. So would love to see more about that. I know COJ makes its revenue in part from brand deals and will anyway keep reading. But would also appreciate more styling ideas, something like tying a scarf around your neck, or wearing a headband, or where to find dangly but not heavy earrings.
Oh my god yes I have 3 pants sizes across the month which are sort of predictable but there’s random surprises too exhausting Also I’m really trying to not buy and work with what I have, or only buy if I’m also donating x3 pieces. But sometimes I just hate how everything looks
Yes to this! I have a fluctuating waist and I like to say I’m in my “no feedback era.” Im saying no to all clothes that give me feedback on my size — so long tight pants, hello dresses and jumpsuits and stretch-everything.
I recommend the blazers from MM La Fleur! They have several different styles and they are all very flattering!
I like all MM La Fleur that I own. It seems to last well.
This is more for summer, but I had a coworker who ROCKED a white blazer. I specifically once remember she wore it with a concert tee and jeans on a travel day, and I was like “omg this is the coolest woman I have ever seen.”
omg love. I have so many outfits from other “coolest women I’ve ever seen” burned onto my brain in exactly the same way!
I felt kind of silly taking my Old Navy linen blazer to get tailored but you know what- now I wear it all the time because it actually fits me!
I love this! I recent had the straps shorted on some old navy dresses and the alteration cost more than the dress. They are now what I reach for! I also picked up a free sewing machine to learn how to do some of my own minor alterations.
I have pieces where I definitely spent more on the tailoring than the item and it always paid off–because the fit is so good, you end up wearing them all.the.time.
This isn’t a pushy “don’t buy new” comment, but I’d be remiss not to say that I have found my best blazers at second hand shops. Maybe I just got lucky, but don’t sleep on blazer sections in thrift/vintage/ used shops!
Here, here! So many blazers at our Goodwill – don’t get me started on the trench coats. Treasure abound without the new, new, new.
I am noticing this change in my body as I get older that even though my shape/weight is mostly the same, everything is so much tighter in the shoulders and arms? Can someone explain what is happening to me? Do we change skeletally as we age? Please don’t make me google this.
Aging changes, bone density loss, muscle mass, fat distribution, thinning skin, stuff like that. Eat well, stretch, exercise, building muscles helps. Healthy weight is huge.
My upper arms are way more flabby now I’m peri—it’s like they just deflated and don’t fit in clothes the same way—you’re not alone!
You’re definitely not alone! Exercise really is so important, but bodies also just change in odd ways. My bra sizes just keep going up and making everything harder to fit. I would also add that what is a healthy weight is very different for everyone!
I’ve been buying blazers off eBay one size up and will recreate this.
I’ve given up on blazers, they never work for me because my hips are a different size than my shoulders/ bust. I need curves or tailoring or something. Following the conversation though, to see what others do. I have no problem with the suggestions for a men’s blazer or vintage pieces, but have still found this a tricky target to hit, there can be a fine line between fashionably oversized and frumpy.
I have this exact same problem! I see blazers on other women that look so chic and every time I try to recreate the look, it is a complete miss on my body type. At least now I know it’s not just me :)
Amen! or god forbid you have boobs.
Recommending this a second time as it works well on my 60 year old body. Need more flexibility in my clothes than I have in my body. https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=746944001&vid=1&pcid=1091198&cid=1091198&nav=hamnav%3AWOMEN%3AWOMEN%27S+CLOTHING%3ABlazers#pdp-page-content
Yes to Josette’s suggestion! I have two of these, and they are in heavy rotation. Utterly comfortable and flattering, and can be worn everywhere.
Quince has a very nice wool blend blazer (similar in style to the polyester blend BR Factory one) for $100 that looks great with either jeans or work pants.
If willing to spend a pretty penny- the Rails blazer is a great relaxed but not frumpy option.
Seriously impressed that so many folks are rocking the vintage menswear! That’s a no-go for these tits. For my similarly-shaped friends, recommend a sweater blazer – gives a softer, comfier silhouette and fit while still reading professional.
omg “a no-go for these tits” is a new favorite phrase. and maybe a new piece we need highlighted on jo??
A few years ago I read the best blazer tip for a bigger chest: you gotta choose whether you’re wearing it open or closed and commit to that. Big enough to be worn closed is gonna look sloppy open, but small enough to look polished open isn’t gonna button. Agree that a stretchy blazer is a great solution, but for wool or menswear or whatever, make your choice!
Can I get “ no-go for these tits” on a t-shirt? This may be my new slogan… <3
A few tips from a die hard secondhand shopper: my favorite brands for preloved blazers are Kenar, Jones New York/Jones New York Sport, and Petite Sophisticate. If things start looking a little more costume-y vintage than chic vintage, a quick button swap usually does the trick. In vintage outerwear, I usually try for 1-3 sizes up from what I’d take in a contemporary brand. To get any smells in secondhand garments, I mix vodka and water in a spray bottle, mist lightly, and hang them outside for sunshine to do its thing. Good luck!!
One of my fav secondhand blazer is Jones!
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a great white T shirt? Something heavy enough to hold it’s shape and not be see-through, but soft and layerable? Not too fitted but not oversized? Bonus points for tips for preventing or washing out sunscreen stains!
I love the Gap modern tees (so many colors and sleeve lengths!) and they usually have a sale running. As far as washing out stubborn stains, I’ve been hearing great things about pretreating with a product containing lipase, like Biz.
My go to white T these days is from Buck Mason. I have heard good things about the Margo T from Leset. Neither are budget friendly unfortunately.
I’ve worn American Giant for years. They’ve changed styles slightly over time, but I’ve found they’re super reliable and last forever. (I have their original hoodie going on 12 years, and it’s worn in wonderfully) Also, on the pricier side, but I’ve recently taken the plunge on Sezane’s tees (after so many features on this blog in various other styles I love, but wouldn’t wear enough to be worth it). I was really worried about the white one being see-through, but when I put it on, it’s actually fine. And it’s a classic fit perfect for dressing up or down.
Uniqlo makes a great white tee. I bought three of them so far, and they’re a good fit. Inexpensive too.
second for Uniqlo. They have shirts in different weights and fiber combos. I often hear people say they have vanity sizing but I’ve found they run a bit small on me compared to other brands.
The Classic T-Shirt Company has heavy weight options. Not cheap, but checks the boxes you mention, especially for fit. In desperation I bought one earlier in the year, and I love it.
Oh curious on the white t convo. Are other people not getting pit stains and ruining their white ts after a few wears? I can’t imagine spending real money on a white t because I go through them so quickly?!
Another vote for Uniqlo’s tees. I also like Everlane’s.
Buy a three-pack of Polo men’s undershirts! You can get crew neck or v-neck, and they come in slim fit. I am a 5’10” busty ~160 llb ~50 y.o. woman, and I wear my teenage son’s hand-me-downs in medium slim fit and have gotten actual compliments on them. Also not a huge investment if it doesn’t work for you.
I have two recommendations. Buck mason pima cotton for a more fixed look. MATE cotton tee for a looser cool casual fit. Wear both all the time. These both hold their shapes incredibly well.
I like Everlane t shirts, but I’m not sure about the quality anymore after they were bought by shein
The Leset Margo is by far the best t-shirt I have ever worn. It is a thicker cotton, slightly boxy, waist length, and not see-through. It is far more sturdy than the Buck Mason, which I also have, and holds up better in the wash. If you can wait it out a little, they go on sale for Black Friday.
recently bought a two-pack of Imogene and Willie’s white (cream) tees and love them so far
It depends on the kind of stain! I don’t think anything gets zinc out. For chemical sunscreen, if it’s oil based, dawn power wash. If it’s oil free, miss messy mouth. Either way, HOT water and a couple tbsp of borax dissolved in water when you wash it.
Another testimonial for the Uniqlo tees, I love the U neck one.
Love Uniqlo but get the men’s. It is a better fabric.
Another vote for Uniqlo. I do find they run small. I also somewhat surprisingly have had a lot of success with Lululemon t-shirts. I opt for the cotton ones, and they’ve held up super well. For sunscreen stains, try a rust remover like Bar Keepers Friend. Sounds weird, I know, but I’ve found it works for chemical sunscreens that turn my white clothes yellow.
I hate crew neck tshirts, and I’ve been so happy with my white Jungmaven scoop neck tees. I have both Ojai and Zuma and they’re both great. https://jungmaven.com/collections/hemp-shirts-womens-tees-tanks
Any shorties have PETITE recommendations?
J.Crew! Love them.
I’m all ears on this! I’m 5’1″ and I feel like I was able to find cute ones during the “shrunken” and “boy” blazer era 10+ years ago, but these bigger ones just don’t work on me, no matter what I do :( and blazers are sooo expensive to tailor!
I’m 5’0. Jcrew or Banana Republic. Also, Staud makes excellent pieces for us shorties.
I found a great one at Banana Republic Factory- have worn it all over, washed it, and it still looks new.
Also don’t be afraid to cut out shoulder pads! I keep hoping this trend will die out, but they still pop up on occasion. Definitely not a fit for us broad shouldered girlies, but I think it provides a more relaxed look as well.
Can’t really imagine wearing a blazer. It feels very East coast somehow! (Which…is not where I live.)
For those who work in business-professional or business-casual offices, like I do, the blazer is indispensable – can throw one on over almost anything to make it workwear.
Hi Ellen- I live in a tiny Rocky Mountain town at 7,000 feet, population just under 6000. My favorite jackets are smaller men’s blazers found at one of the local thrifts. I love to pair them with overalls, or a soft pair of jeans. Men’s blazers have excellent details, such as inside pockets for your cash and lippie, beautiful linings, and deep outer pockets. And they’re just right for those cool mountain mornings and evenings. I reach for an old, soft, men’s blazer as often as my jeans jacket or fleece. Call me a rebel? Nah, I’m just natured different.
It’s super East Coast. I am in DC and we live in them. At first it feels weird but then it doesn’t and the pockets are so convenient.
I am also in the Rockies and work from home. I thrifted a couple of Eileen Fisher linen blazers which are casual and rumply but elevate things just enough for me to feel more polished. Maybe you could start with a more casual fabric like linen or denim and see how it goes?
Bought a used blazer for my sweetheart that’s too small for him, so I’ve been wearing it (oversized and sleeves rolled up) with sweatpants (and a variety of shoes, depending on my mood). As a former east coaster who lives very PNW now, I’ve been enjoying the way the blazer/sweats combo feels like a good east/west coast mashup!
I moved to the west coast and actually find myself throwing on a blazer more often now–casual is key though. I have an unlined linen quince blazer that’s my go-to
I want to make a slouchy blazer work stylistically, but somehow it always comes off as “kid playing in mom’s work clothes” – maybe it’s my soft facial features, which make me look younger despite being nearly 40? Maybe it’s my body type or size (soft, size 10-12US, short torso)? Am I buying all the wrong ones? Is this a situation where I just need to commit to it for a few days until I get used to how it feels?
Jess-I would consider either a collarless jacket or a jacket with a rounded collar.. Good luck from a personal stylist :)
I have soft features too and I have found it helps to stay away from harsh black or navy blazers, and embrace linen, light colors, or tweedy fabrics, things that feel a little more harmonious with my vibe :) sharp, super structured jackets just aren’t for me.
Hey Jess – I am the unofficial stylist for my group of girlfriends. One friend had this issue and is a similar size. We found it was the shoulders. If they are too oversized it does not work for some women. It will probably require trying on a few brands to find one that is the right fit in the shoulders. My friend went with Tuckernuck Leo Blazer in hunter green. A little slimmer in the shoulder. It is $300.
Don’t take him as gospel, but I have found a lot of clarity around why certain shapes and clothing details work well or not at all on my body through researching both Kibbe’s body types and Kitchener’s essences. Based on your description, it sounds like you may have more softness in your frame than sharp angles, and may need that softness emphasized more with draping fabrics than structured ones.
I think tailoring is what separates “effortless” from “wearing dad’s jacket”
Agree with everyone else the thrift store route but if you would like to treat yourself the brand Soeur has never let me down in the blazer dept. I find that the cuts are flattering but still sexy oversized
“You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a blazer prince” is the best advice I’ve heard about finding the perfect slouchy blazer fit haha
Tibi Liam blazer in tropical wool. Nothing like it. Expensive but also available secondhand on TRR.
Came here to say this! It took up a good chunk of my annual clothes budget but zero regrets. It makes every outfit look cool yet polished.
Thirding the Tibi Liam. It’s designed specifically to be generous and have a lot of ease, which is actually entirely different than buying a piece that is 1-2 sizes up from your normal size. However, when bought full price it’s very expensive, and you do not want to wing it and buy this one at a “final sale” price without trying it on first.
A blazer is one of the easiest things to find at a thrift store. Check the men’s section for something that is well made and will last far beyond any of the linked options. You might need to be patient and/or get it altered, but it’s worth it for a one-of-a-kind, high quality piece that is easy on the environment (and your wallet).
Agree 100% with Meredith! Excellent advice and 90% of mine are thrifted and I’ve had them for years and years. Quality fabrics and classic styles are key to wardrobe longevity.
I also 100% agree! My favorite blazers have all been thrifted from the men’s section.
I’m wearing a vintage men’s wool blazer as I type this, hah. I accidentally washed it which actually was a great idea–it shrunk to the perfect, oversized fit. Worth giving it a whirl for $8!
Every time I see a topic like this on “my” blog (there are any other ones, right?!), I think “YAY ITS SERIOUS WHIMSY TIME” (looking at you ghost eyelashes or however it was called) I appreciate the range of topics so much, COJ. Thank you!
This is the easiest piece in the entire world to thrift. Walk into the men’s section of any thrift shop and try some on- as long as the shoulders fit, everything else is meant to be rolled up and slouchy anyway!
Jinx :-)
Great minds, Meredith!
I feel like i’m too petite for a slouchy blazer? at 5’2″, i just get swallowed up. ugh!
I am also a small person and do not wear slouchy anything because I don’t want my clothes to look like they are eating me. I am not food! I have found that sweater blazers work for me. With knit fabric and no shoulder pads (wow do I hate shoulder pads) I can get something that fits correctly but still isn’t too stiff-and-starchy looking.
Enthusiastically seconding Alison’s sizing-up advice! I’d add that I’ve had very good luck with secondhand Stella McCartney blazers, which always have interesting tailoring and often pop up in delightfully old-man fabrics. An old-man fabric is a casual blazer’s best friend. Anyway, I like this one and would wear it with a Film Forum tee: https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/coats/stella-mccartney-wool-coat-vlk9k
Whoops, I meant this link! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/jackets/stella-mccartney-wool-blazer-w8pzn