Blazers are such an important part of a versatile, professional AND everyday casual wardrobe. At the same time, those blazers could look quite a bit different from each other, BUT, one fact remains. Fit is pretty crucial.
TOP 5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT BLAZER
Before you worry about all the ways you will wear the blazer in your hand, make sure you do the “fit test” as I like to call it. So…here’s my steps (and its super simple):
STEP 1:
If you are wearing a bulky shirt, that you likely wouldn’t wear under it in the first place, change that. Go grab a cami or a t-shirt from a rack and head to the dressing room. Never try on this important of a piece of your wardrobe, without having the proper type of shirt under it. Fit will NOT be right, and then you are making assumptions on how it will look. No go.
STEP 2:
When you put on the blazer, it’s the fit at the shoulders that matters first. What I mean is, the shoulder pad / shoulder seam should not hang PAST your actual shoulder (this will look too big), and it should not lay BEFORE your shoulder (this will look too small). You should be able to run the palm of your hand from the edge of the shoulder of the blazer down your arm, and it’s a straight line.
STEP 3:
Do not look at the size on the label, look for fit.
STEP 4:
The next place to fit, is the bust. When you choose blazers that don’t have buttons to close it, that will make this easier. That said, professional blazers, for a corporate workplace are more likely to be a proper suit jacket. IF there is any straining of fabric at the button, and the lapel does NOT lay flat, you may need to go up in size, and then TAILOR THE SIDES. You might not want to hear that; but when you get the right fit for shoulders and bust, you can tailor the sides to look custom, and you will always present your best image.
STEP 5:
Arm length – I have to admit, for a casual / everyday style, I clearly love a blazer that has a 3/4 length sleeve with a gathered elbow (like the one in my picture for this post), because it allows for the “arm party” to show, instead of be under the sleeve. AND it keeps my sleeve out of my food, because….let’s be honest, somedays it’s a race to get to the chips and salsa and sleeves may be a casualty. PS, Petites will have shorter arm lengths! Just like with the shoulders, sleeves that are too long, disheveled, too short, did you shrink that?
HOW TO FIT YOUR BODY SHAPE NEVER CHANGES
I did a quick google on “how to fit a woman’s blazer best” to just confirm I haven’t missed anything and I came across this great article from way back in 2014, yet the tips are evergreen.
HOW TO FIT AND FLATTER WILL NEVER CHANGE AS MUCH AS TRENDS
Trends will come and go, your style will evolve; but the way to fit and flatter your figure will be consistent! I’m here to help you with the technical side to finding your Method to Style. Stay tuned, and be sure to share with a friend you think would like to read these tips too!
xoxo Taryn
Brands I’m Wearing:
Blazer – Zara, Tank top – Alexander McQueen, Jeans – Rag & Bone Dre Boyfriend style, Shoes – Madewell, Accessories – Stella & Dot