A couple of years ago, I started thrifting. It was all the rage circa 2009, and I jumped on the bandwagon.
I’d scour racks and racks of clothing at the Salvation Army and consignment shops. I’d find a few miscellaneous accessories, shoes and vests. But I’d pretty much ignore vast portions of clothing in search of my Favorite Thing Ever. I was generally looking for the item I knew I could get, high-quality, at a thrift store:
Blazers. Designer blazers. And lots of them (in a flattering boyfriend-cut, which means they hit below the hip, and sport a strong shoulder). I’ve nabbed a ton over the past few years, the best of which come from the king of All-American style, Ralph Lauren. And I love this piece because they go with anything and everything.
I have three purposes for this post: 1) To encourage you to invest in a blazer; 2) to assure you “investing” doesn’t have to mean handing over a lot of money (sometimes it’s just investing your time to find the right one); and 3) to show you my favorite ways to wear this iconic piece. Let’s talk about the latter!
1. Blazer + Sweatshirt + Jeans. Probably the look I work most, pair your blazer with a plain, long over-the-head sweatshirt, a pair of skinnies and knee-high boots. Sometimes, to add a polished flair to an undone look, I like to roll up the sleeves of the blazer and sweatshirt, revealing peeks of an animal-print tee. So cute and unexpected.
2. Blazer + Blouse + Pencil Skirt. If you ever need an interview look or a quick outfit for work, you really can’t go wrong with this combination. Stick to black if you’re unsure, and feel free to wear a two-toned or colored heel to lift the look.
3. Blazer + Tank + Shorts. In the late spring, you will find me in this outfit combination, with a pair of wedges, sandals, or flip-flops if it’s just a lazy shopping day. Don’t forget your oversized sunglasses! And a few long chain necklaces and a menswear watch never hurt.
4. Blazer + Dress. Love this look. Try a Little Red Dress under a black blazer. Wear shoes with a thick heel, and rock gold jewelry. This will either blow your date away, or make every head at that fancy after-work party snap in your direction.
5. Blazer + Tunic + Leggings. Another look that can work for every day. Opt for a dark blazer, black leggings and a colorful tunic in a solid. Wear flats for comfort. Pile on a stack of bangles for a little something extra. A large handbag would be my purse of choice. Then…work it, of course.
Remember: You need a blazer in your closet. You don’t need to spend a ton of money. Thrifting is a great option for this piece!
What is your favorite way to wear a blazer? Discuss!
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