While blazers have long been synonymous with the workplace, the garment has taken many forms over the years. Whether it’s in or out of the office, the common thread is a dedication to style and tailoring. We spoke to local stylist Sophie Faith about how your blazer should fit, what the current sports-jacket trends are and the best ways to incorporate one into a polished work outfit.
The Perfect Fit
Faith says the ideal blazer should have a shoulder seam that touches the shoulder and sleeves that reach the wrist. The blazer should skim the body without pulling or feeling restrictive. “I always highly recommend tailoring, if budget allows,” she says. High-quality blazers will drape nicely and feature a well-made lining, smooth seams and a smartly structured shoulder, she adds. The overall look should be one of refinement. Avoid jackets that are overly tight, too boxy, cropped or shapeless. Padding in the shoulders should be well-formed, and the blazer should not have flimsy lapels or button gaps when closed. Avoid polyester or other fabrics that wrinkle easily.
Stay Modern
“For women, the modern blazer is moving away from traditional office wear and toward fashion tailoring that still functions for work,” Faith says. This means you can try oversized blazers that are “roomy but still polished” or styles that emphasize the waist in ways that are “belted, subtly nipped or sculpted.” A little structure is good, though Faith advises avoiding “Dynasty-style” shoulders. Overall, Faith says, “hip-covering lengths feel most current.” Choose elegant neutral colors year-round and deeper tones for fall; you may even try a chic plaid or pinstripe. For South Florida weather, Faith recommends fabrics like linen blends, tropical wools, crepe and cotton.
Get To Work
Once you’ve found a great, fresh-looking blazer, it’s time to style it for the office. Contemporary trends allow for a more relaxed approach, Faith says, meaning you can pair your jacket with a tank top or even a crisp T-shirt. You can also add wide-leg pants, menswear-style trousers or a maxi or column skirt, or layer it with a knit top or bodysuit. Faith also suggests finishing the look with smart sneakers, pointed-toe flats, stylish loafers or slingbacks.