I am again drawn to write about yet another capsule piece that has an androgynous air to it – the Blazer.
What is it about these masculine items that make them so appealing? Perhaps it is the apparent simplicity of the shape that works, the clean, uncluttered lines that can help to showcase the more intricate blouse or dress underneath. There are plenty of variations depending on your body shape and particular style.
I have a bit of a crush on Zoe Ball – there, it’s out. She is a woman who understands what it takes to wear a blazer with the kind of assertive, feminine air that I love and admire. She rarely subscribes to a typical way of feminine dressing and always has a rock-chick air about the way she presents herself. A blazer, skinny jeans, sublime shoes and a bit of sparkle underneath, be it a rock T or satin blouse. I am an avid Strictly fan, but this year she was the star of the whole series hosting the accompanying Strictly “It Takes Two” on BBC2. I loved every outfit she wore – without exception.
It’s as if the most important aspect of dressing like this is what you leave out, what you don’t wear. It should be about the tailoring, the structure, the fit.
To wear a blazer well, make sure you keep a feminine touch. That is where the skill comes in.
- As with the trench coat, turn up or push up the sleeves in a slightly irreverent way. This looks even beter if the lining is a different colour.
- Don’t wear it too formally. Jeans look great, as do Converse All Stars and an ageing Rolling Stones T.
- Belt it. When a blazer fits well, a skinny belt worn over the top and tied or knotted can look fantastic.
- Check the proportions. If you are going for a looser boyfriend fit make sure that the shoulders don’t resemble those of an american footballer. The cut should be looser and slightly less structured than a classic fitted blazer, but not cavernous. This style looks great with slim or skinny fit trousers.
- One or two buttoned single breasted styles are great classics and will last for years.
A tailored jacket is a great staple for any capsule collection. Wearing a tailored jacket can be an instant posture improver, pulling your shoulders back to where they should be. They are also great for masking any little figure flaws, smoothing the silhouette and avoiding cling. It is certainly worth considering investing in quality – as is the case with many of the capsule pieces I write about.
Until the next time…
E
Inheriting a house is a good thing, but inheriting an iconic trench coat is something else, especially if it’s a Burberry.
