March 30, 2021

Blaze of Glory!

So spring is here – although for a few marvellous days it actually feels like summer! And spring means constantly fluctuating temperatures which means clever layering is the order of the day.

I haven’t packed away my Heattech layers from Uniqlo which I absolutely swear by and will wear most of the year underneath tops/dresses/knits. But what about over the top now that, hopefully, the winter coats are superfluous to requirement? Denim jackets are a must – my favourite is one from H&M. A leather biker is another essential – All Saints reigns supreme here (and head over to Instagram to see how I wear mine). But this week I want to talk about blazers which are another key component of any capsule wardrobe.

Blazers create vertical lines which draw the eyeline inwards and so are slimming and elongating when worn open. They can be the ideal form of camouflage for your tummy and/or your bottom too!

Here are a few tips:

Oversized and double breasted is on trend but it’s a tricky look to wear if you aren’t tall and lean. Double breasted styles tend to add bulk and wearing anything oversized will create a larger silhouette – so be careful.
Going for a style that is shaped through the waist will create the illusion of curves even if you don’t have any! Ideal if you are an oval or rectangular shape.
Be careful of pockets and their position if you are a pear shape or carry weight through your middle and don’t want to draw attention to that area.
Shoulder pads are perfect for building up sloping shoulders but avoid if you are a strawberry shape as this will put your shoulders centre stage.
A tailored style with a deep v neckline and single button is ideal for a full hourglass.
Be careful of proportions – if you go for a longline style, this will work better with a slimmer legged trouser otherwise you may look shapeless.
Don’t finish the blazer at your widest point – go above or below. This is particularly important for pear shaped ladies.
Whatever you do, don’t grab the top half of an old suit and hope for the best! The size of lapels and the details will date your look or make it spot on.

If you think a blazer is just for the office, then think again as there is so much more you can do with yours – from wearing as your spring jacket with denim to over joggers and much, much more. Here are a few styling ideas on how I wear mine:

: With skirts

: Evening denim

: Daytime denim

: Over dresses/skirts

: With joggers

Classic Black

Tailored One Button Black Blazer £70 Bricks & Stitches

Black Blazer Ruffle Pocket Detail £75 Bricks & Stitches

Basics don’t have to be boring – a lovely little detail is all you need.

Smyth Ponte Blazer £68.60 Boden

Ponte, a heavy weight jersey, is another great fabric as it will take your blazer down a notch so it doesn’t feel overly formal. This also comes in navy.

Crepe Fitted Suit Jacket £49.99 Mango

Mango does these very well and the crepe fabric is perfect for spanning the divide between smart and casual, day and evening. A style without a collar also helps to make it feel less suit-y. And the welt pockets are ideal if you don’t want to draw attention to your middle with pocket flaps.

Aleida Blazer £51 All Saints

A great longer line style that you can dress up or down in a lovely fluid material.

Sari Jacket £155 Sezane

I love the shawl collar on this blazer – again another little detail which makes this blazer less suit-y.

Lighten Up

Linen Blend Jacket £34.99 H&M

If you want to keep things simple up top then a style without a collar is a great choice so try this one. There is also a similar style with a collar.

Roisin Crinkle Cotton Blazer £79 Hush

Also in navy, the texture on the fabric is perfect and whilst it looks spot on with denim, it’ll also be great with tailoring.

Noah Tailored Blazer £99 Hush

This also comes in sand and black. The fabric is a nice lightweight lyocell/linen mix which means it is soft and less formal than other tailored styles.