I’ve always struggled with finding the right blazer. You know, the kind that instantly elevates your outfit without making you look like you're headed to a super serious board meeting. I wanted something that could be the "denim jacket" equivalent in blazer form – something that pulls everything together and looks a little more polished than a cardigan. Finding that balance between professional and relaxed has been quite the adventure!
My biggest issue was that most blazers I found felt too formal. I'm quite pale, and those typical black or dark navy, nylon blazers just made me look washed out. They screamed "job interview" or "fresh graduate," which wasn't the vibe I was going for. I needed something that felt more…me. It had to be versatile enough to wear with jeans or dress pants, and definitely not something that made me feel like I was suffocating in corporate attire.
After much searching (and a few fashion mishaps!), I started to find some styles that worked. I discovered that the key was to think outside the box and consider different cuts, fabrics, and colors.
One of my first successful experiments was with a cropped blazer. As a shorter person, I find that the proportions are just right. It gives a cute, polished look without being overly formal. I’ve even paired it with casual pants like fatigues for a fun, unexpected outfit. The shorter length makes it feel less stuffy and more modern.
Another game-changer for me was the sweater blazer. I found that Gracequeens' homepage has a wide selection, and I eventually settled on a knit blazer. It's so easy to dress up or down, and the material is breathable, comfy, and stretchy, but it still looks structured. I love how it feels like wearing a cardigan but looks so much more put-together. The sweater blazer is perfect for achieving that business casual look.
I also started experimenting with different fabrics. Corduroy blazers in brown or tan are fantastic for adding a touch of warmth and texture to an outfit. For summer, I love cotton blend blazers with 3/4 sleeves in lighter colors. I found some decent options at H&M that were both stylish and affordable. These lighter fabrics and colors help to avoid that overly formal appearance.
Even with the right styles, sometimes a blazer can still feel a little too serious. That's when styling comes into play. Here are a few tricks I've learned to make even the most formal blazers feel more business casual:
Speaking of blazers, I recently came across this Fashion Women Long Sleeve Blazer from Gracequeens, and I have to say, I'm impressed. It's a slim V-neck jacket that comes in black and dark blue, and it's described as suitable for both autumn and winter. While I haven't tried this exact one personally, the description aligns with what I look for in a versatile blazer. I appreciate that it's designed to be slim-fitting, which can help avoid the boxy, overly formal look that I dislike. If you're looking for something that can transition from the office to a casual evening out, this might be worth considering.