How Not to Look Boyish in a Jacket

Posted in: Style Corner by Ms. Ayo Fashola on May 19, 2008 11:22 am

Blazers are a preferable option to suit jackets. A blazer gives a certain polish to any look, casual or professional. If you have a job where you’re frequently in suits, blazers offer a softer option, but still keep you covered in a meeting or when going to lunch.

If a blazer fits in a girly way–close to the body—you’re halfway there. A fitted, two or three-button blazer with a mid-rise lapel and tapered waist is always flattering. Light-weight wool (or comparable blend) with a little bit of stretch holds its shape best. Be sure the shoulder pads (they should be small) end right where your own shoulder ends. Wear the bottom or bottom two buttons open. Once you have all the details down, it’s all about fit.

 

 

 

• Seams fall along your natural shoulder line
• Accomodates your curves-shouldn’t be tight or baggy
• About 3 inches below the hip bone
• Fits right up into the crook of your underarm

 

Fit Solutions:

Wear the Right Top:

Hit the racks for a couple of contrasting tops to try on with fashion-y blazers. Choose a conservative one–say, a simple thin sweater–and a fun one, with a drapey or asymmentrical neckline. You never know where you might need your blazer to go.

Keep Your Mind Open

Minor alterations can be part of buying a blazer, but make sure you’re happy with the basic styling. If you hate the lapel or if the front covers more of you than you’d like, look for another option. A blazer should look cool and sexy even before a tailor touches it.

Button Up

Even though you’ll wear your blazer open or with only the top button closed, you should fasten all buttons to check the fit. Focus on the things that are hard to change: shoulders and shoulder pads, underam, and chest 

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Tags: Alterations, Clothes, Figure Style, Shopping