It's that time of year again! Back to school is here and it is going to look different this year, and along with that comes a lot of emotion and uncertainty as we enter into unknown territory. Instead of fixating on the things we can't control, or don't have the answers to, we thought why not do something we know? CLOTHES- it's always the answer- right? Blazers are an excellent wardrobe staple for the simple fact that you can dress them up and down. Since a good fitting blazer can be a bit pricey, we really wanted to capture the essence of their functionality within this post and show you several ways to style the same piece.
First Up:
J. Crew Sweater Blazer (linked here) we both love this sweater so much, we actually purchased it in the pink as well. Hey, when you find something good, it's worth it. Unlike a traditional blazer, it's more of a cardigan with a stretch material, making it super soft and comfy. Another great thing about it is that the color is neutral which makes it easy to pair with whites, creams. greys, blacks, browns, and blues. Throw it on with a pair of high rise jeans, flats, heels, or with a tank and a front tuck and you are good to go!
Tank linked here: Scalloped Tank
HINT: When shopping J. Crew stores, you get a 15% off teacher or student discount in store AND online- yes you read that right. All you have to do is mention it at check out or go to the following link when shopping online: Student and Teacher Discount
Next Up:
Balmain Dupe (linked here). This blazer is the perfect designer dupe. It looks classy, pricey, and oh so pretty without the price tag. The gold buttons really make it look clean and classic. Unfortunately, this exact one is no longer available (it was purchased from Walmart online- I will keep looking for a restock). However, the express one linked is almost identical and gives you the same look. Since it is such a pretty piece, we chose to pair it with a simple black tank and dress it down with some Golden Goose Dupes which you can find here: Golden Goose Dupes. This piece can also be super dressed up with a pair of nude or black heels, fun printed flats or booties, and black joggers as well.
Coming In Next:
Is this Loft blazer. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the elbow patches on this jacket? The beauty is in the subtle details and we are here. for. it! Unfortunately, it is no longer available on the website and I, (Kayla) check compulsively every day in hopes of it returning. When you have something that stands out on it's own, you don't want to over shadow or over do it with a patterned top or too many accessories. We decided to pair it with a simple black blouse and belt and play off the gold accent of the buttons. We also went out on a limb and did a fun leopard shoe (which also has gold accents on the zippers). Adding a fun shoe with a simple top allows you to keep it simple and classic, with adding a little of your personality in as well. We also showed it more casual with a simple and clean pair of adidas and black pants.
I know this piece is not for everyone but I really wanted to share a good tip when finding pieces that are super trendy and not wardrobe staples. A friend of mine had a similar blazer and it was love at first sight. However, I wasn't sure I wanted to invest in something that I didn't know how long it would be in style for. Here is my tip, POSHMARK. You can find tons of great items in great condition and that is exactly where this little gem was found. Again, because it makes such a statement on it's own, a patterned or colorful top is not necessary, however, it can work. We paired it with leopard tank that has splashes of the same rose pink in it and softened the look with a pearl headband and a simple shoe. You can also go the simpler route, pair it with a white tank (always safe), pretty jewelry, and a statement shoe. Lastly, I love a blazer paired with a good graphic T. I have linked another one I have paired with the blazer here. Because the top has so much going on with the crushed velvet and graphic t, simple shoes is an ideal choice to keep it professional.
Just a Few More:
So by now you probably get the idea, blazer dressed up = simple tank with pretty jewelry, dark jeans, or dress joggers and a statement shoe. Blazer dressed down= graphic or plain tee, jeans, with a pair of sneakers. Here are some additional ways to style to provide you with ideas:
Maurices Blazer (linked here).
We have found the best places to find affordable blazers to be: Banana Republic and Banana Factory (offer tall and petite), J. Crew and J. Crew Factory , Express, and Maurices. We hope this was helpful for those of you returning the the classroom this fall! Cheers to a great year full of new challenges!
