Complete your wardrobe with the perfect blazer
Agreat blazer is a wardrobe staple. It’s versatile, can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and if properly cared for, will last a long time. With that said, there are some hacks to help you find the right jacket for your body type, so I wanted to share a few tips for getting the perfect blazer.
Evaluate your body type. Before you buy the perfect blazer, you must evaluate your body type and determine what you want the blazer to highlight. Do you want to accentuate your narrow waist? Do you want to add more of an hourglass shape to your figure? If you’re narrower on top and wider on your bottom half, do you want to add extra volume at your shoulders to give more proportion to your figure?
These are all questions that will help you determine what style of blazer will flatter your body the most.
Focus on fit. First and foremost, make sure the shoulders fit correctly. The seam should hit right at the outer edge of your shoulder with no overhang. Other elements of a blazer can be tailored to fit your body, but shoulders are hard to adjust without affecting the piece’s shape.
Look out for length. If you’re vertically challenged like me, opt for mid- to shortlength blazers. These shorter styles paired with highwaisted pants make legs look longer and create the illusion of being taller. Tall people have a lot more freedom in terms of length, however, a short blazer might make your body seem a bit disproportionate. Most people will look great in a mid-length style that stops at the middle point of your thigh.
Try on different styles to see what makes you feel your best.
Here are some general guidelines and blazer types that might help you:
■ Single-structured button blazer: This structured style helps give an hourglass shape to a boxier figure and will simultaneously cinch at the waist to highlight a narrow waistline. Any time you opt for a jacket that is structured and comes in at the waist, it will accentuate that body part.
■ Blazer with structured shoulders: This option is great if you have narrow shoulders and wider hips, as it will help your body appear more proportionate.
■ Collarless blazer: This style elongates the neckline and torso, so it’s a great option to try if you have a shorter torso. This option may also work well if you have broader shoulders.
■ Open-front blazer: Blazers without front closures are great for women who are on the busty side. It allows for more flexibility so you can ensure that the rest of the blazer fits without having to button it over your chest.
■ Boyfriend/slouchy blazer: This style works really well if you have a long and lean body type, as it will
add volume to your torso.
Get it tailored. When you go to shop for and purchase the perfect blazer, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you may have to get the blazer tailored so that it fits you just right. The smallest details can make a huge difference in terms of appearance and fit.