Do you consider yourself impulsive? My husband would say I am. Compared to my husband, Chidi Anagonye looks impulsive. If you don’t know who I am talking about, stop everything and binge-watch The Good Place. In truth, I can be a bit impulsive, especially when it comes to shopping.
Last year, it became pretty obvious I buy impulsively. My closet is full, we had absolutely nowhere to go, and I still purchased lots of clothes. My excuse is – I buy in the name of research (wink & nod), but the reality is I love clothes and when I see something good I have to have it.
Why the Challenge?
In one of my online fashion groups, the question was raised, “If you could only buy one item this month, what would it be?” This led me to start this monthly series. Each month I will detail the one item I suggest you buy. The idea is to be more thoughtful in your purchases. To build your wardrobe around quality pieces. You can check out the One Item for January here.
If you are a minimalist fashionista, I hope this post will inspire you on what item to buy. If you are a fashion whore like me, this post can serve as inspiration for at least one of your shopping trips. Then maybe consider living more minimalist in another area of your life. Or not. You do you, boo. Overall this exercise has me being more mindful of my purchases.
February One Item to Buy
My recommendation for the one item to buy in February is the best quality blazer you can afford. If you don’t have a good blazer in your closet, consider a classic cut and color. If you already have a few blazers consider one of the more trendy options like a cropped or belted style. The goal is to pick a blazer that will enhance the existing items in your wardrobe.
There are so many blazer options available. Below are six styles of blazers to inspire your February purchase.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running. If you would like to know more, visit my disclosure policy page.
1. Fitted Blazer
A fitted blazer is a true classic. Consider picking one up in your favorite neutral: black, navy, or tan. Below I am wearing the Nordstrom 1901 Stretch Cotton Twill Blazer, which is currently sold out. The J.Crew Parker Blazer has a similar fit, but the tan is more of dark caramel.
Fitted blazers are available in one, two, or three-button styles. When finding the right fit, make sure the top button closes easily. If there is more than one button, it is not necessary, they all close. The seams on the shoulders of your blazer should end where your actual shoulders do. There may be a small bit of padding in the shoulders. Make sure it does not extend beyond your natural shoulder line.
The length of a fitted blazer is a personal preference and often depends on your body type. I prefer a fitted blazer to skim my hip but not cover my bum. I generally size up in all blazers because I have broad shoulders and I hate feeling constricted in any garment.
Fitted Blazer Picks
2. Boyfriend or Oversized Blazer
One of the most popular blazer styles is the boyfriend fit or oversized blazer. My favorite one is from Everlane. I have it in black (see below), glen plaid, and recently purchased beige twill. You can check out how I style my favorite blazer in the post A Quick & Easy Outfit Formula. This blazer has a roomy, menswear-inspired shape and a modern vibe. I am wearing my true size 8 as this blazer is already oversized. It is made with 100% recycled wool giving it a good amount of warmth and a nice drape.
The fit on a boyfriend blazer is not as important as with other blazers. I prefer one just slightly big. Of course, fashion girls like Haley Beiber love to wear exaggerated styles with large shoulder pads that are massively oversized. There are so many options. Find one that fits your personality and go with it.
Style Tip: The closer to a real menswear-inspired cut you stay, the longer your blazer will remain in fashion.
3. Double-Breasted Blazer
A double-breasted blazer is another classic that is more susceptible to trends. It has been in and out of fashion many times over the years. At the moment, double-breasted blazers are hot. They have a flashier look than your standard button blazer. They exude power and definitely make a statement.
I am not a huge fan of double-breasted blazers. Maybe it is a bit of PTSD from my teenage years in the 80s. I think of Tess McGill in Working Girl, and I cringe. Can’t you hear her? “I have a head for business and a body for sin. Is there anything wrong with that?” Ugh! Anyone else? No. Just me? The reality is a double-breasted blazer adds bulk around my middle and therefore isn’t as flattering as other styles.
Despite my disdain for double-breasted jackets, I did get sucked in by the plaid on this Anine Bing Blazer. I love the red in this plaid. I solely wear this blazer open. It gives it a more casual vibe. I definitely don’t need a double layer of fabric at my front. Still, I am more comfortable in a standard blazer, so this one often sits in my closet.
Style Tip: Look for a style that buttons easily without pulling at the button or in the hips.
Double Breasted Blazer Picks
4. Collarless Blazer
A collarless blazer is another classic style that you often find paired in a suit. The vibe on a collarless blazer is definitely more conservative. Also known as a lapel-less blazer, it is available in two primary neck styles: a round neck with straight lines on the jacket or a deep V-neck.
I prefer a deep V-neck. I believe it is more flattering on broad shoulders and larger bust. The blazer I am wearing below was from Madewell a few years ago. Because the cut is classic and the buttons subdued, this blazer will last for years without becoming outdated.
It is a good thing because I don’t wear this as often as my other blazers. I do like to have a lot of options when it comes to blazers in my closet. I added this one because of the dressier silhouette and the fact I can easily wear it buttoned. It also covers my bum so I can wear it with leggings.
Collarless Blazer Picks
5. Statement Blazer
If you already have a closet full of workhorse blazers like the ones suggested above, why not buy a statement blazer? A blazer that has a bit of pizzazz can spice up any look. I add a fun blazer to almost all of my evening looks for extra warmth. I am not one to suffer for fashion, and being I am always cold, a statement blazer is just practical.
A velvet blazer is a great way to elevate your look. My blazer is from J.Crew. They are currently sold out but return every fall. Add a velvet blazer to a casual look like my outfit below or wear over a slip dress for an evening out.
Another option is a brocade or tapestry blazer. The bright and unique patterns make for a standout wardrobe piece. In 2019, I picked up the Anna Sui cropped, collar-less, tapestry blazer I am wearing in the second photo below. I love the boho vibe. Of course, many blazers incorporate more than one style option. I could have easily put the Anna Sui blazer in the cropped blazer section, but I decided it was more of a statement piece because of the pretty brocade.
Statement Blazer Picks
6. Cropped Blazer
Cropped blazers are another style available in many different options, from fitted to collarless. I’ve yet to see a boyfriend-style cropped blazer, but some trendy cropped blazers do have lots of extra room at the waist. Like double-breasted blazers, a cropped blazer’s popularity is driven by trends. Right now, because of the 80s revival, cropped blazers and their cousin, the double-breasted blazer, are having a major moment.
The blazer I am wearing below is more of a classic style, Chanel-inspired, tweed. I am not averse to trendy pieces. I add them to my wardrobe staples to keep my look current. The cropped blazer trend is perfect for spring but not really for the rest of the year. If I worked in an office, I would definitely add this style to my rotation.
Cropped Blazer Picks
6. Belted Blazer
In 2019, belting an oversized blazer was all the rage. Do people say that anymore? How about this? It was poppin’ to belt a blazer in 2019 at the height of the Gucci belt craze. I don’t know. What is the 50-something slang appropriate for popular? Hot? Yes, I think hot.
Fashion girls took their oversized blazers and cinched them with their double G belts. Now, the trend has morphed, and there are many blazer options with built-in belts or ties. Of course, you can still use your favorite belt to cinch your blazer.
This trend works best on women with an hourglass figure and longer torso. I don’t have that type of figure. I am more straight with a short waist. This trend is one I love but will skip because the belted blazer just doesn’t work for me.
If you are someone with a smaller waist, a longer torso, this is a fabulous option. A belted-blazer highlights your assets.
Belted Blazer Picks
As I mentioned, I recently picked up my third Everlane Oversized Blazer in tan. For most of California’s winter days, this blazer adds just enough warmth. I want to tell you that it is my only purchase of February, but that isn’t the case, and it is only the 6th. It is the only blazer I will buy this month unless I can find the rag & bone Slade Blazer on sale somewhere.
I am a bit late to the blazer game. When I was in my 30’s, I thought blazers were too preppy or too formal for me. I only had one or two in my closet. Of course, I had small children, and a quality blazer just wasn’t practical. As I age, I prefer the structure of a blazer to most sweaters. I get eternally frustrated with the pilling of all sweaters, regardless of cost. A good blazer that is well cared for will last years.
Tips for Buying a Blazer
Just a quick note on buying a blazer – regardless of cost, a blazer will look cheap if the buttons aren’t quality or the lining is does not lay flat. A blazer doesn’t need to have a lining (see the wildly popular rag & bone Slade Blazer), but it is one way to make any blazer look more expensive. It is good to consider the lining when buying especially if it has a contrast lining that might restrict your styling options.
Also, consider the details. If you are buying a classic blazer, make sure the buttons and lapel aren’t too stylized. A classic cut lapel will last longer than a trendy collar. Buttons can easily be swapped out but consider the buttonholes when deciding if you want to undertake and make a change. A blazer with huge buttons will always require large buttons.
Did You Watch The Good Place?
Did you watch The Good Place? Isn’t it awesome? One of the few recent shows that made me LOL. It is so clever, creative, and relatable all at the same time. Who doesn’t want a Janet? But isn’t every mom just a little bit of a Janet for her family? I think so. Check out this article on 21 Interesting Details From The Good Place. It was such a good time; I think I will rewatch the whole series.
I hope this gives you some inspiration for your one purchase in February. Mapping out the rest of the year, I realized why this challenge is so difficult. I came up with no less than 20 items I think every closet needs. I hope you will check back in March for my next One Item Challenge. If you have decided to try the challenge, I would love to hear how you are doing? The sales in January were pretty darn good. I found it really hard to stick to just one item. What about you?
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.
1 Comments
Comments are closed.