image credit: j.crew
reader Kate asks: Hi Sophie! I have really been enjoying your blog and especially the concept of investing in good foundations. I am looking to purchase a black wool blazer and am wondering if you have any recommendations on brands and styles. Thanks so much! -Kate
Hi Kate, great question! and my apologies for not getting to your question sooner.
a quality black blazer is definitely an essential that everyone should have in their closet. it can go from being formal work attire to business casual to weekend chic, depending on how you style it. in terms of overall good value in terms of fit and material, i would recommend J.Crew's version in Super 120s wool. it has a classic proportion (hits at high hip, tailored through the shoulder and arms, silhouette skims the natural waist) for a woman's suiting blazer, and pairs easily with suiting pants/skirt, or separates for a business casual environment.
for a more gamine but still classic style, i also like Everlane's little black blazer in a wrinkle-free wool. pair with the matching cropped trousers for a great feminine and modernized take on the traditional suit.
if you want to add another option to your wardrobe rotation, a great variation on the classic is J.Crew's skinny lapel blazer in a stretch-wool fabrication – the little bit of stretch is always a plus for a more comfortable fit.
finally, if you have a bit more in your budget to splurge, Theory makes a great suiting blazer every season that will take you from interview to the corner office.
i hope this is helpful, and if you have a style question, comment below or send me a message!
After being inspired by Jamie from Mademois-elle, I can also recommend Helmut Lang's blazers. I like how they are a little on the masculine side, but still timeless and sleek, and not to mention beautifully constructed. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can find them for a steal on Gilt, Nordstrom Rack or even The RealReal (which is where I got mine).
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to check out some of the newer ways in: Everlane is super chic, reliable and cost effective. I've had incredible luck using RealReal.com also. I bought two barely worn Rag & Bone blazers - one simple black ($50) and one in heavier grey wool ($30!). Nowadays you can get high design quality for very little $$...
ReplyDeleteexcellent advice, i wholeheartedly agree! :)
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