A good blazer has enormous uplift power. It can even take your lockdown outfit from loungeroom to boardroom. Okay, perhaps that’s a slight stretch, but you get the drift. Adding a blazer to a simple outfit of jeans, flat pumps (or even Teva’s) and a t-shirt (or, more likely right now, a jumper), can take you from comfortable to presentable. Quite frankly, isn’t that just what we’re all looking for in our wardrobes right now?
For the last few years the blazer offering - on the High-ish Street anyway - has been limited to oversized or corporate, with nothing in between. For those of us who have a few curves, don’t have legs that rival one of the Hadid’s, and don’t work in an especially formal environment, the options just weren’t there.
Fortunately, that pattern is changing, and it’s about time. So, here are my tips for how to wear the blazer depending on your body shape.
The Hourglass
£135, & Other Stories, stories.com
As with all styling on an hourglass figure, you’re after styles that skim your curves: when you have a waist, show it off. Choose blazers and jackets with darted bodies that leave negative space between your torso and arm to really maximise your figure. Similarly, look for balanced styles. If you’re an hourglass, you’re already in proportion: a longer blazer that stops at your hips will build the hips out so ensure it has really sharp shoulders to keep your figure balanced. I love this style from & Other Stories - the overlapping buttons really exaggerate the waist, while the sharp shoulders balance the length. Consider going down a size though so as to avoid any flap.
The Rectangle
£189, Massimo Dutti, massimodutti.com
When you’re a rectangle or have a more athletic figure you’re looking for styles that add softness and fluidity. Avoid stiff, heavy fabrics, and look instead for fabrics such as linen, lyocell or viscose which will mould a little around your body. A good tip is to push your sleeves up to waist height. Not only will your legs look longer, but it breaks up the squareness of the torso. Massimo Dutti are great for longer line blazers in lovely, rich colours.
The Triangle
£69.99, Mango, mango.com
If your hips are wider than your shoulders blazers and tailored coats are going to be your best friend. They’re the simplest way to build out the shoulders in order to mirror your hips. The key is to go for short (you don’t want to add any width to your hips), and tailored styles - we want that negative space around your torso. If you can, a style that buttons up right to the collarbone (as opposed to forming a V), will further build out your shoulders and add balance.
The Inverted Triangle
£89, Arket, arket.com
You may be thinking that blazers and tailoring in general aren’t for you if you already have broad shoulders. While it’s certainly true that you need to be careful with tailoring and avoid styles that build out your shoulders further, all hope is not lost. The waistcoat is making a return this season (as is 90s fashion in general) and it’s fantastic if you’re broader through the shoulder as it won’t build them out in the same way a blazer will. This style from Arket is also brilliant as it’s a longer length so will build out your hips to add some balance. You could try adding a narrow belt to it to make the most of your waist too.
The Round Figure
£49.99, Zara, zara.com
Those of us that are rounder through the middle with no defined waist will really suit a longer line ‘boyfriend’ blazer. Where a shorter style will draw a straight line across your widest point, thereby drawing attention it, a style that finishes around your hips, or even mid-thigh will skim over your tummy. Look for deep V-styles - preferably single breasted so as to not add bulk - that will break up the torso and make the most of your bust and decolletage. And like the rectangle, push up your sleeves to lengthen your legs. Thankfully, there is a plethora of styles like this on the market right now, so take your pick!
As usual, please do leave a comment and let me know if you want any styling tips as we head out of lockdown (hopefully) and regular services resume!
And finally, if you liked this, please do consider sharing it!
Prue x