At some point in your life, you've probably had the misfortune of being expected to wear a uniform (private school, that hostess job, taking tickets at the cineplex). Odds are, an itchy, unflattering blazer was involved.
When you graduated from an hourly wage and Frost and Glow highlights, your wardrobe got upgraded, too: buttery leather bags, silk blouses, and jewelry that doesn't turn your skin green. If you're letting flashbacks of a starchy wool monstrosity keep you from embracing a grownup blazer, it's time for an intervention -- and we're just the fashionistas to do it.
A well-made blazer is a transformative object. It makes denim dressy, party dresses polished, and -- with the right fit -- can bestow a boyish figure with curves, or make those last five pounds disappear.
In our experience, no blazer is more versatile or flattering than Theory's classic tailored version. It is constructed with a woman's movement in mind, and looks simultaneously professional and sensual.
As crucial as choosing the jacket is having it tailored. Here's a cheat sheet to making yours fit like a second skin.
-It should be fitted across the shoulders, but not stretched taut.
-The hem should skim your hipbone.
-The sleeves should hit mid-thumb when your arms are straight in front of you.
-You should be able to button it without pulling, but it should retain its silhouette when worn open.
-If you are between sizes, or any part of the blazer is too small, always size up. To make smaller is much easier than the opposite (unless we're talking body fat percentages.)
Your blazer is a frame; you are the main attraction. With that in mind, our Keaton Row Stylists have created a few masterpieces of apparel that'll do your new jacket justice -- and then some.
Style like you mean it.
Note: The blazer in each look is Theory's Gabe Classic Tailor Blazer, $237 (on sale from $325). Shop it here.
"Dressing for the office in summer is all about layering. Pairing a sleeveless blouse with your blazer makes dashing from your frigid staff meeting to drinks al fresco a (stylish) breeze." -Ensemble styled by Samantha Peterson
"Since the blouse is so unique, I kept the rest of the look neutral. With the blazer, this look is still fashion-forward, but professional. Without it, the white back panel of the blouse shows, making it feel more couture." -Ensemble styled by Olivia Peters
"A structured blazer feels feminine over a colorful, printed blouse and a light skirt." -Ensemble styled by Jessica Shia
