I am totally itching to try a boyfriend blazer! I may stop by Lane Bryant today and check that first one out. I think it would be a great addition to my fall wardrobe, and it would definitely get a lot of wear. I’ve been wearing a lot of jackets lately, thanks to YLF, and I love the structure they add. I feel polished and put together in jackets, and I’m sure a boyfriend blazer will give me the same feeling. Can’t wait to give it a whirl.

Thank you for this post Angie. I have really been wanting to get one of these and now I have better guidelines. This is my new shopping mission!

I love my boyfriend jacket! I haven’t actually invested in a graphic maternity tee, but I’m still enjoying the look over a plain tee and especially my blue ruched frock.

I purchased two boyfriend blazers this summer:
one is very eighties, nude, doublebreasted
one is shimmering grey with rolled up sleeves that are pre-fixed

Question: Can I wear these items in fall/winter? The colors seems so summer-like to me and the rolled-up sleeves make me freeze.

More than a few “ah-ha” moments in this post, particularly the point about the button positioning. I did not know that a higher stance creates a stronger shoulder.

I wanted a BF blazer all last season and finally found one this summer. It has been my favorite “go-to” piece this fall. Instant style update! I wear it at least once a week, with jeans, ponte knit pants, dressy blouses, tees, over sheath dresses, pencil skirts, buttoned and unbuttoned….

Thanks for this blog Angie, I’m actively seeking my BF Blazer at present.

I’m loving both option 3 and 4.

Do you think this trend will last into spring summer of next year? Just trying to figure out if it’s a splurge (relative) or steal purchase for me.

I have a question. Our weather is already cold enough that BF blazer with a layer of knit top is already not warm enough.What kind of outer layer can be worn wiith this look?
Thanks Angie!

I just purchased a black boyfriend blazer this season, and I can’t believe how versatile it has been! I’ve worn it to work with trousers, skinny jeans for a night on the town and I’ve even worn it over a tunic dress with opaque tights. The look is fun, edgy and suprinsingly slimming! A great new edition to my wardrobe!

My BF blazer is pretty warm. Although I haven’t tried it yet under a coat (and I’m doubting it will work), what I do is layer, layer, layer:

1) Cami under a top
2) a vest or long-sleeve cardigan (cute look) over the top
3) a scarf to keep your neck warm
4) roll sleeves down while outside
5) wear gloves if necessary
6) tall boots with thick socks under also go a long way

That seems to work in as low as 40 degree weather, but I do run hot. The good thing about a BF style is that it’s loose enough you can get away with this much layering underneath!

Great tips, Angie! I really like the look of boyfriend blazers, but I don’t feel like spending money on one so I repurposed an older black jacket. I think it works pretty good. Yes, there are no trendy embelishments on it, but it serves me really well. And I can still roll down the sleeves and wear it the “old-fashioned” way.
I am totally loving the 80s vibe that boyfriend blazers bring, especially with a nod to Dynasty.

Thank you, Angie, for a very helpful post. I’ve been wearing this look often with jeans or microcheck pants and thrift store long blazers in black and in dark navy that are shaped much like the third and fourth photos. They are on the fitted side which gives my rectangle shape some curve. The satin self-color lining contrasts nicely to the wool blazer, and I plan to continue to wear them under a roomy trench when the weather gets colder. I have layered so far with graphic tees and Sweet Pea tops and plain knits. A button-down shirt works but doesn’t look as feminine as I’d like.

Thank you very much Angie for yet another post full of helpful tips. I have recently gotten a very casual, knitted version of BF blazer and am enjoying experimenting with the look.

Speaking of things boyfriend…How do you wear boyfriend jeans in the fall and winter? What kinds of tops and shoes? Thanks.

i actually have a “real” one! Well, it was my dad’s, but close enough. It’s from the 60s and I love being able to wear it now.

My normal length jackets hit at the hip bone, so I am unconvinced that this is a good length for me even though I’m petite. That is why I didn’t end up going for the second one from the left. After seeing this style on, I think I’d rather go with the lengths in the last two pictures. That, to me, is a very distinct look from a traditional blazer. The last 2 are right up my alley, if only they were cheaper/in my size.

Hi Angie!
This post is great. I love my black boyfriend blazer from Zara with pinstripe lining.
I have one problem though. My blazer has shoulder pads inside and I can’t decide if I should remove them or not. I have average shoulders and I think it looks ok when I wear the blazer, but I can’t help but feel like a football player! What are your views on shoulder pads in blazers?
Thanks!

Thankyou Angie. I have been waiting for this post, it is just what I need to help me choose a boyfrind blazer.
I have never taken a look at a blazer for myself so I am lost when it comes to choosong a BF blazer.
How wide should the lapel be, how many, and how high or low should the buttons be?
I have just noticed that because I did a lot of fall sale shopping, my blouses and my sweaters are dark. I found a hole in my wardrobe for a light colored BF blazer. I hope to find one. Do you think a fairly light one works, and does it make it even more casual?
Thankyou!

Great post! I love boyfriend blazers.

Oh sorry Angie, I was so excited about your post that I hurried through it so I could respond and then go back and re read it at leizure. NOW I see your words on button positioning. Thankyou!

In the 80s, I had a thrifted men’s wool blazer in a charcoal and black chalk stripe, with the most gorgeous red-and-green plaid lining, which of course I rolled up the sleeves to showcase. It was way oversized, in the style of the day, and I wore it constantly.

Unfortunately, as much as I adored that jacket, it may have ruined this look for me. I have had on several boyfriend blazers and so far I can’t get past the flashback aspect. Every time I see a picture of Shiny in hers (fab!) I swear I’m going to give it another go, but haven’t been able to make the leap yet.

Next time, I will bring your guidelines along, Angie, for a shot of confidence that I can do this without looking like I fell into the Wayback Machine…

I just can’t get my head around. So a no from me!

I want one so much, I just can’t find one at a good price that looks all right. For the mean time I have an old navy one that is all right but a bit sloppy. I’ll keep looking.

Hey!
I’ve been following your blog for awhile, but this is my first post, as I have a question. I’m not the hugest fan of the boyfriend blazer trend, and I would never spend dedicated money on one of these articles of clothing. However, there is a gorgeous gorgeous suit jacket that my dad owns from goodness knows how many decades ago. It’s a rich plush chocolate velvet, single breasted. I love it! But the problem is, I’m 5′2″ and my dad, while he is only 5′6″, is a good deal broader and bigger than me. The blazer is big and boxy for me around the shoulders, and I know you said fit around the shoulders is important. What’s a gal to do? Could I perhaps pull this off with a “real” boyfriend blazer—or daddy’s blazer as the case may be? Am I in danger of looking like a clown?

Love them. I wear them if I want to feel girly or tomboy-ish. They just work.

-meream

I will be keeping my eyes peeled for one of these. I totally love the look!!

Great hearing that there are boyfriend blazers in action !

Marianna, I expect you to give this look a whirl.

Patience, I hope we see you rock your pregnant bod in your BF blazer.

Phoebe, your blazers do sound Summery. Are they lightweight too?

R&J, I suspect this look will be in for a while. It was as much of a 90’s thing as it was an 80’s one. (90’s fashion is repeating itself).

Bella, if your BF blazer is tailored, you should have no problem fitting it under a coat. I wear tailored jackets under coats all Winter long. But if your BF blazer is a little boxier like mine is, it’s not very comfortable under a Winter coat. But it’s great on days when you’re in the car and heading straight indoors like to a mall or restaurant.

Melanie, I have a jacket with shoulder pads which I love. I’d keep them in and sport the trendy look.

Sophia, I’d love to see you post a picture of you in your Dad’s blazer on our forum so that I can offer accurate feedback.

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Thanks for the helpful post, Angie! Now I know exactly what to look for when I got to buy a boyfriend blazer.

At 5′11″ and a size 16 Pear, I worry about looking too big and hulking in a BF blazer. Is there any length or fit that I should look out for?

[...] what I am calling the blazers I have had in my closet for years…I just want to be trendy). Unsure of how to wear the blazer? Don’t fear! I found a great how to from youlookfab.com. My fave look is rolling the cuffs [...]

Thank you for this post! I’ve been fascinated by the look, but stuck in the details which I know is the difference between looking cool and looking like you are trying. The examples are great. I am really digging option 4, but I can’t rationalize spending that kind of money until I am convinced on the versatility of this look in my lifestyle and age. I am 35 and therefore not about to rock the legging and bf blazer look a’ la Lohan or the denim mini with tights and booties (which I do think is fierce, btw). Is this look also so ubiquitous that I won’t be able to wear it for awhile after this season? (Remember ponchos from 2004-2005? I think I just took mine out again this year.)

Inspired by your post, I just bought the LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer from Kohl’s. It’s basic black with light gray pinstriped lining, which shows when you roll up the sleeves. Adorable!

[...] Boyfriend blazers come in two types of cut: tailored or unstructured. This style is a little more tailored with self-coloured turn-up cuffs. Personally, I prefer a boyfriend blazer with self-coloured cuffs because I’m able to dress the item both up and down. If you’re after a more versatile boyfriend jacket that defines the waist, try this style instead of the boxier, more relaxed version. And remember that boyfriend blazers look best UN-BUTTONED. Shop this Item Write the First Review [...]

[...] Boyfriend blazers come in two types of cut: tailored or unstructured. The style of this jacket is a little boxy with contrast turn-up cuffs, which makes it more casual. If you’re tall and like to surrender your waistline, you might like this silhouette better than a shorter and more structured version. It looks hip belted at the waist as well. When you belt this look, it’s a good idea to keep the belt black to ensure a long lean line. Shop this Item Write the First Review [...]

[...] can even switch the solid and pattern mix around by wearing a patterned top and solid scarf. Think boyfriend blazer, trench coat, cropped coat, biker/plaid/military jacket, or one of the new look, longer length [...]