Blazers - do they fit, do they look OK? - YouLookFab Forum

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Blazers - do they fit, do they look OK?

MuseumGal

Veteran

The official job offer finally arrived ... and now we're in the negotiation phase. One of these weeks, I will be starting work, and in preparation, I bought 2 new blazers, and then pulled out every blazer I already own and tried them all on. I didn't realize I had so many! I have the room to keep them all, so I'm not interested in purging just for the sake of purging or some minimalist goal. But some of these are a good 15 years old, and I'm not sure if they are in as good of shape as I think they are, if that makes sense.

So far there is only one on the chopping block due to color, shape, and plus I just never wear it. But I'd like to hear your opinions. What I'd like to know from you all is: Do they fit? Do they look OK,
i.e. reasonably stylish (I don't worry too much about trends, but I also
don't want to look like I just bought the thing at a thrift shop) and reasonably flattering (I'm not trying to look 30 lbs lighter, but I'd also rather not look 30 lbs heavier).

Thanks all!

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Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from sparlingo

frannieb

Veteran

So yesterday I had the chance to have a quick session with a stylist at one of my favorite boutiques. They were having an event for the fall season.
This is what I learned about jackets from her
Even if you will never ever button up a jacket it needs to look good buttoned up or else it will not look right ever unbuttoned.
She then took me through trying on several jackets and it was 100% right. The jackets that looked great buttoned looked the best unbuttoned by leaps and bounds.
I would put all the jackets you posted through the buttoned up test to see if you noticed a difference.
Blazers 4 and 5 are my favorite for fit and blazer 7 is my favorite for color
The new purple blazer looks a little big in the shoulder

Traci

Veteran

My absolute favorites are the maroon drapey, teal and new blue blazers. I'm not sure on the fit of the new purple blazer, it seems almost oversized, but maybe styled in the right way it would be just the right level of ease?

A couple stood out to me as not as good as the rest. These are the grey one and the two navy ones. For the navy ones, I was able to pinpoint that it's the way the collar is high and doesn't give a nice line down the front of the blazer. For the grey, I can't quite figure it out, it just doesn't show off your shape as well as the others is the best I can say.

shiny

Veteran

My favorites - the pinstripe (so snappy!), the maroon drapey (lovely color), and the new purple blazer. I kind of like that the purple blazer is more of a fluid fit in the shoulders. It is also a gorgeous flattering color on you.

My least favorite - navy blazer long w/pockets. It seems to swamp you, and is too long in the sleeves, though maybe I'd change my mind if you scrunched the sleeves. But mostly I don't care about the collar -- to my eye it seems a bit dated.

My second to least favorite is the zip jacket, but this may be a personal preference. It seems more casual than the rest. I almost thought it was gear. Also -- and maybe this is just me -- it seems an awkward length in the back. I prefer your jackets that cover your rear entirely, OR are shorter hitting higher on the hip and exposing a half rear. Then again it could be how you are standing in the photo.

I'd like to see the short jackets with a dress or skirt. Did they come with matching skirts?

shiny

Veteran

P.s. I think we should deem you the Blazer Queen! You look very nice in a blazer.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the offer being official! I also think there's something off with the long navy blazer with pockets. Maybe it's the length, or the way the lapels are cut, that doesn't look current. I agree that the new purple blazer looks too big, even though the color is great on you.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Wow, glad I made the post - I didn't realize that the new purple was too big, but now that you all point it out, I agree - back it goes. Also, I almost didn't post the two navy blazers, because I thought they were no brainers, but apparently I'm the no brainer ... they do look sort of weirdly dated, don't they ...

lyn67

Veteran

Great collection, and you are indeed the Queen of Blazers:-) but I would pass on nr 2, 3(both too flimsy), and 9(oldish collar cut). My faves are the black zipered one as a more casual still structured and curent look., the grey one, the black pinstriped, and the navy short(fort dresses). Sorry to say, but he purple new one is a bit odd, It looks ike oversized.

Dee

Veteran

Congrats on the official job offer! And good luck with the negotiation part - that's the part that always makes me uncomfortable.

I'm impressed by your blazer collection, especially considering you were in grad school, which is so casual. Of them, my least favorites are the two navy ones, and I'm not a huge fan of #3 either. I love the color of the purple one and the shape - hopefully you can find it in a smaller size!

DonnaF

Veteran

I like you best in colors! My least favorite are #1 (I think I thrifted that exact jacket a few years ago BTW) and the navy one with three buttons because even my bad eye makes me think they are dated and so they age you well beyond your years. I'd like to see the two black ponte blazers styled; I'm not sure if it is only the color that's not doing it for me.

Lucy

Veteran

Congrats on the job! Working in a similar field I know how tough the job market is at the moment, so it is such an achievement!
My absolute favourite is the drapery burgundy jacket, wow! I also love the teal and the pinstripe.
I think number two is not a thick enough fabric to hang well. And I agree the navy is not ideal.
But really, what a great set of jackets!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think 4 and 5 have the strongest professional feel about them and I love pinstripes so that one would be my favorite. I do like the short navy as well and think it would work with many outfits. The maroon is pretty on you and would be a nice softer alternative to the blazers.

I agree that the purple looks a bit big on you but a size down may work well.

Congrats on the job offer.

tricia w.

(website)

Love the pinstripe and the new plum, colored blazer; that color looks amazing on you!

Deborah

Veteran

The two I would move on are #1 and #9. I think jackets with a lower stance (is that the correct term?) suit you best. 1 and 9 look too boxy to me with the higher lapel. #3, I would change the buttons to something darker. Love the two new ones.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Impressive set of blazers! My favorite of the group is the new purple one, but I do see that the shoulders may be a tad big. What I love about it is that the cut is both flattering and current looking, and the color is awesome on you. So if you don't keep this exact one, I would look for the longer stance (lower V) with one button like this one has. I think Angie has posted in the past that this style is almost universally flattering. I'll look for the post.
For fit and drape, my next favorite is the gray blazer on you. I'm not sure how great the color is, but certainly it will pair with the beautiful cool colors you look so good in.
I like the pinstripe blazer, too, though it looks slightly less current to me.
You can see I like the structured ones on you best. The ponte blazers may be suffering a little in comparison because of what you're wearing underneath. You may need a fabric that the fabric doesn't catch on--something with a smoother, silkier finish, to improve the hang of them. I do like the maroon one--it drapes nicely in the photo.
I agree #9 looks dated. It's really the only one I would suggest passing on. The shorter blazers look like they could work with dresses, as you suggest.

Echo

Veteran

I am not as fond of #2, #3, #9 and (I hate to be a spanner) the drapey maroon one. I very much like the more structured looks and the brighter colours. I think you look especially fantastic in the teal and the cobalt. The grey blazer fits well and looks professional, but it is not your best colour. Perhaps a scarf or brighter blouse could keep that one looking nicer.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Thank you so much for your feedback all! This was a very eye-opening exercise for me and I learned a ton! Here's how I'm leaning:

The two short jackets (2 and 8) I'm keeping for now - I will wear them with dresses and see if I like them that way.

#1 had mixed reviews, but I think it looks dressier in person than it does in the photos - certainly it's the highest quality piece in terms of fabric and construction, and it's staying, at least for now.

#3 is ponte fabric and few years old, and will be demoted to casual and travel wear. And I will change out the buttons as suggested by Deborah; I think that will make a big difference.

#4 had mixed reviews - generally positive although a few of you mentioned the grey color wasn't they greatest on me and one person didn't like the fit/shape. This is one of the older pieces, and if I don't wear enjoy it wearing this fall, I will donate it.

#5 was generally well received - everyone loves a good pinstripe, and this one is also staying. However it's my oldest blazer (at least 15 years old), and starting to look a bit worn - it will be used primarily casually.

#6 I was surprised at how many people commented favorably on this marron drapey number, as it's the one piece I had already mentally consigned to the donate pile. Every time I pull it out to wear, I put it back. I just don't think it's that flattering of a cut, and the color is too warm for me - compared to the cooler purple of #10, I think it makes me look rather florid/flushed. It's going.

#7 and #11 (the teal and blue) are my favorites, and were universally liked. I think I will wear the blue one my first day with a column of black.

#9 - the long navy blue blazer - this is one of my favorite blazers, I wear it all the time, so I was taken aback that it was universally disliked and deemed unstylish. But I do see the point - I will keep it for now - it's a useful piece of light outerwear for Fall - but a new navy blazer has moved to the top of my shopping list.

And finally #10 - the new purple blazer - it is indeed too large and I will return it. I'm seem to remember that there was not a smaller size, but I will check when I take it back.

Once again thank you for your time and input!

christieanne

Veteran

Congratulations on the new job!
I think you have the blazers sorted out but I agree that the long navy blazer seems large on you. Maybe if the sleeves were shortened it could be saved?
I love blazers as well and am looking forward to cooler weather to pull them out again.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of these, my favourite is the pinstripe blazer. It has the best fit from what I can see in the photos. Very fab. Congrats on the new job. xo

tulle

Veteran

Congratulations on the job offer, Museum Gal! Could we talk a bit about color? The first four looks all blended together for me; they seemed dark and drab. Then the teal (or maybe peacock?) jacket appeared and, wow--even your expression looked different! I also love the ink blue/cobalt combos in photos 8, 9, and 11.You were made for deep bright shades--what people often call jewel tones--and I hope you will embrace them. The structure of the charcoal pinstripe jacket is really good, but imagine it with a vivid emerald or cobalt silk shirt--gorgeous! I really see you in silk shirts, lustrous and rich with your beautiful dark hair. If that seems too formal or vivid to you, I urge you to take one of these blazers to a store and try it with a few deep, richly colored solid silk (or silk-look, if washability is an issue) tops, preferably ones with neck openings that form a v, to elongate your line and showcase your face and hair. I think you might be pleasantly surprised. You are one who can wear black well, too--just make sure that it's a deep rich black, because faded shades will drain you. I think you can carry off strongly designed jewelry, too, especially in silver metals and deep-toned stones or enamels. Good luck--a new job is a new start

T

sparlingo

(website)

I think what's bothering me about the long navy one with pockets is just the scale of the labels/collar - it's just too small in proportion to both the jacket itself and your frame, which makes it not as flattering. Also just wanted to say that I'm in love with the colour purple on you!