Today we tackle the 5th of my 10 casual outfit formulas for moms on the go (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3 and #4). This one is all about the boyfriend blazer, so I turned to fabulous Boston forum member Jennifer (or “shiny” in the forum), who is a full-time telecommuting professional, wife, and mom to two beautiful teenage girls. As an early fashion adopter, stylish Jennifer got her head around how to wear a boyfriend blazer in no time at all. This is how she rocks formula #5.

As a 44 year old mom of two teens, my biggest challenge is achieving that ambiguous state of style that we call “age appropriate.” I do not know which is worse: being the mom in the pickup lane who doesn’t try hard enough (showing up in sweats and her husband’s baggy tees), the one who tries too hard (squeezing into her daughter’s clothes), or the one who got stuck in the 80s and never left.

So when Angie first proposed wearing embellished T’s, Converse or boyfriend blazers, I dismissed each out of hand, thinking: “This is not for me. I am old enough to have teenagers who live in graphic tees and Converse and I already did the boyfriend blazer thing in my younger years!!!” But with lots of trepidation and some coaxing, I decided to give it a try. I learned how to pull off wearing all three, even all at once, and without looking like a teenager! You can, too.

Here is Angie’s formula:

Jeans + graphic / embellished T + boyfriend blazer + Converse sneakers

And here are my tips:

• Boyfriend Blazer: Because I’m only 5’0”, I was dubious about finding a boyfriend blazer that would not overwhelm me. But once you find one that’s scaled to your frame, structured on the shoulder, not too long, and with the stance in the right place, you’re good to go. Alternatively, this look will work with any structured blazer. The fact it is a blazer will automatically make the outfit “grown up.” Why? Very simple, because teens do not normally wear them! This is the item that pulls the outfit together and makes it look more sophisticated. Do experiment with your career clothing because I love the juxtaposition of a serious business suit jacket worn over a casual, whimsical tee. And what better way to make your wardrobe work double duty?
• Graphic T: Just because it’s an inexpensive T does not give an excuse to skimp on fit. While you’ll want to leave the cute sayings to the teens, it’s okay to express your interests and have fun. Do choose a flattering neckline and length. Alternatively, any nicer knit top or tunic will work. For a casual date-night look, try a dressier silk blouse and juxtapose feminine with masculine.
• Jeans: Try the look with dark wash or black boot cuts, straight legs, or skinny jeans. Ponte knit pants work too.
• Footwear: For a more “grown-up” look, stick with bootcuts or straight-legs when you wear Converse or fashion sneakers. When I wear my skinnies with a boyfriend blazer, I opt for ballet flats, but slouchy flat boots, loafers, brogues and booties will also work. I love the look with my metallic oxford booties. Yes, they are heels, but since I spend a lot of time schlepping teens around in the Toyota instead of my arms, I can get away with it. Not to mention, they and all their friends tower over me now, so I could use the extra inch or two of height to give me “mom” authority!
• Layering: Add a cami, cardigan, vest, scarf for extra warmth and interest. Think of your boyfriend blazer as you would any fall-weight jacket, but so much sharper than a Polar fleece or hoodie.
• Accessories: I like the look of a long necklace with the lean line of the boyfriend blazer. Or I skip it entirely and go with the ease of a simple pair of hoops. Add a watch if you wear one, and a cross-body bag, slouchy hobo, or tote in a fun color.

While there are many ways to incorporate a boyfriend blazer into your wardrobe, this formula is ideal for the Moms and gals on the go because it is casual, comfortable, practical, and so easy. Above all, I love how the blazer gives me authority when dealing with teens that are taller than me. So over to you. Are you willing to give this formula a try? Let’s hear your opinions on formula #5.

I like to roll up the sleeves for attitude. The purple T advertises my favorite theater group’s recent production. It works when the blazer is added to give structure. Since my lifestyle involves lots of taxi-driving these days, I can also wear this formula with heels too.

Don’t be scared of the boyfriend blazer! It’s a hip item that’s a must if you have an arty, creative, casual and eclectic dimension to your style. The silhouette spells modern AND retro, and it’s more versatile than you think. Boyfriend blazers are great layered over T’s, knit tops and blouses worn with jeans or slacks. But they work equally well layered over little frocks and pencil skirts. If you can’t get your head around the boxyness of the style, you can either rein in volume with a belt, or choose a silhouette that shows your waistline.

As always the devil is in the details when it comes to finding a flattering silhouette. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right boyfriend blazer:

• Colour: Solid black or charcoal grey are the obvious choices, but pinstripes, false plains, or any neutral will work.
• Styling: Stick to single breasted styles because they’re flop proof. A long lean line is created in front of the body when a single breasted style is left un-buttoned, which is super slimming. Double breasted cuts are adorable and very ‘80’s, but harder to wear.
• Fit: For an authentic boyfriend blazer look, you’re after a bit of boxyness in the waist area. But slimmer cut styles are available if you’d prefer to define the waist. Either way, make sure that the fit is snug through the shoulders and that the garment drapes well. It’s important to keep a strong shoulder with this silhouette, especially if you’re going for the boxy look. This will give your outfit the necessary structure.
• Length: Lengths will vary from shrunken styles that graze the hip bone to longer lengths that cover the bottom. The taller you are, the longer you can go. If you’re extra petite, opt for a shorter length. Wearing heels with the look will also help to elongate the leg line.
• Button positioning: I see this style worn open unless it’s belted. For this reason the stance of the jacket (where the highest button on a jacket hits the chest) should be high in order to add structure to the shoulder line. Lower stances work on tall gals and larger bust lines. But if you’re after a flop proof look, opt for a jacket with a stance positioned just under the bust or a couple of inches below that.
• Sleeve detailing: Boyfriend jackets are all about scrunching, or rolling up sleeves to show lining detail. Contrast lining is fun but self colour lining works just as well. Both add an interesting textural dimension to the outfit.
• Fabrication: Woven wool blend suiting fabrics are great, but so are cotton blends, tweeds and herringbones. Knitted blazers are also available for as extra casual look.

I adore my woven single-breasted black boxy boyfriend blazer with self colour lining. I personally prefer the item with volume because it looks more androgynous. I opted for the self colour lining because its more versatile (can be dressed up or down). But if you’re after a more casual look, contrast lining is the way to go.

If you still can’t get your head around the boxy 80’s boyfriend blazer, there’s room to cheat. Sport a regular fitted suit blazer and roll up or scrunch up the sleeves. Bobs your uncle.

An assortment of boyfriend blazers, some are shorter and more tailored than others. The voluminous aspect of the boyfriend blazer is forgiving, relaxed and comfortable, yet you gain a bit of dressy structure because it’s a jacket. I have trendier Mums and gals on the go in this item and they’re happy as clams because it’s a nice change to the cardigan. Surprisingly, my older modern classic clients are loving the look too.

With many, many superb outfits in the running for the TJ Maxx competition last week, it was hard to come up with a single winner. But our judge Dianna, the Budget Babe, managed to select a very deserving and fabulous Maxxinista. Drum roll please:

“Marianna embodies the Maxxinista persona with her creative, joyful sense of style and her proven ability to express her modern-classic style on a tight budget. I loved all her looks, so it was tough to narrow it down to just one, but I felt she took some risks with the winning look and that’s what made it my favorite.

Marianna’s mustard yellow sweater embodies the warm, rich hues of Fall and glows in contrast to her rich blue indigo jeans. Her cropped gray jacket fits beautifully and adds structure to the ensemble, while her gorgeous demi-wedge boots are both classic yet totally on-trend–and they look comfortable enough to stand in all day! Marianna’s flawless hair and makeup add the finishing touches to her polished look.

Runner up: Greenglove looks absolutely fierce in her leather jacket, colorful blouse and killer boots. Her tousled hair and bohemian jewelry add attitude and personalize the look. She looks fun, fearless, creative and artistic. In a nutshell, Greenglove’s outward appearance translates into making her someone you’d want to get to know!” — Dianna

Congratulations, Marianna! Happy shopping and keep sporting your fabulous Maxxinista style. Well done Greenglove for coming in as runner up! Your arty and eclectic way of dressing is always inspirational. A big thank you to the Budget Babe for taking the time to judge our competition. Dianna, you rock.

These are Marianna’s other top Maxxinista looks. No prizes for guessing that I have a soft spot for the frock, pearls and leather jacket ensemble, but it’s the outfit above with the mustard yellow sweater that won the competition. Well done.

Tops, T’s, knitwear and dresses with built-in front chain and necklace detailing are pretty popular at the moment, especially in prêt a porter collections. At first I thought, “how kitsch”! But with an open fashion mind, I tried on a few tops and frocks and popped them on a few clients as well. They looked better than I thought they would. The chain detailing is an easy way to add texture to a black top and accessorize your outfit. Some of the tops make effective layering pieces under jackets and cardigans too.

I don’t know whether items with built-in chains will actually make it through the laundry process, as few of the embellishments are detachable. l guess there’s only one way to find out. Mixing and matching separate necklaces with separate tops seems more laundry friendly and versatile. But there is something to be said for having it ALL on a platter. Do you like the look? Do you think this item will survive its first wash if you can’t remove the chain?