Ask Angie: my 3rd attempt on Banana Republic navy blazer - K/R

I have tried this very blazer from Banana Republic 2 times last year and decided to pass. This year they are available in Tall and I give it the last try. What do you think?
I took it to my Mom to assess the fit. It is a bit big in the back but this is my usual problem of wide shoulders + narrow back and I have to alter at least 50% of my blazers for this. My Mom said this can be fixed.
So the question is of the overall style and fit (ignoring the excess fabric on the back) - is it worth keeping or should I keep looking? The fabric quality is good (wool) and the workmanship is fine for the price point. What about the style for me?
pics 1-3 - open; pics 4-6 - closed.
Thanks!!!!

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Banana Republic

Navy Lightweight Wool Two-Button Suit Blazer

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9 years ago

Anonymous

I like the jacket - they do make a good, basic work blazer. Is it a little wide across the shoulders, or is it my imagination? The length looks good to me, and both buttoned and closed it looks fine. Sleeves are a tad long too, no?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

No shoulder fit is good, it is the back which is wide - right below the shoulders but it is fixable. The sleeve length looks good to me - I am always bothered by too short sleeves

Tina

I would say keep. The length looks good and I like how it goes in on your torso. It has nice structure. I have a black one from BR and I agree, it is well made and good quality for the price (especially if you can catch a sale!).

Suz

Do you want it as a suit, Svetlana? If so, do the trousers also work? I think this looks pretty good -- of course you would style it with scrunched sleeves, etc. I am not 100% sure on that shoulder/bust fit, either, but if it feels good it is probably correct. And/or maybe the back tapering would address what appears to be a bit of looseness in the front. I don't think the sleeve is too long on you.

What I remember about this jacket is that it felt truly easy to wear. I didn't end up keeping the one I tried, but Mr. Suz is still a bit sorry about that.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

It's really good in front. If Mama-Sveta can fix the back - THUMBS UP. xo

Nebraskim

I love this. If the fit is close enough and can be altered to perfection, and this has been a hard item to find that's 95 percent perfect, I would keep it. A well-made, basic navy jacket/blazer could be a workhorse because it's so versatile and essentially, a neutral piece. I think the sleeve and overall jacket length is spot perfect.

Mellllls

I'm not sure. What draws you to this particular blazer?

Mona

I really like it on you, Sveta. I hope the little alteration at the back makes it 100% keep worthy.

MsMaven

I like it and agree the tweaks should turn it into a good-looking workhorse. Most of my blazers come from BR these days. I am tall but not quite tall enough for most tall sizes, and can commiserate with getting the length of the jacket and the sleeve just right.

unfrumped

I'm really liking the length, elegant but not exaggerated, and the slight shaping, but still fluid, all make it versatile and classic, IMO. I think it would be easy to wear with less classic pieces for good juxtaposition.

harmonica

What Mona said.

Karie

I want a seamstress mama so that I don't have to do my own alterations (I hate doing alterations)! Give her a big kiss, treat her to a nice lunch, and have her get out that sewing machine 'cause you should keep that blazer.

Gaylene

With an upper back alteration, I think the fit will be spot on for this style. If I'm being totally honest, though, I've never been especially fond of a straight hem, double-vent back on any woman who isn't an androgynous shape like a rectangle or an IT. To my eye, this is a very masculine detail that flattens out what should be a flattering curve for a hourglassy shape. The vents on this particular jacket do sit nicely, though, which is a huge bonus.

ETA: Though, take my observation and prejudices with a grain of salt, because they come a quarter century of being very aware of 200+ pairs of sometimes bored, 20-something eyes being fixed on my backside when I was lecturing. To say I am on Team Riveting Rear is an understatement.

kkards

Where can I get a Momma Sveta? I love a classic blazer, and if it can be tailored to you, wow! Keep

Thanks for your help. If my Mom can get the fit perfect then it is a keeper.
I have been already playing with it in my closet and it grows on me more and more
Susan, I would not mind a suit but if I cannot find trousers to match I will be happy with it as a blazer too. Actually it works pretty well to my eye with Express shadow plaid trousers which have navy in the pattern

Express

Shadow Plaid Barely Boot Editor Pant From Express

That's great, then, and you have had a good fit from BR pants in the past so maybe you can snap up a pair.

To Gaylene's point about the double vent, I will admit that on my Reiss jacket I find that a bit annoying. It was perfectly fine at first. But lately the vents seem to have "puffed out" a bit whether from the way I have sat on them or my own rearside changing shape, I don't know. I am going to steam the jacket and see what happens. But sometimes a double vent will do a weird sort of "curl" thing that is not the best. Just to be aware. I do think the thinner fabric of the BR jacket will help to mitigate against that and keep it falling well on you.

Helena

I like it; how wonderful to have a talented seamstress at the ready!

Debbie

Love it on you. After your mom does her magic it will be perfect.

Golden

I like it , a lot!

Susie

I don't have my whole closet organized by outfits but I do select about 10 outfits and hang those together. For me it's idea...it saves time by focusing on a limited selection, yet allows me to choose based on mood/weather. I save choosing the shoes, bag and accessories until I am dressed. I often try 2-3 shoes before settling on one, probably because they are one of my favorite parts of an outfit.

I have my summer and spring clothes in another closet. I already have 20 outfits hanging together, ready to go for warm weather

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texstyle

I like it too - I think with the alteration you mentioned it will be a 10!

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