Black Zara tuxedo blazer or not? ETA pics w sheath - YouLookFab Forum

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Black Zara tuxedo blazer or not? ETA pics w sheath

harmonica

Veteran

I'm looking for a blazer to replace the black one I have. I tried on a black tuxedo blazer at Zara. It fits well, but the sleeves will have to be shortened (as always). BUT with today's post in mind and all the colours on the runway, I'm hesitant on buying a black blazer.

I've always gravitated towards black and it is an easy colour for me to wear, but the last few years I've been wearing more and more bright colours like yellow, tomato red, hot pink/fuchsia, blush and white. And I want more citron in my wardrobe!

Or would a black blazer be a wardrobe essential for me?

Help me think through this.

#1: Zara tuxedo blazer with a-line skirt and jeans.

#2: Old blazer with satin lapels, puffy sleeves and satin detail on sleeves. I love these details, but the sleeves are too tight in the upper arm. Looking at the pics, I think it's time to let go asap.

#3: Boiled wool "blazer" (it's more of a hybrid between cardi and blazer, though)

#4: Zara tuxedo blazer on model

ETA #5: Zara tuxedo blazer with sheath

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21 replies

Latest reply was from harmonica

Katerina

Veteran

Hi Harmonica! Unfortunately, I don’t know your style yet and your wardrobe, so I can only comment in general and from my own perspective. To me, a black jacket is an absolute wardrobe essential. I love colours too and I have jackets in bright colours as well. A black jacket, however, is great with bright colored or patterned bottoms, blouses and scarves. And a black and white combo is such a lovely versatile classic. Personally, I do not think that bright jackets and black jackets are interchangeable, I like to have both. But of course, all depends on your style and wardrobe. Do you still like to wear black? Do you wear bright bottoms?

ETA and how often do you wear blazers in general?

Suzanimal

That's a pretty sweet blazer and if it's your style, I'd say go for it. Black goes with all the colors you listed, btw.

Sounds like you're getting tired of the black blazer and are maybe in the middle of a style transition. Maybe I'm wrong?

Thistle

Veteran

It looks sharp on you, but it's quite masculine.

Without knowing your style, I'm not sure if you'd like it enough to actually wear it.

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks, Katerina and Suzanimal! Great questions to sort out my thoughts on black blazers.
I retired my old blazer and put it in a holding zone (until I'd find a replacement) a year or two ago. I havn't worn this blazer since them, but I've worn another one occationally which is more of a casual black boyfriend blazer.
I do like a black (or dark) blazer for presentations at work. But I also like to wear a bright tomato red blazer for the same purpose.

harmonica

Veteran

Thistle, I think you're on to something.

Katerina

Veteran

I like the Zara jacket on you. It looks great with the white/red top and the jeans.

Echo

Veteran

I really like this jacket on you, and it doesn't strike me as masculine at all. Indeed, the lapels end at just the right place, and it accents your waist very well. I think a black jacket is a wardrobe staple (it is for me, anyway), and this one would make a beautiful replacement for the one you want to retire.

Suzanimal

After seeing it on you, I really like the Zara blazer. It would look great with any of your bright colors. I just checked out Pinterest and black and citron look fantastic together.

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks, Echo and Suzanimal! I really need to sleep on it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like it. And I think a black blazer (esp. dressy) should have a place in your wardrobe since it is easy to integrate with your hair and footwear. It's a bit long to wear with the A-line skirt but not too bad. Try it with a sheath or pencil skirt, too. Certainly will work with jeans and trousers.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Don't know if you need it or not, but it looks splendid with jeans!

Deborah

Veteran

I really the shape of your old blazer and I think the Zara one looks pretty good as a replacement. With regard to the current colours on the runway, I would be inclined to go with a black blazer and bring my colour in through my tops worn under it and maybe with scarves and accessories. Just an idea.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’ve run into this exact problem— my shoulder shape has changed (one hopes it’s a new muscle? Not just flab? But I could be kidding myself) and now my black blazer doesn’t fit at all. As you’ve seen from your own photos, this is indeed noticeable— not like a torn lining you can hide for a while. BUT as others have suggested here I’d like to suggest this is an opportunity for wardrobe evolution. Do you need a black blazer for work? (Sounds like the answer may be yes, for you.). In my case, I’ve left my office job and started working for myself, and have been interested to see that I no longer reach for blazers at all, so I’ve been experimenting with other toppers.

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks for your comments again! I have tried the blazer with a sheath and added the pic (#5). What do you think?

I think I'm a bit hesistant because I'm thinking I could be more patient and maybe save up for an even better quality blazer with some wool content and craftmanship.

On the other side, I really like the satin lapels and satin buttons and how the sleeves fit (although I miss a little shoulder detailing like puffs). And I have an orange Zara blazerthat have been a workhorse for years and a blazer cape I've yet to wear, but I really like it! I don't mind these two Zara blazers not having a wool content because they work well for spring/summer/autumn. See finds. I also added my "Patty Smith" blazer, just to show you. This one is more casual and I would not wear it for presentations of lectures at work, but it would pass for casual seminars with small groups of students. See finds.

I've drifted off to look at Boden blazers, but I'm not sure of my size and I have to cost any returns. But I really, really like the navy dotted Mirabelle blazer and the Elizabeth Brittish Tweed blazer in herringbone pink. The Mirabelle dots are fun and the Elizabeth pink makes me smile. Both of these are not as dressy, but with textural interest.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

This is always difficult when trying to replace something beloved, I find. I have a black tuxedo blazer from 1997 that is still really useful for those more dressy occasions. It doesn't get worn that much but I am pleased I can just reach for it if I need. I love the look of the Zara one on you! Elegant.

harmonica

Veteran

Suz, you got me thinking that I want the blazer to go with pencil skirts and sheaths as well, especially since I just want one black blazer. Thanks for the input!
Shevia, thanks!
Deborah, colourful tops and accessories will definitely rise the happiness factor when wearing a black blazer.
Jessikams, body changes and changes in our work environment do affect your wardrobe and style. It's fascinating, isn't it? Good to hear that you're trying out other toppers.
Jenni NZ, the hard thing about replacing a beloved piece is that I really want a copy, but will have to keep an open mind. Being stuck in the copy-mindset will just create frustration.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It looks good with the sheath, I think. But I also see the value of waiting for a high quality piece. OTOH, how much of a chunk of your budget is this going to be -- can it "hold" you until you find the perfect black tux jacket?

Black is of course not the staple of my wardrobe that it is in yours, but I do find a dressy black jacket to be a useful item to have around. I bought an inexpensive one at NAS and am really glad to have it. Someday, I'll get a wonderful ink or navy or even black "le smoking" tux suit, I hope. But in the meantime, this jacket serves me well.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If you can get the sleeves altered, the new Zara tux jacket is a win.

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks, Suz and Angie! That blazer is great on you, Suz. I really like the neckline detailing.

I have been on a two months shopping hiatus and it felt good to work with what I have. The Zara blazer is not breaking my budget and I like to find a reasonable prized item. Though, I do notice that it's far from designer quality. On the other hand, it won't be an everyday. I still need to think it over a bit before I cut the tags.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I just read the thread again. It looks wonderful. I think you should get it to replace the old one. You can always get coloured ones as well later?

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks, Jenni NZ! You are so right that I can get a coloured blazer (or two) later. I think the Zara tux blazer would be excellent for my upcoming job interview, because I want a more of a sharp and professional look, than a fun professional look.