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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Blazers - issues

Katerina

Veteran

Dear Fabbers,
I am a bit concerned about the way the trends/fashion are going in terms of the styles of blazers
I find long blazers very difficult to fit me, the looser, more mannish styles often do not work with my body shape and overall appearance. Not with the rest of my wardrobe either. This will be a struggle.
At the same time, blazers and suits are the staple of my wardrobe and the item of clothing I love the most. Nothing better than a well cut blazer
Another "problem" is that I already own a number of good quality blazers, which are much more "feminine" in style - shorter in the length, slimmer cut, often peplum, little 60ies retro etc. All in excellent condition still. I am concerned that they are going to be "out" and I do not really want to replace them, but concerned at the same time about not looking current and looking staid.

I enclose some pics of the styles I mean, so you get the picture.
No 1 is an outfit I wore on a business trip this week - a salmon/blush wool crepe blazer from Escada. Little retro, quite "girly" and I really like it. It is some 3 years old.
No 2-3 is a black peplum jacket, also Escada, worn a couple of months ago with different leather pants. This one is over 5 years old, but I still wear it often.
No 4 is a pink peplum jacket - don´t remember if it is 5 years or more. This one I could pas on the easiest.
No 5 is a short blue peplum blazer (part of a suit) - same as above.

Also, I am always quite late in adopting new trends and fashion directions, takes me ages to adjust my eye.

So I wonder what are your thoughts? How do you feel about longer, more roomy blazers? Anybody out there having the same "issues" with them? Which of the modern ones would work for my type?

Is there a way to wear the "girly" ones in a more modern way or modern retro way? What are your thoughts?

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Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from Mirjana

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I think you’re fine. Your style has a lot of authority and confidence, so there’s no danger of looking “out of it.” I think blazers are pretty timeless as they tend to last forever and get shared within families or via vintage shops. Also, you add trendier touches with glasses, purse and shoes. Looking good!

Toban

Veteran

Katerina, you’ve nailed making these modern trendy. They are classic and suit you so well. They do not look dated. Keeping them current can be as simple as new color pairings, a modern bag and/or shoes.

As for the long blazer, skip it if it doesn’t fit your style. For me, I find it works proportional best with above the knee skirts and dresses and with slimmer or cropped jeans. I have found one that I like which has a single low button, almost at waist that has waist defining characteristics. But I don’t like it paired with dress pants at all.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I’m no expert at trends but I try to keep up, and these are my thoughts on your blazers:
- peplums are still on trend (waist definition trend)
- blush and salmon color are I think also still trending
- along with longer blazers I’m also seeing shorter collarless styles coming back to retail, possibly you own those classic styles too (chanel(esque))?

So I think as long as the blazer has a couple of elements that tie into one of the many trend (see Angie’s spring post on trends ft. individualism), it will not look dated.

Moreover, I’m seconding jessikams on looking classic.

PS: I navigate between tomboy and classic feminine and do see both at retailers right now. I wouldn’t try to make your blazers look less girly, on the contrary.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Katerina, I see your style as unique and timeless and beyond trends. You are super chic. I bet you stop traffic with your style.

I really don’t think you need to worry about whether your blazers are trendy. I think they are classic. If you are worried about veering too classic, maybe just ensure that there is one trendy aspect to your outfit. It doesn’t have to be your blazer. To me outfit 3 looks trendy because you are wearing cropped pants, platform shoes, metallics. There is some maximalism happening. That’s all “in”. But even if it weren’t “in”, you would still look awesome because you’ve got the sort of natural style most of us dream of having. Trust yourself!

Synne

Veteran

You look fab, and I love how you have a clear cut personal style. I do get what youre saying about looking current though. Could a solution be to wear your shorter lenght blazers with similar colour trousers? To create that long coloumn of colour that is also trending now. That way you can play down the fact that some of the blazers arent super up to date lenghtwise.

Anonymous

Brooklyn said it best. Your style is unique, timeless and goes beyond trends. If possible, I agree that the addition of one trendy aspect to an ensemble will keep you looking current.

Finally, I agree with you regarding the fit issues associated with this new variety of blazers. I love them in theory. The execution is challenging. I'm sitting this current trend out.

Bijou

Veteran

I love all of the above comments and agree 100%. My style has girlie, retro and classic elements too. I have added one over sized blazer pant suit into my wardrobe for a bit of fun, but there is no way I am passing on my peplum jackets.

Your style and wardrobe is like a well curated art collection, the sort that only gets built over time by someone with a great eye and inherent style.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I wouldn’t worry about it either — I agree with Brooklyn. Your style is fab. Thoroughly modern classic. I am noticing trends cycling so fast that something that seems “out” comes back in in a few short years anyway. You look perfectly current.

kkards

Veteran

i think that by mixing slightly less than of the minute blazers with more trendy other pieces, as you've done here keeps the entire outfit looking current and modern...i especially like the peplum blazer with the cropped leather pants in #2/#3...have you tried either of the pink blazers with the leather pants? also might try belting the blazer in #4 as that seems to be trending...

Anonymous

Agreeing with the others, all your outfits look great to me, and not dated at all. I haven't tried any of the long blazers yet, but some look much easier than others. The double breasted oversize ones seem the trendiest, but will probably date quickly, and probably work best on the very tall and thin. The single breasted, and ones without buttons (like this find), are much more traditionally flattering to my eye. I think I'd probably wear mostly with dresses though-not sure.

Halogen Open Front Blazer

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1

Bennett

Veteran

I wouldn't worry about extra-long blazers being more than a passing trend, they don't flatter the masses enough. Classics stick around for a reason.

You are a style star to me, your style stands out as unique to you. Stay updated with the trends you enjoy and pass on the rest. Yeah, I just went up and looked at your photos... you've got such a handle on your style game!

smittie

Veteran

I agree with jessiKams and Brooklyn.
Your style is beyond the trends.
I think as long as you wear well-fitting blazers, you’re in the clear

Christina F.

Veteran

Your style is highlighted individual to you, and I think that’s the most important trend right now. You look great! I wouldn’t worry about the long blazers. I can’t do them, either. You have other current elements incorporated, as others above have pointed out.

Bonnie

Veteran

I don't think that long blazers are going to be the universal standard for blazer chic because they only flatter a certain set of body types. You look fantastic and hooray for diversity.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

To be honest Katerina,I really wouldn’t worry.There are so many trends these days that anything and everything goes .Also you are a stylish woman and that goes beyond mere trends.Cant remember who said it or the quote exactly but it’s something along the lines of all you have to do to be fashionable is keep buying clothes but to be stylish takes intelligence and wit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree 300% with what Brooklyn said. You don't need to worry one bit. You have STYLE. It's so beyond trends. Having said that, you're able to incorporate trends where they work for you, and you do.

I hear you on the challenges of the long blazer. I don't own one either. Actually, a "regular" length blazer already seems "long" on me and the only way I can wear one of those is if it has a lot of waist definition. A shorter, slightly shrunken jacket is often better on me. I'm also a jacket lover and while I don't wear one every day as you do, there is no way I'm giving up my beloved shorter jackets.

In my opinion, the long blazer trend works best for slim IT's with long slim legs. And that's not me.

Having said that, IF long blazers continue to be "the thing" for several years, I might experiment with one, simply because I do love jackets so much. What it would mean would be changing the proportions of my outfit altogether, so that would be an investment.

Staysfit

Veteran

Katerina, your style is amazingly chic. Your ability to put together flattering color combinations and to pick perfect for you accessories makes you look like a trendsetting celebrity. I cannot picture these looks being outdated any time soon. Your blazers are true classics. Long blazers are like any other trend. One needs to pick and choose whether they suit your personal taste, body type, style goals, etc.

gryffin

Veteran

Dearest Katerina - another vote for team Brooklyn. No one is more authentically stylish than you. You don’t need to copy, you are the original. But being a blazer girl, if you wanted to try on something longer, I do have suggestions. Many of the long blazers Angie are challenging to wear. Stance, shaping, sleeve set, single vs double breasted and the proportion of the underlayers are key. And high stance of any kind w sleeves.....shudders in fear. That being said.....there is one style of this ilk which I believe to be the most universally flattering and the easiest to style. The cutaway variant. I would look for inspiration at Balmain blazers. He has been on the forefront. Veronica Beard has incorporated many into their line. Theory had the Etienne. Suz - look at alterationsneeded.com for the petite styling. Both the single and double breasted have low stance, body shaping and waist definition, high set arm holes and narrow sleeves. The length is in the tail. The diagonal line across the thigh is slimming to the legs as the hourglass shaping is to the waist. I just bought the VB miller and Rhett jackets. Cutaway styling is trendless IMHO. It’s rarely available but is definitely worthy of a try on. I think all your blazers and outfits are magnificent. But if you are looking to add you might be suprised how flattering this style is.

Anonymous

Not reading other comments until I finish my thoughts Peplums aren't trendy now, that's for sure, BUT.....a beautifully cut and fitted blazer of any kind (of quality fabric too of course) is never out of style in my books. You don't project a trend-focused look anyways, and are a very classic dresser .....so stay your course and wear the pieces you love! Escada is beyond classic. I'd say if you are looking to try a few new looks NOT to invest a ton of $$ in a new cut until you know if you like it. My absolute favourite thing to wear and buy is a blazer, and I feel totally fine wearing my really good ones that are a few years old and not necessarily trending right now. I make them feel newer by updating the underpinnings or tops I wear them with ( a t-shirt now instead of a blouse, for example) or updating the pants/shoes combo.

fifthandfinest

(website)

I particularly love the dark colored blazers on you, but they all look great. No issues that I can see!

Gigi

Veteran

I echo the others: your style is unique to you, and the blazers you're wearing here are not something that dates your outfits.

If you are worried about something feeling dated, I would make sure you are wearing something that is trending elsewhere in the outfit. I see for instance that you have some very modern shoes. That's perfect.

I wouldn't stress too much over finding a long blazer. My body type doesn't work with them either. I think they can look very overwhelming and clunky on the wrong body type. I say trust your gut and stick with what works. You have an innate sense of style and proportion.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Add me to Brooklyn's team. There is a lot more to style and looking current than the length of your jackets. You've got the "it" factor!

Echo

Veteran

None of the blazers you have posted look outdated to me at all. Just because longer blazers are having a moment does NOT mean that other styles are unacceptable. As for peplums, I still like them. They are flattering on me, and that doesn't get dated IMO. All of your outfits look fab, and I wouldn't worry about adopting a trend if it doesn't suit you.

Alicewonderland

Veteran

I agree with everyone Katerina. You are so stylish and do not need to worry about trends. Not that many people look good in long roomy blazers. I don’t plan to wear them. I think their longevity is extremely short. Just because they’re in style doesn’t mean other blazers are out of style.

Joy

Veteran

Agreeing with Brooklyn and everyone else. Your style is fabulous. Wear what you know works for you and don’t worry about trends. They come and go. I fully expect the 80’s shoulder pads to come back as they can create balance for some figures and be a nightmare for others.

kellygirl

Veteran

You have the most fantastic stylenthat I wouldn’t worry about what is trending. Your look is timeless and classic and so sublime!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Gryffin, so right. I LOVE cutaways, and think they are probably more universally flattering. (Well, not universally, but more widely flattering, at least). I am going to check those styles out. Will you show us what you bought in another thread, please, when you have time?

I still think any longer jacket works better if you don't carry most of your weight in your tush/thigh area, (as I do) and/or if your legs are relatively long/ slim for your height. You don't need to be tall; you just need to have slimmer, straighter legs.

I absolutely adore the long BF blazer -- in theory! And on others. But when I look back at photos of myself from the late 80s / early 90s. Ugh. Shudder. The loose, shoulder padded version with a short skirt or skinny pants (long over lean) just looks hideous on me. I so wish it didn't. But...alas..

Sal

Veteran

Everyone has said it already - I agree - you have a fantastic style so keep rocking it- tweaking as you see fit.

You may find a long blazer that works for you.

Also - trends are different in the US and in Europe and in NZ. So long blazers may not appear here at all..... or sparsely.

Style Fan

Veteran

Katerina, you are a chic and stylish woman. You seem to know what looks good on you and wear it with confidence. I agree with what others have said. Wearing long blazers can be very challenging.
I have not seen many long blazers here on the street of Montreal. I have seen some very interesting styles. Lots of cropped wide legged pants and short boxy jackets. Dramatic hair.

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