Ask Angie: How should a blazer fit?

yankeebelle

I tend to wear things too big, especially jackets. If I buy them fitted then I find that I can't wear the bulkier winter clothes under them. And if I allow room for bulkier clothing, then it ends up looking too big. Blazers are a whole new "thing" for me. I bought one at ATL a few years ago that I like, but I was at my skinniest then. I've gained some weight back now, and when I pulled it out the other day to try it on I wasn't sure if I could wear it or not. It fits well everywhere, but I wasn't able to button it. I figure I wouldn't wear it buttoned anyway, but then questioned if it would look obviously too small to everyone else.

So, is a blazer a total No-No is you can't button it?

13 years ago

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from cma520

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

How about renaming this thread to "Ask Angie" so she can quickly spot it, I'll certainly be watching for the responses).

13 years ago

yankeebelle

Active Member

Thanks for the suggestion Ornella. Done!

13 years ago

Jem

Veteran

I'm interested to hear the answer to this, too.

13 years ago

Anna

Active Member

Stacy and Clinton (What Not to Wear) always say that it only fits if you can button it. Can you post a picture?

13 years ago

Anonymous

Anna, that's right, but somewhere I think I remember Angie saying it doesn't have to close if you don't want to wear it closed.

The blazer-coat thing messes me up too. If I size up to layer, I never want to wear it on it's own because then it looks baggy. Must we have some to wear over a shirt, and others to wear over heavier layers?

13 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

There are a couple of books that cover this that I have found very helpful, if you're interested.

1) The Lucky Shopping Manual by Lucky Magazine Editors:

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Sh.....038;sr=8-1

2) The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr:

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-S.....038;sr=1-3

13 years ago

yankeebelle

Active Member

I just found this from Woman's Day...not that it is known for fashion tips, but this advice makes sense to me...I'm gonna go home and try to hug my man wearing my blazer!

"If you can't comfortably steer your car or hug your man, your blazer is too tight," says Carissa Brown, designer and manufacturer of Carissa Rose, a line of clothing for full-busted figures. Aside from obvious discomfort, look out for pulling across your shoulder blades which indicates a too-snug jacket. If you're comfortable until you button it, it's up to you whether or not to go for it. Many women like the look of an open blazer, and as Brown says, "unless you're an attorney standing before a judge, you don't have to button the jacket."

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

One thing that affects the fit for me is armpits that are too low, which in turn hampers your arm movement to steer, etc. The blazer technically isn't too tight, but the arm constriction caused by the low armpit makes it feel as though it is. Weird.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I have blazers that button (e.g. #1) and blazers that do not (e.g. #2), and happily wear both. I don't think it matters if it buttons if you won't wear it that way, as long as the shoulders, arms, and body fit correctly.

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13 years ago

yankeebelle

Active Member

Thanks for the pics Aida! I am anxious to give my blazer another try now.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome back, Yankeebelle!

Thanks for providing great resources, ladies.

Coats and Outerwear MUST close, but I don't think that blazers need to close in the same way. Often we wear them open. If a blazer or jacket fits perfectly everywhere else, but does not close over the bust or waistline - so be it.

Baggy BF blazers will fit differently to tailored blazers - keep that in mind too.

13 years ago

yankeebelle

Active Member

Thanks Angie! So glad to be back. Feeling so inspired already after just one day!

13 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I wear my AT blazer all the time, including for WIWs, and can only just button it. No one here seems to have a problem with it; I'm sure yours looks great.

13 years ago

cma520

(website)

Member

My blazer is a tight around the arms. When I go to hug my husband, it's tight. But I think a size up will be too big. It's a Victoria's Secret blazer and I bought it since my daughter is starting school, I wanted to look nice at Parent teacher conferences, etc. Not sure if I should exchange for a size up.

11 years ago

cma520

(website)

Member

Well I went ahead and ordered a size up. Will be returning the too small blazer tomorrow. Thanks for the tips!

11 years ago

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