Is a black blazer a necessity for most wardrobes?

So, I am wondering if all/most of you consider this a "basic".

I own neither a black nor navy blazer/jacket. I saw one over which I am absolutely dying but it is outside my budget, to be honest. I do have some Xmas cash I could spend on it and it will most certainly get worn, however not as frequently as I might like. As most of you know, my daily life precludes nice stuff. But my weekend hobby encourages jackets, blazers, skirts, etc.

What say you? Necessary basic or Nah, you don't really need it. Or a not-so-basic-basic.

ETA: I suppose what I already have in terms of jackets is relevant. I've cleaned out most of my dogshow gear from years past but have been making up time! LOL

Light blue tweedy type blazer ( think spring/summer) Very cute with lots of buttons, etc
Black and white stripped "shrunken" blazer. I've posted it before and love it.
Medium/dark grey cropped blazer - almost a tuxedo type style, no closure
Olive green light weight military type blazer with an almost mandarin type collar
Green plaid Willow & Clay blazer that's been sported in plumb by some of you ladies
All Saints origami collar blazer - very 40's. I posted it in the "favorite outfits" thread.

What says YLF on this jacket? Yay for "get it!" Nay for "pass".

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14 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Andrea, for me a black jacket is absolutely a basic. In fact I have more than one:)
This jacket has a lot of interest and I can see you wearing it. It would look great at the dog shows and if you think you will get the wear out of it, I say it's a great purchase.

goldenpig

(website)

That looks like a cool blazer with interesting details! Is it an All Saints?

I am wondering the same question about blazers. I don't have any blazers unless you count my old Ann Taylor suit top but it's not really blazer material. I see these navy and black blazers worn to dress up T shirt and jeans outfits and wonder if it's really something I could pull off or not or whether I'd look like I was trying too hard to be Euro Chic.

I bet you would look divine in that black blazer though!

Isabel

Like Deborah, a black blazer and a navy one are part of the "skeleton" of my wardrobe - they frame everything else. I am a stay at home mom in a farming/agricultural community and I get a lot of wear out of my blazers.

And, OMG, where is that jacket from ? It is to drool for......

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Natalie, no it's from Wyatt but it definitely has that All Saints vibe, doesn't it? I bet that's why I'm in love.

Sylvia Giovanna

Active Member

I say yay! I find that they work for for many occasions from business to casual Saturday and give outfits and extra edge when needed

lyn*

I would say, make sure you get one that is crisp and tailored - poorly made blazers are not nice ...

I have a black boyfriend blazer (18), and one in brown (new!), in navy (20), in Pippa blue (8)... according to stylebook, these are the #'s.

Suz

I hope it's a basic. I just bought one, even though I'm trying to weed the black from my closet, LOL!

I WISH I had bought the one you are looking at! That's gorgeous, and I'll bet you would get a lot of wear from it.

Actually, mine's pretty nice, too. And in all seriousness, while I think these "must have" lists are sort of lame, since they don't take different people's needs and lifestyles into account, you sound like a person who enjoys wearing jackets, so there is no reason to think this one would languish in your closet!

I second the tip from Lyn* to get one that is crisp and tailored.

I have searched years for the right black blazer that wasn't boyfriend style nor only a one button closure. I finally found one and I luv it! It adds the right bit of dressy to my casual wear.

The one you posted looks fun and would add such great interest to a casual top and jeans or zing up a dress for a special occasion!

Love you in that, AJ!!!

Gaye

Andrea that jacket looks gorgeous. I think it would get a lot of mileage dressing up causal looks and adding interest to a dressed up look.

AJ you look fab in your blazer

missvee

I think it would be handy to have but not essential given that you have other blazers in your wardrobe. It looks like an interesting style, more fashion forward than the classic one or two button blazer, so its shelf life in your closet may be somewhat limited, but if you think you will get good wear out of it and you love it then by all means, buy!

nancylee

I say "yay" for this blazer. It's got a lot of interest while still being a basic. A black or navy blazer is a pretty useful wardrobe item IMO. I own a black one and am considering a navy boyfriend style for spring. Go for it.

I think a jacket is a definite basic, maybe not specifically black or blazer, but can be. I wear mostly casual, sometimes dressy casual stuff, and I find I use my black crop tux which could stand in for a black blazer, I suppose. I'd go for that one for sure!

Lisa

I'm a blazer gal so I vote yay. However, I've learned that there are no one set of basics that are necessary for a wardrobe. One person's "must have" may not fit another person's needs at all. If say I was a cardigan gal a black cardigan would be a better fit. If you are already a blazer gal and don't have a black one, how often have you wished you had one? If you have then I say go for it. It's a great looking blazer.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The rib on the jacket makes it casual, which is cool, but it also makes it less versatile. If you are happy with that aspect, my thumbs are up.

Sona

I think a a tailored black jacket is a wardrobe basic- dress up, dress down, can be used for an interview/funeral/ any business attire suggested event in a pinch.

Transcona Shannon

I'm blazer obsessed so probably have a completely biased opinion! Yes, I think a black blazer is a basic for every wardrobe - it can dressed up or down and worn in a multitude of ways. I love it with everything from over a dress to worn with a white t-shirt and jeans.

HelenInCanada

Oooh, love the jacket! It's not quite "basic", but will probably look great with many items you own. For me, a black blazer is a must have, and has saved me in a style crisis many a time. Throw it on, and all of a sudden I go from 'meh, too casual' to pulled together. It really does dress up jeans, simple cotton t's, khakis...and it can also go over dresses, skirt/blouse combos, everything. So I'd say it's a wise investiment, for sure!

MsMary

I wear jackets almost every day, so I definitely vote thumbs up on this one!

Aziraphale

To answer your title question: I sure hope it's not a necessity for most wardrobes, because I haven't got one either.

But I absolutely love the one you've chosen -- I can see why you're lusting after it! -- and I agree that a black blazer is a very useful thing to have in your wardrobe. You might wear it more than you think.

Lynne

Andrea, I don't think it has to be black, but I vote yay for a neutral jacket.

My charcoal boyfriend blazer and my denim jacket are workhorses in my wardrobe, and I've just bought a black tuxedo style jacket like yours, AJ.....but the tags are on and it will be put to the vote! Like Suz, I'm a bit cautious with black...

catgirl

I have several black blazers, so they are a staple for me. My Nic & Zoe flared jersey one is my favorite, but the rest I need for court and office. This one looks very Allsaints/Smythe and of course I love it. Like the white button-down, I think some "staples" are not needed in every wardrobe, but I can see you rocking the right black blazer in lots of ways!

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