Navy schoolboy blazer....preppy or stylistically versatile? - YouLookFab Forum

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Navy schoolboy blazer....preppy or stylistically versatile?

nancylee

Veteran

Ever since Angie posted about navy as the new neutral I've been mulling over whether a navy blazer would be a good addition to my wardrobe.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe.....t9fvTZVZCA

The problem is I've always thought of this look as very preppy, and preppy is not one of my style aspirations. I much prefer a more casual/boho/euro look.

But, then again, you see Jennifer Aniston and others with a casual, non-preppy style sporting navy blazers all the time (see photo), so I'm thinking it could possibly work for me.

Thoughts?

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

Thistle

Veteran

I think it leans preppy. That said, I think you can style it to be a lot less so, especially if you mix in casual elements like boyfriend jeans, printed tees, etc.

JAileen

Veteran

I think the gold buttons make it more preppy. Also what you wear it with will make a difference. For example, khaki slacks, pinstripe shirt, pearls - preppy all the way. But if you put jeans, edgy top, and turquoise jewelry, for example, it's completely unpreppy.

nancylee

Veteran

Good observations...thanks! Hmm. Still thinking.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think it is very versatile. I remember some Angie outfits featuring a similar blazer. I think check her trip to Vegas. I think there was one there with a jacket that I love.

rachylou

Veteran

Navy blazers are preppy. But the final kiss of death - and I say this lovingly as a preppy - is fit. Exhibit A is shown below. We call that "room to move" fit - i.e., the clothing doesn't fit.

Find yourself a blazer that fits Italian style - slim and with a waist - and all will be good ;>

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Jules

Veteran

I'm allergic to preppy and the gold buttons trigger that. Without them, I feel a navy blazer would be versatile and basically neutral ie/ could be styled preppy or many other ways.

Aida

Veteran

What Rachy said! If this jacket is slimmer and fitted it could work for you, though I think it might be worth swapping the buttons for something artier. I'm sure there are other non-preppy navy blazers out there, too

Anonymous

I ordered a similar blazer for one of my DDs. I was surprised that she was drawn to something so classic, as she normally dresses rather ecclectically, but I'm fairly sure she'll pair it with a flippy skirt or something in the "non preppy" category. The one I bought her is a camel color and has navy piping trim, so we're on the lookout for a navy skirt. She'll also need the right shirt underneath. I'm not sure what she'll decide to wear.

Anonymous

Aniston's blazer is *very* preppy: double-breasted, gold buttons. But the J. Crew blazer is single breasted. Switch the buttons for a darker color and you'll have a great versatile navy blazer.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Jennifer's blazer is totally preppy to my eye. I agree the gold buttons and double-breasted style are very preppy oriented.

nancylee

Veteran

I agree that the gold buttons on JA's blazer make it very preppy by itself....but the way it's styled "de-preps" it enough to make me like it.

Rachylou, your visual is hilarious....and scary!

Anonymous

This is the one I ordered for my DD. It hasn't arrived yet, but I can tell you it looks a lot better in the catalog than it does online. I'm crossing my fingers that it will fit her!

http://www.landsend.com/pp/Sty.....0-_-410589

Anonymous

I have one and it skews very, very preppy, which I love but I have to try hard to bring it back from the edge. I suggest you get a longer, navy boyfriend blazer--single breasted-- with matching navy buttons. I think that's what I'd get if I had it to do all over again.

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Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Her blazer is preppy on its own, but to my eye, the whole look isn't preppy.

Deborah

Veteran

I think the navy jacket looks great. Very simple, fitted and classic. I agree about changing the buttons. Worth a try.

nancylee

Veteran

I'm actually tempted to give the JCrew one a try...even with the gold buttons. If I style it in a non-preppy way it could work. On the other hand, if I don't want to risk a preppy vibe maybe I shouldn't wade into those waters at all. Ha! I am still clearly on the fence! (btw, I love hearing everyone's opinions. I'm a Libra, so the more information I can weigh and balance the happier I am.

I wonder if the question should be: is a gold-button navy blazer Preppy or Classic?

Thistle

Veteran

You could try the one Angie recommends from Gap
http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....my-blazer/

nancylee

Veteran

Hm, Thistle, I actually think that GAP blazer is more preppy than the JCrew one because of the piping. I'm ok with classic...not so ok with overtly preppy.

Then again, I could be completely wrong! Are gold buttons or piping more preppy blazer details?

lynne

Veteran

De-prepifying a navy blazer with the styling is what makes it cool and edgy. It all depends on the context. That being said, I think I'd change out the buttons.

shiny

Veteran

I confess one of my very first suits -- interview suits -- was identical to Jennifer Anniston's blazer. Imagine, with floppy bow-tie blouse, matching skirt, nude pantyhose, and matching navy pumps! Oh, was I stylin' back then, in the late 80s...

So, as much as I do have a penchant for preppy (and I always have), I have this aversion to that style -- and the gold buttons in particular.

Also, I personally prefer navy with a texture that is not flat. There's something about flat, matte navy that reminds me too much of ... sailors... nautical theme. If I was going to do a navy blazer (and I just might), I'd go with a tweed or a velvet.

Otherwise, my DH, who is the ultimate preppy, has several blazers just like this. He's been wearing them since prep school.

Marlene1

I'm always inspired by the way classic pieces are styled on the Rugby Ralph Lauren website. Preppy, but cool.
http://www.rugby.com/shop/cate.....cp=3138869

jayne

Veteran

of course jackets can be preppy but to me a navy blazer is classic, not preppy. It is all in what you match it with. I certainly never feel preppy and I have 4 double breasted gold button blazers like this....go for it. Expand your style a bit!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree the gold buttons make it skew preppy, but it's not double-breasted like the Aniston one. I think the Gap tipped blazer (and the Lands' End one - if the red was tipped I would have ordered it instantly, sigh) look a bit more current with the contrast, but that probably also means that in a year or two they'll look out of date.

I can only speak to my style, not yours - I always feel like with classic pieces like this I have to mix it with something more casual, like a knit top and jeans, to make it feel me and not out of place. Now, I have a lifestyle where I can wear lots of jeans so it's worth having, but you should ask yourself what you'd wear it with and how often.

kkards

Veteran

aren't preppy and classic really variations of the same thing?

but in the end, its not the individual piece that will make the outfit preppy or classic, but what you wear with it, and how you feel in it.

if you wear the navy blazer with skinny jeans, a sequined top and heels, its going to read completely different then if you were it with boyfriend jeans, white tee and keds. i love this blazer, but then, i'm a reformed preppy, who has tendencies to slip back.

however, i think that if you have to think about it this much, you will feel uncomfortable wearing it, and it will be one of those things that just sits in the closet