making my boring blazers interesting - YouLookFab Forum

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making my boring blazers interesting

Maya

Veteran

A long time ago I bought 2 fitted jackets from BR to wear to work or on an interview (my field does not require suiting, even for interviews). They are pretty blah though. They fit spectacularly, but they're not that thrilling to me. One of them is an olivey brown and the other is that safari kind of khaki. At the time I thought "yay neutrals" but now I'm not really a huge fan of either color. I wonder what I could do to jazz them up a bit. I would like to wear them outside of work because they do fit so well, but I just don't know how to make them feel more "me." I was thinking of switching out the buttons, but I don't know what to change them to. Most craft store buttons look kind of cheesy IMO. I'm not even sure what colors would look good with the olive brown blazer. It's not a color I really go for.

???

General

52 replies

Latest reply was from mirah

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hmm...can you post pictures of the blazers? You don't have to put them on, just laid out on the bed or something so we could get a better idea of the colors and style?

Nicole

Veteran

I like the idea of changing out the buttons....for the olive green, I'd go red. Not a blue red--more of an orange red.

Have you tried rolling the sleeves up? Or maybe having the sleeves shortened? You could wear them as jackets in the spring/fall instead of as a layer of your outfit.

It'll be interesting to see them and I'm sure a lot more suggestions wil come your way once we have a visual.

Maya

Veteran

Here they are:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_1017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_1018.jpg

I know they're rumpled. They've been in storage for a while since I haven't had much of an occasion to wear them.

Nicole, as you can see from the picture, it's more of an olive brown than an olive green. I wasn't sure how else to explain it. It's not a rich chocolatey brown.

Inge

(website)

Granted, especially the lighter one is not the easiest colour in my opinion, but if they fit you so perfectly then it would be a shame to just toss them out.

For cooler weather I'm immediately thinking: equestrian look. Both colours could work with a black fitted turtleneck, blazer buttoned up, paired with your knee-high boots and jeans that I've seen in another picture. Throw in some colourful earrings or handbag to liven things up if you like.

Variations on that theme: pair it with a great big scarf and bootcut trousers (I know you're not a huge fan of skinnies), like SJP (first outfit):
http://frugal-fashionista.blog.....a%20parker
or with a V-neck sweater and great necklade (and maybe a belt), like NH (4th outfit):
http://frugal-fashionista.blog.....y%20hilton

The darker blazer could work with your white clamdiggers you just posted about too. Not sure what colour top to pair it with.
And didn't you have dark denim clamdiggers too? Then maybe that same blazer with a crisp white shirt/crisp white sleeveless wrap top?

Nicole

Veteran

Hmmm Maya...are they beltable? Since I'm not a belted jacket kind of person, I'm not sure if that's workable or not. They may be too short to belt.

How about dresses? I just googled "blazers over dresses" and found this: (scroll down too cuz there's an image of a belted blazer) http://thetrendsetter.wordpres.....r-dresses/

And how about with walking shorts, clam diggers, or skirts (know your not a skirt fan, but keep an open mind).

Where do the jackets hit you ?

Maya

Veteran

I really like the idea of an equestrian look, Inge. I can't wear a turtleneck usually, but maybe it won't look so bad under the jacket (this is a good lesson in busty-girls-shouldn't-wear-high-necklines: http://bp2.blogger.com/_s5vfRP.....rido+4.jpg). I don't have denim clamdiggers. I have walk shorts. You might be thinking of those.

Nicole, I think you must be thinking of someone else regarding the skirt thing. I love skirts. It's just a PITA to find tops that are short enough, and shoes that are dainty enough and don't kill my feet. Both jackets hit at the hipbone, and are not beltable (I don't like belted jackets anyway, except trenches). I'm not really concerned about what to wear them with. They're fitted jackets and go with everything. I'm more concerned with the fact that both colors are incredibly unappealing to me, and the fact that they have 0 personality or interesting details. Any woman anywhere who is my size can wear these jackets and they will fit well and give them a great shape, but trying to find details and colors that look good with them has not been so easy. If they didn't fit so perfectly I would probably toss them, but it's hard for me to just get rid of something that is so flattering.

Inge

(website)

LOL Maya;-)

And about the turtleneck: wearing it with a blazer can make a difference yes. If you still don't like it, then maybe try a crewneck instead. (The V-neck of the blazer actually has an elongating effect and breaks up the 'solidness').

Yes of course, walk shorts. Could you try pairing the blazers with them? Or like Nicole suggested, wear them with skirts (and boots) or over dresses (if you have one with a cute pattern in different colours that can change the whole look of the blazer).

I've been thinking about colours to pair with the lighter blazer. How about a deep burgundy, teal, a moss green or a 'bottle green'? (all more suitable for autumn maybe).
The colours in the blouse Tanya (and Angie?) has might work too.
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....=cat303177

And have you thought of wearing a more flowy top underneath, or something with a pattern, or with a few ruffles... that might be a fun and more creative look.

Inge

(website)

Oh and suddenly thinking of Shiny: if you feel the blazers are too bland as is, why not spice them up a bit with a really funky broche. Would that be something you can see yourself doing?

Or wear them with a cami and then add a colourful chunky necklace, something 'substantial'. (I still like the switching buttons idea too)

shiny

Veteran

I have a short-sleeve khaki blazer from H&M that I've worn quite a bit this year, but keep forgetting to photograph. I've worn it with jeans, nude round-toe heels, and my ATL floral blouse - this one:

http://teamsugar.com/look/1526098

... but with a different necklace, one that has a leather string and a large jade-colored stone. You'll see it one of these days - I wear it a lot.

I don't know if you're into florals or ruffles, but I like the way the ruffles on this blouse lay over the lapels. It's quite cute.

I've also worn the H&M khaki blazer over this long-sleeve AT knit shirt that has a pattern - turquoise blue, navy blue, white, and khaki. The pattern is actually quite busy but with the blazer over it, it tones it down and looks funky.

As for the brownish/olive blazer, I'm thinking an orange blouse!

To make it special, think about a blouse that has a pattern and/or bright pop of color and/or interesting neckline details.

And don't forget the shoes.... you could go neutral and understated everywhere else... except for a fab pair of statement shoes. Draw attention to the shoes.

Maya

Veteran

Hmm this is going to be tough since I'm on an extended shopping ban. I think orange would look good with the olive blazer and I have an orange top that's ideal for it. I like ruffles and florals but don't own any. My only floral top is the red and white one that I got from H&M. something about pairing khaki and white bothers me. I don't know if that's just me. Oh, I also have the black and red Sweet Pea top. I guess I won't be wearing them now anyway since it's summer. I don't know how long my shopping ban is going to be on for. Since I began I've been noticing deficits. I have wanted a short sleeve white shrug for summer layering forever, as well as a simple white dress. And camis are a must. That's the good thing about a shopping ban--helps you prioritize. Now I'm thinking I would like more printed/detailed tops as well.

Shoes aren't an option. My shoes are 98% function, 2% style. They don't generally add anything to my outfit, but as long as they don't detract I don't care.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These jackets have plenty of funkability. I really like them. I feel like tearing around in your closet right now. First things first, do you own a white shirt?

Inge, you read my mind! Your suggestions are much how I’d have approached the renewal. Feather brooch Maya? Perhaps you don’t like feathers, but it would look smashing and you can make one. You can borrow mine

Maya

Veteran

I have a white button down shirt, yes. I have one plain fitted one and one that's ruffled, but it's completely shapeless so I only wear it for layering.

Brooch could work. I don't know where I would go about finding a nice one. Or making a nice one.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do the white shirts peek out from under the jackets? This would be good. Your red skinny belt over the shirt but under the jacket. Add jeans and those Kenzie cut out shoes. (BTW, you do a super stylish job of dressing your feet. A percentage of 2% style is very inaccurate)

Get yourself to a craft store and be creative in a stylish way. Felt, feathers, beads and safety pin. I’m looking at my feather brooches right now and that’s all they consist of. Easy.

Maya

Veteran

Well, my footwear here has been unusual since I don't walk even half as much. I don't know if those cutout shoes are going to work when I'm back in the city. I don't know if they'll work at all yet...depends if I can get the right one to stay on my foot.

I'm a huge fan of vintage enamel floral pins but never really had an excuse to own any. Perhaps now is the time?

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, You're the one who turned me onto to Etsy...

http://www.etsy.com/search_res.....y=brooches

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=12193497

This one caught my eye. It has a pearl in it.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=12192551

You are probbaly to young to like this, but I like it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=12141382

Love this one too, but it really needs a black jacket.

Nicole

Veteran

Or yellow!

Maya, sometimes I forget how young you are. A while ago, I posted something about my daughter and you commented that you're mother does not even know you talk to people online because she'd be afraid you would be stalked. It made me realize that I'm probably closer in age to your mother than to you! (or somewhere dead smack in the middle). Which is so odd to me, because I think of myself as 31, tops.

Maya

Veteran

I always forget about Etsy. They certainly have some pretty stuff. Angie, I'm not too young to appreciate that cameo brooch, but it seems too elegant for me. I prefer a bright bold mod style, like the other two.

Nicole, you're actually closer to my age. My parents had me a bit late. Funny you should mention that though. There's really no way for me to compare you and Angie and others in your age group to family members. I hadn't even thought of it until now, but I would probably never end up befriending a group of women in their mid 30's to 40's in real life, if only due to a lack of opportunities. Just look what the internet can do!

You're definitely not old enough to be my mom, but probably not young enough to be my sister. I know what you are: you're aunt Nicole! Ha! I can see why you would forget how young I am. I am kind of an old lady, to be honest. I'd rather go out for high tea than to a bar...I even have the gloves for it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like mod brooch styles too. I generally like old or mod things and nothing much in-between. As Nicole would say, know what I mean, jellybean?

Soooo, you're 15 years younger than Nicole and I? I'm fine with sis! Call me Aunt Angie and I’ll have an apoplexy.

(And having High Tea happens to be one of my VERY favourite things to do).

Maya

Veteran

I DO know what you mean. I always use Marlo Thomas in That Girl as a reference point for what I want my wardrobe to look like. In an ideal world, I suppose. The cameo brooch is beautiful but I feel like it wouldn't quite go with my style.

I'm not sure exactly how old both of you are...I just know it's late 30's/early 40's. I'm 24.

I don't know what an apoplexy is, but it sounds scary, so I will not instigate it by calling you Aunt Angie. I actually had my dad's cousin in mind when I dubbed Nicole "aunt." She kind of fits the cool hip aunt stereotype. But I already have 2 aunts, and I have really always wanted an older sister, so I can live with that.

Angie, you have become something of a role model for me. Based on everything I have learned about you thus far, your life seems to be pretty much what I want my life to be.

Nicole

Veteran

Ok Maya...I suppose one more niece won't kill me (I am an aunt like 15 times over). When's your birthday?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh Maya. What an enchanting and heartfelt thing to say. *big swallow*. You are quite the role model yourself. You are wise, perceptive and unaffected which is uncommon at your age. You are one of the youngest members on this forum and make a profound contribution.

I think Nicole is 39 and I turn 38 in about a month, so we are a similar age. If I’m not mistaken your birthday was in March right, Maya? I’m on 9th July.

Tanya

Veteran

Oh, I want to join the big happy family too! Since I'm thirty ( will be 31 in October)
I'm stuck in the middle I guess. Can I be the older sisiter?

Maya

Veteran

Was there any doubt Tanya? I hope I get some fab hand-me-downs from you and Angie! I think both of you are about my size...maybe a bit smaller...though a lot taller and blonder.

Angie, it IS uncommon at my age..hence being an old lady. Most people my age are a bunch of whippersnappers and hooligans. That's why most of my friends are older than me, though not by much anymore. The gap is slowly closing.

This is a weird virtual family. I'm not sure how I have an aunt and a sister who are about the same age, but I guess you can do that on the internet.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, when is your birthday? Mine is October 18th!

By the way, Maya, I think the equestrian suggestion is my favorite (I thought that when I saw the jackets as well), and the idea of a funky brooch is awesome. My favorite is the bright pink flower.

Tanya

Veteran

Thanks Maya! I am glad I am welcome

Ana, my birthday is October 12th! We're pretty close I guess

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hooray, another Libra! For some reason I thought I already knew that--have you mentioned that before?

Tanya

Veteran

I don't think I have Ana, but I could be wrong. Hmm, it might be interesting to do a correlation study between YLF member's horoscope signs and their preferred dressing style

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