Sourcing a black blazer - harder than it sounds! - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Sourcing a black blazer - harder than it sounds!

abc

Veteran

I would like to find a black blazer so I can style it like pics 1, 2 and 3.

In the past sometimes I have ended up with blazers that do not layer well (esp over dresses) and I am not sure why. Perhaps the cut is too boxy? The overall length is too long?

I am thinking maybe I need to focus on something more cropped, but that it not really the look of 1-3, is it?

What is your process to find the perfect black blazer?
What are your go-to stores?
What are the keys to keep in mind, in your opinion, when buying a black blazer?

Thanks for your help!

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

bj1111

Veteran

yep...can be a holy grail or goldilocks item.

Atlantia

Veteran

I am a Kohl's girl! In fact, I nabbed two blazer there today, and almost got a third which was a black one pretty similar to what you have pictured.
I found Angie's thread on fitting blazers very helpful. http://youlookfab.com/2013/02/.....-a-jacket/
Especially in the hunt for a black blazer I want a texture that is very noticeably different than my black pants. That way, when I do black on black, it has a textural element.

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I have a few great black blazers but now that I think about it they're all from Canadian stores! Aritizia has a boyfriend blazer that I hear about on the blogosphere all the time, but I'm not sure if you have an Aritizia where you are. I think going to stores with good suiting, like Banana Republic or J.Crew might be a good start.

What I look for in blazers in general:

1) the fit at the shoulders is super important.
2) make sure it looks good from the back too; when a blazer nips in perfectly at the waist, its a winner!
3) try scrunching up the sleeves and buttoning the blazer even if you'll wear it open most of the time or the sleeves down. It helps you consider what it will look like styled a bit differently.
4) try the blazer on in the store with things that are similar to what you plan on pairing it with at home.
5) if you have the funds, I'd recommend buying a complete suit and then wearing the pieces as separates. Its just nice to have the suit for those moments when you actually need it. xD

bj1111

Veteran

circling back, my go to brands are theory and helmut lang. i know how these fit on me and what size i am so i could buy them online easily. zara is a good place for me as well, but i have to order multiple sizes to get the right fit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First, figure out a make/ shape/ cut/ length that works for your body. So you will need to try on, and concentrate less on the colour than on the fit at first. Once you see a good fit, it will help for future reference.

You probably know this, but just in case, you can look at many different cuts, makers and styles at a glance at ShopStyle:

http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=black+blazer

Day Vies

Veteran

Cut then fit. I can't recommend stores because sometimes what makes the perfect black blazer is how it's cut and stores offer a variety of cuts especially in black blazers. My new favorite blazer found me while I was shopping in Kohl's. I was looking for a peplum blazer I just didn't expect to find it where I did. So I say focus on cut (cropped, defined waist, stance etc. then make sure it fits well. Happy shopping.

abc

Veteran

Thanks to all for the feedback. I think I am just going to have to try many on to find the perfect fit.

bj1111: you are right, it seems to be the holy grail! I will keep in mind your brand recommendations as well.

Atlantia: I will have to look at Kohl's. I am normally not a Kohl's shopper but I took a peek online and found several potential options. Thanks for the tip.

Jyoti: thanks for the tip to try a place with suiting separates, and thanks very much also for the list of things to look out for. That is what I was looking for!

Suz: excellent advice, as usual. I never thought to try on ANY blazer for fit, then narrow down by color. Thanks for the tip. It will be helpful as I embark on this search. Thanks for the ShopStyle link, browsing now!

Day Vies: you are the 2nd person to mention Kohl's so I think a visit is in order!

A follow up question: what is the more modern cut / stance for a black blazer? One button or more? Usually the longer boyfriend styles don't work on my body.

It will take some trial and error, but I think I need to do what Day Vies suggested: focus on finding one that is somewhat cropped or hits just at the hip (longer looks frumpier and less flattering on me), nips in at the waist (key), etc.

I'm sure I will find what I'm looking for - somewhere!

Thanks again!

Jjsloane

Veteran

The cut on the blazers you've posted is a bit modern tuxedo (the lapels), is fitted and hits at high hip. It's very similar to the Gap academy blazers (but they don't do a plaid black),
This Jones is similar (I have it in White)
http://www.jny.com/The-Blazer/.....ny-catalog
Here's a few that look similar (I think most of these are Ponte though - not sure if that's what you're looking for)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/to.....sultback=0
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/gi.....sultback=0
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ol.....sultback=0

Thistle

Veteran

I think they have you squared away, but post your findings! I am searching for something similar.

I really wanted the Gibson blazer, but they didn't make it in my size.

Anonymous

I just had a black collarless blazer by Tinley Park home from Piperlime and am exchanging it for a larger size. It's very smart and reasonably priced at about $70 w/free shipping and returns. I'd link to it, but I'm not that skilled on my iPad!!

I'm also going to try a Calvin Klein black blazer available at Piperlime for $129. Maybe those are some options for you, too?

Beth Ann

Veteran

ABC, what are your typical concerns with fit? Is it enough room in the shoulders, adequate shaping in the waist, enough length, etc?

The jackets you have linked to remind me of the Gibson blazer that has been popular among YLFers. I found the Gibson just a little too snug in the arm for me, and the "Large" is a size 10 (can stretch to a 12) but many have been very happy with it.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/gi.....sultback=0

DonnaF

Veteran

I am trying to wean myself off black. . .but I like Nordstrom's Halogen blazers that probably come out every year in polished cotton in multiple colors. Last year, I got the red orange one that goes with almost everything, and this year I got the only print one among a zillion colors including black. This year's has one button, is shortish and cuts away to points in the front so I find it very flattering. The sleeves are full length but can be rolled or scrunched. (Last year's was pre-scrunched.) They are only $99, so I wouldn't expect them to last more than a few seasons.

I have black trousers, jeans, skirt, and Ts and find them hard to pair with my black jackets, not to mention that I am getting to old to have much black next to my face. But as others have mentioned, I would probably start with a manufacturer or store that has cuts that has given me a fit in the past. I need a petite line that is cut generously in the arms and will accommodate a relatively full bust but isn't too boxy since my waist and hip are generally smaller than the chart size. For me, I think this means stores that cater to women of a certain age like Nordstrom, Macys, and Talbots and not those whose model is straighter like J. Crew and Banana Republic.

kkards

Veteran

for basics like this, i find banana republic works best for me. i like the option of a petite (if i want it a little shorter).
if you are looking for more fashion don't over look stores like zara and uniqlo. i have good finds from both, but less consistancy on the fit and the quality
i think it really comes down to fit, and unfortunately, that means trying different brands until you find the one for you (and then hoping that they don't change there fit every year).

abc

Veteran

Jjsloane, thanks for giving me descriptors for the photos I posted. Now I know more what to look for. And thanks for the links, I will check them out.

Thistle, we are in the same boat. The Gibson blazers are drool-worthy but not made big enough for me, sadly. I will let you know what I find.

Hey Anne, I don't normally shop Piperlime but will check the ones you mentioned. Leave no retail stone unturned, I suppose.

Beth Ann, I have a hard time putting my finger on what the fit issue is. I think it is that I am buying more frumpy cuts, not very modern. They end up looking very business-y and not very casual/modern to my eye. I *think* this could be due to two things: button/stance (2-3 buttons vs only 1) and overall jacket length being too long. As I mentioned in reply to Thistle, I would love the Gibson blazer but it won't fit me either (we should start a petition!).

DonnaF, I will look into the Halogen one. Good lead. I don't have much luck ad JCrew or BR. Thanks again!

kkards, I think you are right - I am just going to have to try on lots of options to hopefully find the right one.

Thanks for all of the replies, kind ladies!

shiny

Veteran

I was just on a hunt for an interview suit this past weekend. I am petite (5'0) so I had to focus solely on petite offerings. I tend to be picky about fit over anything else, but I really wanted a suit made of nice material too. Which if you are petite, can be challenging to find -- to accommodate a niche market I believe lots of petite offerings are made out of cheaper fabrics. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

I stopped first at BR. The suits there are made of lovely material. Unfortunately, the jackets had a goofy fit that just did not work on me -- too long! I know this is the style. I do own a boyfriend blazer or two. But it's just not my best style. My girlfriend (who was also shopping for suits) is more of an athletic build/slim hourglass/rectangle type with strong shoulder line and longer legs. The suits at BR looked fantastic on her. Not me. Something was off.

Next stop was Lord & Taylor and we tried on a bunch of jackets there. I forget the brands now, but most of them we agreed technically 'fit' but looked dated and too boxy.

Final stop was Ann Taylor and we wound up spending hours there! I wound up getting not one but two suits. Check them out. The jackets they have right now hit at high hip and have one button. On me, that makes all the difference in the world. The fabric is very nice too, drapes well, feels comfortable to wear.

I was really thrilled to find that AT has changed the cut of their pants. I never could wear them before. Now I suddenly can. But that's another post..

Donna-- I want to see the Halogen jacket on you! Do you think it would work for me? That apple green is calling my name....

DonnaF

Veteran

Shiny;
DH is hopeless with the camera, but DD is coming hope for spring break so maybe she can take a pic. PM me early next week since the half life of my memory is pretty short. Not sure if the Halogen jacket would work for you. My sense is that my closest body double on the forum is Sarah (in Minnesota), at least shirt and jacket wise. You are so tiny, but maybe the XS would work. I've never found a great fit at AT, but I haven't really tried there much. Probably my problem has been a bust too high and tight. To give you an idea, I think Talbots jackets tend to fit in shoulders, bust, and arms but tend to be too boxy on me because my waist and hips are smaller than their model.