The best Classic blazer?

Blog

Forum

Finds

Angie_T

Active Member

Hi y'all.

I haven't posted in a while because I got so busy this fall that I couldn't spend the time. But I've been lurking!

Question of the day for me.....since I began following YLF after a significant weight loss, I now have a pretty good start on a new, cohesive wardrobe that works. But one thing I am missing is, of all things, a classic black blazer.

Since this is a piece that I think I should have in the closet and that I think I should have for a long time....do you girls have any suggestions on finding the perfect piece that I will love and adore for years?

Any advice is appreciated.

11 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Mia

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

A lot depends on your figure, I think - a brand/cut can look pleasantly classic on one person and old fashioned frumpy on another. So I'd start with brands that fit you well or are known to fit your body shape.

Some other questions to answer that may help people give you good suggestions: what kind of fabric would you prefer? What's your general price range?

11 years ago

Fuegobella

(website)

Active Member

Angie, make sure first what stuff you are looking for. If you live in a place where its too cold that you have to be covered then make sure to wear a long blazer. Zara has some new collection in store that you would love to wear.

11 years ago

rute

Veteran

I was going to say the same, it depends on you figure, Zara has nice ones but not for petites, for me they are always too big everwhere! I like the ones from massimo dutti.

11 years ago

Angie_T

Active Member

I should have included more info. I live in a relatively mild climate (mid-south) so most of my jackets are three season. I am attaching a photo of one blazer I currently own and love but I got it form a boutique and they don't carry the line anymore. I think I am looking for this shape in black. This one fits so well. it was an expensive piece and I probably would have never bought it at full price but it was on deep discount at the end of the summer.

With that said, recognizing the difference in a blazer at this price point (around $300 before discount) is what made me decide I really needed a good blazer in black. I wish I could find a good one on sale now!

I'm tall and on the heavy side and I notice that a lot of designers' sizing stops at size 10. I'm definitely a 12 or even a 14. That's frustrating!

Sorry, I'm rambling....

This post has 1 photo. 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.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

If you're tall I can give some suggestions, although a lot of the brands I may mention are lower end than you are aiming for. For totally classic I've always had good luck with Calvin Klein. Loehmanns used to be a great place to find suiting; they're gone now but Macy's still carries a lot of the same brands. H&M, surprisingly, has some really well made jackets, if you can find them in the larger sizes - they regularly make up to a 44/14 but they seem to go fast in stores.

Tuxedo jackets, like your white one, were having a bit of a moment last year; I don't know if they're still trending. Someplace like Brooks Brothers might not have that lapel style, but Ann Taylor might.

Lots of ladies here have gotten nice Blazers from Theory and Smythe. Boden makes great jackets if you want to go more equestrian. I'll let others chime in on the higher priced designer brands.

11 years ago

Angie_T

Active Member

Laura, these are great suggestions. Thank you. For some reason I didn't think about Ann Taylor. I don't shop there a lot because they seem more business oriented than what I lean towards. But you're right....when looking for a blazer, they would be a good option.

I'll also check on Calvin Klein. We don't have H & M here and I feel like I need to try on.

As fas as being lower end, I'm really not sure what I'm going for! Like I said, i just noticed a big difference in this jacket and theothers I have worn so I don't know if it is cut or quality that I am loving.

11 years ago

kkards

Veteran

if you are looking for a more traditional style jacket i would try Hugo Boss, Lafayette 148, or Theory

11 years ago

Minnie

Active Member

I'm tall as well, 5'10" and bought two blazers from JCrew last month.
They have tall sizes and fit me perfectly (I'm especially happy with the sleeves which sometimes are too short in regular sizes)

11 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

Another low-end rec: my current workhorse blazer is a black poly firm-knit Tahari piece found at a thrift store for a dollar. I'm not tall but very long torso and arms, and heavier than you appear. It would look blocky and dowdy if I tried to wear it the way (and where) I used to wear custom jackets, but that's not my lifestyle or location now. Maybe Tahari styles in stores now would be worth a try?

High-end rec: custom. Superwool lined in silk charmeuse or satin sounds sumptuous, but CPW plummets below that of fast-fashion pieces and satisfaction is very very high. I don't have bandwidth for seeking out and working with a competent sewist these days, (and pushing through all the blasted "I've always done it this way and nobody's ever complained" even well-recommended tailors pull) or I'd do that. Don't let them talk you into viscose lining or cheaper/lighter silk, or out of interior pockets if you want them.

11 years ago

Angie_T

Active Member

Amy, I hate to show my ignorance here....but are you suggesting I have someone make a blazer for me? Man oh man....I would love that. But have no idea how to find a person like that. Would you maybe start with someone who does alterations and see if they know someone?

11 years ago

Mia

Veteran

Consignment shopping could be a source for this item as it is a classic piece and sometimes they get consigned if someone's lifestyle or figure changes.
We've seen some fablers get incredible deals this way. Just be careful to avoid the dated fabrications and cuts.

Buying new and if price no barrier, the classic Dolce Gabbana blazer is hard to beat. All season fabric and impeccable workmanship. Theory is great in it's price category and Tahari lower end line for the wallet friendly version are my picks.

11 years ago

Mia

Veteran

I meant fabbers of course. Darn autocorrect.

11 years ago

Category