Two Boden blazers - YouLookFab Forum

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Two Boden blazers

Roberta

Veteran

Off to the audiologist today, in #1 and #2.
CK wool peacoat, Fossil satchel, imitation Burberry scarf. Underneath is a Boden ponte blazer, long sleeve red tee, jeans, and elderly Cobb Hill boots.

Outfit #3, #4, and #5 is a Boden velvet blazer, with velvet jeans and a J Crew yellow crepe top.

I love the look of both blazers, and wore them both regularly when I was working, even though they are very limited in terms of styling.

Now the velvet one feels stiff and boxy, which is why I'm showing you two views and without it entirely. The ponte jacket is as soothing as a cardigan. And I went a little browner with my hair this time.

Would you hold onto something that isn't that comfortable just because it is really different and looks good? I must admit that since I retired, I miss someone telling me they liked my outfit almost every day. I am so vain.

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Velvet Longline Blazer

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1

Elizabeth Ponte Blazer

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0

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Roberta

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If you want someone to compliment you every day on your outfit, you've come to the right spot!

Also, I like the new hair colour a lot! Rich and vibrant.

When you say the velvet blazer isn't comfortable, do you mean "not comfortable for sitting around at home" or not comfortable, period.

If the latter, I'd probably pass (although if I loved the fabric enough I might try to make a pillow or something with it). If you mean the former and you have room to store it and still love it and think you might wear it occasionally for outings, then keep until you don't love it! I have a fuchsia J. Crew blazer that falls into that category. I hadn't worn it through the pandemic until last year I found myself classroom teaching again for a while and suddenly it came into rotation again.

Blazers are tough because they are so structured. I personally find them comfortable for daily wear when I'm out and about and even at a desk -- but not so much when I am curled up on a couch with my cat.

I like both outfits a lot -- the version with the coat and satchel and scarf #2 is gorgeous on you! Love the interplay of colourblocking there.

Rhodes blazer in Italian wool

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You look so good in both blazers! Even so, I really balk at the thought of holding on to an item that is not comfortable. I would thank it for the good times and let it go, so something equally fab yet comfortable can come into your life.

Style Fan

Veteran

You look great in both blazers. I also miss the compliments about my outfits since I retired. As Suz says, the forum is here.

Dee

Veteran

"Must be comfortable " is one of my top guidelines for any item to remain in my wardrobe. Both blazers look great and would be fun to wear, but how often will you actually choose to wear that velvet blazer if it feels too stiff now?

Btw, love the darker hair colour, it works very nicely with your skin tone too.

slim cat

Veteran

Both blazers are great - hope you can keep them since finding something that unique might be a challenge in the future.
Nice hair color!

unfrumped

Veteran

Hair color is gorgeous!

I’m with Suz- for some items, there’s comfort and then there’s COMFORT. I am certainly being more picky about any new purchases.
What drives me to ditch a blazer of jacket is if it is too tight in armholes or across the back. If it’s just not quite cardigan- comfy but has a great type of uses, I may keep it. But have to discern if then I don’t even wear it for the “ perfect ” occasions or seasons am because it doesn’t really feel good.
I’m currently keeping a lightweight black jacket that actually does feel a tad tight but works over a lightweight dress or dressy top so it’s staying in my tiny semi- dressy occasion capsule, as I have not enough need to find a specific replacement.

One thing I’m noticing about fit and comfort is, at somd point an item that’s not comfortable enough becomes a drag or a source of mis- direction, because I shouldn’t add more things that go with it. That’s an issue for me in retirement also because I’m likely to want to improve my casual wear ( see discussion on Elevating your Style) and see if I can combine things with my more tailored or dressy items.

I’ve been doing a new year wardrobe review so for some items like this I try to either “ wear more” for a few times and get more feedback, or put it in the Holding Zone and think about it later.

Roberta

Veteran

Thanks, all! The compliments and advice are both really welcome.

Now that I spend most of my day around the house, I am more insistent on Capital C Comfort. I have a dodgy shoulder and anything that feels weighty or lacks stretch in the shoulders is right out! That blazer is also a less flattering cut - single button. I prefer two or even three buttons as they emphasize my waist. And the only thing it works with is those navy velvet pants. It is a one trick pony.

But - I gave away almost all of my blazers when I retired. I kept the few that I thought were really interesting, worked with casual pants, or were particularly well-made. I knew I wouldn't wear them often.

I might . . . put it in the other closet for a while. Dun dun DUN.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE the new hair colour! KILLER

The blazer in #1 is a size too big, Roberta. I vote pass on.

The blazer in #4 fits well! Are you sure it's not just because you're not used to wearing blazers so it feels less comfy? If you will never reach for that blazer - pass it on to it's next fab home.

unfrumped

Veteran

Angie has a good point that speaks to my problem with blazers in general, even though I have always considered myself a Blazer Person.
I look best in blazers that are not oversized and are fitted in the armholes, lest I look lost and sloppy.
But these very cuts are intolerant of layering with all but the thinnest knits- they might even be best for sleeveless shells
I am then tempted to size up for comfort, which throws everything off. Therefore it’s getting harder to utilize blazers in my casual lifestyle where I need to throw& go, have some degree of versatility, instead of carefully limiting only a specific top or 2.

jussie

Veteran

I like the blazer you are wearing with the velvet pants. The other blazer is really nice too, but I agree with Angie it’s a little large…. Just a smidge.
I think the velvet blazer is rather cool. But only you can know if you will ever wear it again really, and if you need to pass it on don’t feel guilty. It’s just a blazer… you can always get another one if later down the track you feel that you need one.
I have got rid of my blazers now. It was a hard decision! I just never wore them anymore. They also didn’t really suit my aesthetic…. I have tried on a couple of the oversized blazers that are currently on trend, but somehow they didn’t seem to work so well either. I feel like Don Johnson in Miami Vice in those babies, just not as handsome haha.
But I think blazers work well for you so the decision must be even harder!

Indigoprint

Veteran

Not vain it is always nice to be complimented for a job well done. I just have to share that I do not think in general people compliment one another enough Blazer looks good and it is remarkable and seemingly timeless. Maybe a holding zone for a bit to pull it out when the time comes?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The new hair color is fantastic on you! We all need support and reassurance, and also at least a bit of vanity. I would keep a great looking blazer that is psychologically uncomfortable but not physically.

lyn67

Veteran

Wow, I just LOVE your new hair color-and you didn't even mention it??? May I ask is this color closer to your natural color? I am used wth coloring my hair light blond for so long but am a darker ashy blonde...and always contemplate if I should go back to 1-2 shades darker? I think your new color definitely lifted you up-really fab!

kkards

Veteran

Another love for the new color.

One thing I recently learned, and I’m not sure I would solve the problem, but sometimes it’s the lining that Is making a blazer feel like it doesn’t fit and that it’s possible to cut the lining. As a non sewer I can’t speak for the how easy this really is, but it might be worth considering if you really like the velvet blazer.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I just decided that one of my leather jackets is too uncomfortable. Tight under the arms, the zipper is always moving to the wrong spot, the buckle hits my wrist when I walk, and the zippers outlining the pockets scratch my hands. No wonder I never reach for this jacket. Into the donate pile! Comfort is key these days!

sabimct

You look fab with that new hair colour!

May I also say that you take excellent pictures. This allows the viewer to get a sense of what you are referring to.

As I read through the comments, I note many noting that comfort is key and the same is true for me.

The key thing I am grappling with: How can I ensure that the item truly is comfortable and not scratchy or heavy or rubs the wrong way .... before it is too late to return it? Again, this is in my goal of making fewer shopping 'mistakes.' Especially for something expensive like a blazer.

I very much want to invest in these key pieces, but I want to ensure that they are indeed comfortable!

Roberta

Veteran

Ha, I've been messing with my hair since I was 13. Remember Sun-in? In the last year it's been red, blonde, dark blue, and now this sort of honey blonde color. My natural color is (I think) mouse, with lots of gray. And not a pretty salt and pepper gray either. I stopped coloring it for one year to see what it looked like. I liked not having the fuss, but was not happy with the results.

I have included a college photo for the full effect.

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kkards

Veteran

Lol. I think my natural color is the same as yours. I’ll be honest I have zero desire at this time to find out.

MsMaven

Veteran

I admit my bias: I have that first blazer, bought it several years ago and love it. Haven't worn it much since Covid, so I'll try it on again soon. My body has changed, but I plan on keeping it.

Angie does have a point though. It does look a little big on you--I didn't notice it at first though. To me it means you can wear a thicker sweater under it for in between days.

I like the color in this one on you better than the velvet.

Runcarla

Veteran

Unfrumped made a very good point about fit and sizing, and how sizing up to fit one body part can throw things off. I struggle with broad shoulders and a bit of body dysmorphia after years of being called ‘a big girl’. Have to make a very conscious effort to size down and give it a chance.

I edited blazer jackets post retirement and went a period of time without. I’ve just added the style back in. It’s a stretch jacket - so a whole different animal. Almost like wearing a sweater. Probably like your pointe jacket.

Outfit #2 with the red coat is delicious. Jacket #1 looks too big. It’s the ponte jacket, right? Comfort is important, and ‘stiff’ isn’t good. Give #2 a time-out in your holding zone.

Roberta

Veteran

i'm interested to see that several of you think my beloved ponte blazer is a bit too big on me. From the photo, I get it, it is loose on my hips.

Runcarla has the right of it. I have broad shoulders and a big chest, and getting the fit right often means the hips or waist will be roomy. To me, the right fit means absolutley no pulling in the bust or shoulders. I can rarely buy dresses unless they have a particular fit or a lot of stretch. And button front shirts are a one in a million chance. I've had friends and sales people tell me to try a size down, always to my surprise.

Food for thought!