The Boyfriend Blazer

"Everything You Need to Know About
Looking Chic in Trendy Womens Blazers"

Black boyfriend blazer with light colored cropped sleeves
Black Boyfriend Blazer from Free People

Once upon a time the boyfriend blazer entered the fashion scene and became one of the hottest trends. Everybody wanted it. So almost every fashion store started filling their racks with these trendy womens blazers and kept doing so for several seasons.

Soon many fashionistas discovered how well the style of the garment blended with all of their outfits without appearing all buttoned-up.

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And voíla, that's how it became a sacred wardrobe essential among fashionistas! ... And it looks like it is here to stay!

It Goes with Anything

Kate Moss via Pacific Coast News

Compared to regular womens blazers, this type of jacket has a fit of a guy's blazer but with a stylish and smaller-sized cut to complement young and fashion-conscious women! What I love about it is that it's not too stiff but yet it's appropriate to wear with absolutely anything, from everyday casual wear, parties to cocktail hours. It adds a flair of sophistication to your outfit without making you appear too formal.

When buying a boyfriend blazer, look for chic details such as rolled up sleeves. Although a black blazer is universal you might want to look into other basic colors such as nude, brown, white or navy. These cute colors are still versatile to wear with all kinds of color combinations. You might also like a shorter cropped blazer cut to show off a nice tunic shirt or tee underneath it!

How to Buy the Perfect Boyfriend Blazer

Select the right jacket closure.

Navy blue Victoria's Secret boyfriend blazer
Victoria's Secret navy blue blazer

So what type of closure should you choose? It depends on the size of your bust; the bigger your bust is (A-DDD-cup) the fewer buttons you should choose. That's because buttons (especially double breasts) tend to add more weight to your bust making it look heavier which can create an imbalance to your overall silhouette. You'll only look top-heavy.

The perfect fit.

For a perfect blazer fit, measure the dimensions of your bust, waist, and hips area, including arms. If your blazer fits perfectly, you will be able to raise your arms with it buttoned and experience unrestricted movement.

Note: This factor is the least important (but it's still essential) because boyfriend blazers are supposed to fit loosely. Just make sure it's not too big to avoid looking like you're drowning in it. Also use your body measurements to figure out if the length of the jacket, arms, shoulders and waist flatter your body.

Select the right cut and style for your body shape.

If you've identified your body shape you probably know that the key to looking visually appealing is to have a proportional body shape with upper and lower part of your body in line with each other (think hourglass). So basically, you'll have to make sure that you pick the right cut to balance out your body shape, leaving no part heavier than the other.

Here are the basic guidelines for each main body shape:

Hourglass: You'll look good in all types of blazers, but you'll look your best in blazer with a nipped waist to accentuate your narrow midriff.
Pear: Short or cropped blazers will give the perfect proportion to your body shape, making your curves less noticeable. Hip length will only highlight your hips and butt and it's not a good thing for you if you're not too happy about your hips, butt and thighs.

Plus Size Blazer from Macy's

Inverted triangle: Longer styled blazer with a little bit of flare at the hem will complement your shape. Also look for pockets on the bottom sides (not on top) to draw the eye downwards.
Rectangle: You'll suit most boyfriend blazer styles. As long as you add dimensions such as flared hem, rolled up sleeves, pockets, etc. you'll look good. You can also wear a straight cut blazer open to hide your undefined waist
Apple: Your main focus should be to slim down your upper body with a black blazer and also create a waist with something that cinches at the middle. Follow my tips for inverted triangles.

Fashionable Ways to Wear a Boyfriend Blazer

The wonderful thing about boyfriend blazers is that they are versatile to wear with absolutely everything! Although the blazer projects a smart look there are several ways to tone it down and look casual.

Here are 12 ideas on how to wear boyfriend blazer:

Stella Mccartney boyfriend blazer
Stella McCartney/Reuter

1. Wear it with jeans, but instead of the classic dark wash pair it up with distressed, acid wash or any jeans that look trendy.

2. Trendy leggings like shiny black (wetlook) or lace leggings for an edgy look. Wear long knit sweater or tunic dress beneath the blazer

3. Mini dress. The perfect balance between sexy and sleek. A very hot party outfit look.

4. Basic tee. Laid-back yet chic. Top it off with a stylish necklace and bracelets.

5. Do it like British Alexa Chung. She really has a way of looking chic and casual in a blazer. She's really good at mixing basic pieces with trendy ones as well as creating a unique personal style. Here are a couple of examples:

WENN, Sky.com, MTV, Kenya Style

6. Add trendy jewelry for a fun outfit, like for example an oversized cocktail ring, Wear it with a cool scarf. Heaps of bangle or chain bracelets. Long pearl, beaded or pendant necklace.

navy blue boyfriend blazer with denim shorts

Victoria's Secret blazer

7. A scarf. Spice it up a little with a scarf in your favorite design. For an unusual twist, twist two different print or colored scarves into one.

8. Semi-formal dress or blouse. It adds a sleek and trendy sophistication to any special occasion-outfit.

9. Shorts. For a fresh and super-cute look pair it with smart or denim shorts. If it's cold outside add ribbed or opaque tights into the mix.

10. Stylish shoes. Pumps are a very standard choice but you might want to switch them up with a pair of foxy platform gladiator shoes or maybe black thigh high boots? (aaah, I'm drooling just the thought of wearing a boyfriend blazer with skinny jeans and sexy thigh high boot flats!)

11. Slacks. It might be too masculine for your taste but I think it looks super-cool and chic, just make sure you feminize the outfit with lots of jewelry.

12. Layer it. Want to look boho-chic and sleek? Then layer the boyfriend blazer with cardigan, tee, scarf and jewelry!

Pheeew, and there's more but I'll save it all for another time ;-)

Now for the good stuff, here are some of my favorites from around the web:

Shop Boyfriend Blazers Shopping Online

A fabulous site to find womens boyfriend blazers are at Nordstrom's. I like that they're blazers aren't too baggy, more like clean and sophisticated with a pinch of edge.

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!

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