I own three blazers - standard black, gray with pinstripes, and tan with white trim. All three are pretty standard and season appropriate to take me throughout the year. Except for at least THREE years, I had trouble wearing the last two, and to be honest, wasn't even that good at wearing the black one, which should just be easy!
This year, since I have been working so hard to curate my closet, decided to work really hard at incorporating them into my wardrobe, before making the decision of whether or not to let them go.
Since it's summer, I started with the tan one and just really, haphazardly put it on, on the way out the door. It worked! Now, instead of a cardigan, I grab this blazer, and I've been able to wear it regularly since - without having to strain my brain on how to make it look good.
This gray pinstripe one was actually purchased before the tan one and it sat in my closet waiting to be worn. That day finally came a couple weeks ago when I, for whatever reason, I don't know, decided to throw it on. And it also worked!
I think in order for me to make blazers work, I have to actually give it NO THOUGHT whatsoever, and treat them as outerwear instead of something that is supposed to match. I mean, it should match what you're wearing but I think because the idea of a blazer having matching bottoms was so ingrained in my head, I tried TOO hard, to make it match what I was wearing on the bottom, even though I purposely didn't buy a matching bottom. That idea was just acting like a roadblock and once I kicked it to the curb, found many occasions to wear it.
I also don't think I'm one to wear a matching pant/skirt & jacket suit, with the exception of black (but only because of necessity).
That said, I don't recommend buying a black pant/skirt & jacket separately because the shades have to be just right. I didn't buy my black blazer with matching bottoms and now regret this. I have been searching for the perfect set.
Something that I thought was a good suggestion - I read somewhere that you should always take you blazer and bottoms to be dry-cleaned at the same time so the black can always fade at the same time.
Thank you! I'd love to get a navy blazer, and I'd love to pair it with those red bottoms haha. I'd also love to get a white blazer, and a black tuxedo cut one... it's hard to find well fitted blazers though, so I won't rush it =)
ReplyDeleteI completely love the pinstripe blazer with the colorful dot top! Good advice to just not overthink it - I have a couple blazers that I think I'm doing that with. I was considering of getting rid of them because I haven't worn them, but I need to just woman up and pair them with confidence!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Theory suiting? One thing I love about them is they use the same fabrics year over year and the color/saturation is consistent. So some pants I bought this year still match the blazer I bought last year.
Got for it!! I support you!! Even if you wear it once, you've still succeeded haha =) As I'm doing my purge, I am trying to give some things at least one shot before deciding and more often than naught, I've been able to make them work better.
DeleteI haven't tried Theory but it's actually a brand that I am beginning to seriously look into because they have very clean looking pieces, and I hear their quality is good. I think once I am able to hunker down on some pieces that I want to 'upgrade' or 'invest' in, I will be looking at their things more closely. It's great to know about their fabrics, thanks for the intel!