Women’s blazers are that quintessential professional wardrobe staple. When you think of a high-powered executive or corporate leader, chances are you picture them in a blazer.
So how do you get that look for yourself?
At Next Level Wardrobe, our expert stylists have years of experience working with women of many sizes, ages, and careers. We’ve gathered our team’s best tips and style recommendations in this quick guide on women’s blazers.
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Should You Buy a Women’s Blazer?
Yes, you should absolutely have a women’s blazer in your wardrobe. A blazer is one of those special pieces that instantly pulls a look together.
It adds crisp, clean lines to your look. That extra bit of structure reads as more professional and put together. It’s a quick confidence booster and a surefire way to look like the powerhouse you are.
What To Look For in a Women’s Blazer
To get the most out of your blazer, pick the right one for you and your lifestyle. If you’re a professional looking to define and improve your personal brand, we recommend following Next Level Wardrobe’s Style System:
1. Prioritize Core Colors
Core colors are those classic neutrals that go with everything: black, navy blue, white, and gray. These colors always stay in style and follow just about any dress code.
They also make for the perfect foundation for any outfit.
If you’re starting your blazer collection from scratch, buy a black blazer first. This is the most versatile style that you can have for professional use.
From there, add on a navy blazer and a grey blazer. These options read as slightly less formal than a black blazer. That makes them great for more friendly, casual events like lunching with clients or networking at a conference.
If you’ve covered these basics, you may be ready for something more advanced. That’s when you can dip your toes into the world of accent colors.
Having your blazer in a bold color or print is a fantastic way to showcase your personality. Just be sure you tone down the rest of your outfit. Again, lean into those core colors so your blazer can be the star of the show.
2. Invest in Quality Fabrication
Often when you’re first starting in your career, you don’t have the money to invest in a top-quality women’s blazer. Don’t worry, we’ve been there. We’re all guilty of having bought a Forever 21 or H&M blazer.
But as you advance in your career, it’s important to invest in yourself and dress the part. Especially when it comes to wardrobe staples that you’ll wear most days, like a blazer.
A big component of this is investing in quality over quantity. Instead of buying five different trendy blazers from a fast fashion shop, prioritize slow fashion.
Seek out quality brands and designers who make blazers out of natural fibers or natural fiber blends. Look for pieces that are made to last for years, instead of pilling after a few wears.
These pieces may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you time and money in the long run.
3. Focus on Fit
This last one may seem obvious, but fit should be your top priority when shopping for a women’s blazer. Don’t settle for a style that’s too short in the arms or pulls at the waist.
Here’s how to know if a women’s blazer fits:
- The shoulder
The shoulder seam of a blazer should sit right at the highest point of your shoulder. Aka, the spot where your arm meets the shoulder. - The sleeves
Unless you’re specifically seeking out a three-quarter sleeve style, your sleeves should hit right at your wrist bone. - The body
Even if you don’t plan on wearing your blazer buttoned, we recommend buttoning it when trying one on. This will help you see if the body is too tight or too loose. If you button up your blazer and get a bunch of pull lines, or you can’t button it, it’s too small.
Keep these three guidelines in mind while you shop and you’ll find the perfect blazer.
Our 4 Favorite Blazers for Women and How To Style Them
As professional stylists, we help women of all shapes and sizes discover their perfect wardrobe-essentials. That means we spend hours researching brands and different styles until we find every piece that a client needs.
Now, we’re taking that hard work and expertise and sharing it with you. Here are the four best blazers for women, according to personal stylists.
1. Soft Knit Blazers
For all things power casual, we love a knit blazer. Instead of the traditional wool blazer, these read as softer and not as serious.
They provide more texture to an outfit, which is a subtle way to give your ensemble more visual interest and variety.
Style it with more casual pieces by adding a zip cashmere hoodie like our stylist, Maggie did in the photo above.
Product by L’AGENCE, shop here.
If you don’t have a soft knit blazer in your wardrobe, consider this chic style from L’AGENCE. The crystal-embellished buttons add a dash of femininity while notched lapels feel neat and professional.
2. Cropped Blazers
Cropped blazers are here to stay. This trending item is one of NLW founder Cassandra Sethi’s favorites because it adds diversity to your closet.
The shorter shape feels fresh and new, and it’s also a great way to highlight your waist at a higher point. Partner these with high-waisted pants for a sophisticated and modern look.
This style is also great for petite ladies who struggle to find something that fits their proportions.
Wear a cropped blazer for any dress code, year-round.
Product by Brunello Cucinelli, shop here.
For the perfect spring-ready blazer, try this cropped herringbone option from Brunello Cucinelli.
We love the herringbone pattern as a subtle way to lighten up your neutral color palette. Plus, the linen material is ideal for staying lightweight and airy through spring and summer.
3. Crisp, White Blazers
NLW Client Style Transformation Outfits
Not many women embrace lighter-colored blazers, but it’s a style we LOVE. It’s a chic way to brighten up an outfit and a subtle alternative to adding an accent color.
It’s also a way to transition into spring and summer since we usually associate lighter hues with those seasons.
For a sophisticated and classy look, a white blazer is a must.
Product by Brunello Cucinelli, shop here.
Brunello Cucinelli also has fantastic options for white blazers. This simple single-breasted option is infinitely versatile. Similar to the cropped blazer, it’s made of a cotton and linen blend that’s ideal for summer suiting.
4. Statement Blazers
NLW Client Style Transformation Outfits
Don’t worry, we’ve got something for the ladies who like to stand out from the crowd.
Remember, layering pieces don’t have to be neutral. They’re also ideal for playing with patterns and bold colors.
Have fun with a pattern like this blue plaid option we helped one of our clients find. It shows off your personality without feeling over the top or “clownish.”
All you have to do is pair your blazer back to core color bottoms to pull the look together.
Product by Balmain, shop here.
Show off your personality with a playful spring green blazer like this one from Balmain. Partner it with a black maxi skirt and black heels to keep your outfit feeling sophisticated instead of over the top.
What’s Essential in Your Wardrobe?
Finding your must-have wardrobe essentials doesn’t have to be a struggle. Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s Women’s Styling Services to simplify and streamline your style. We’ll help you clean out your closet, identify your personal brand, and find clothes that elevate your lifestyle.
