Top Five: Blazers
Whether it's a deceptively simple, completely impressive dessert or a transforming tube of styling crème, we appreciate anything that makes us look effortlessly polished. Considering these proclivities, it's probably no wonder that we’re mad about blazers in all shapes and sizes. After all, it's one of the few articles of clothing that can instantly refine almost any ensemble. A blazer can upgrade jeans and a blouse to an office-ready outfit, add a little structure to a flirty and girly dress, and always looks sophisticated with a sharp pair of trousers—who could resist?
This impressively multi-tasking item has become a cornerstone of our daily dressing and we figured this might be true for you, dear readers, too. Accordingly, we assembled a quintet of amazing jackets for you today, including a few investment pieces and a few affordable options as well. Hopefully you'll find the right one for you!
1. Plastic Island Tux Linen Jacket
($198)
For our first pick, we selected a beloved blazer style reworked in a seasonally appropriate way. That's right, the tux jacket gets a spring makeover! Instead of the traditional materials and sober hues (think: black, heavy fabric) Plastic Island made their version in a gorgeous marine blue, lightweight linen blend. It still has the classic cropped, slightly boxy shape, but these little tweaks makes it feel completely fresh. Style it with an equally crisp top, like Elizabeth and James' Laurent Shirt
($225), and a little red-orange lipstick for a fantastic look.
2. Jenni Kayne Wrap Blazer ($975)
We've said it before, but Jenni Kayne is truly one of the best American sportswear designers and her spring wrap blazer is a testament to her talent. Kayne's pieces are undoubtedly investments, but we promise you'll get a satisfying return on your money, as they lend themselves to endless looks. We're particularly jazzed about her textured cotton Wrap Blazer; it's a luxe, lovely, and versatile piece. One of our favorite ways to wear this jacket is nipped in at the waist and paired with a silky harem-inspired pant, as styled above. The blazer comes with its own double-wrap leather belt, but we cinched it with Deena & Ozzy's 3 O-Ring Belt ($28) instead. We finished the outfit with a pair of Vince's Suave Crop Pants
($195) and Urban Outfitters' Mixed Bead Statement Necklace ($34) for a final ensemble that's very French Vogue!
3. Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Jacket ($135)
If you're like us, you've come to depend on your boyfriend jacket to add some menswear-flair to your everyday outfits. Since this style has become such a reliable silhouette, we suggest picking up this new necessity in a decidedly girly hue, like hot pink! Topshop's gorgeous fuchsia jacket is simultaneously structured and soft, so throw it on over something body-conscious, like Elizabeth and James' Tube Dress
($345) and grab your favorite pendant necklace (we used the Key Necklace ($18) from Urban Outfitters, only available in stores) as a finishing touch.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Flagstone Tweed Jacket ($338)
There is so much to adore about this superb tweed jacket, we practically don't know where to begin! First of all, the timeless fabric is perfect for transitioning into spring and will still look stylish come fall. Secondly, the cropped sleeves, figure-flattering cut, and slightly short length are all very modern. Finally, we're quite fond of the finishing details, specifically the bold buttons! Though you could wear this blazer over anything, we like it with something a little sexy, like a Pins and Needles Vintage Cup Slip ($54) and a couple of cool necklaces. (We used a Love Lila By Round Designs Bow Necklace ($34), DLC by Dirty Librarian Chain Necklace ($38) and vintage rhinestone necklace for the story.)
5. Alexander Wang Double Breasted Jacket ($625)
Our final pick for Top 5: Blazers comes from a gentleman we all know and love—Alexander Wang. The fashion-world favorite created a to-die-for double-breasted stretch-wool jacket for spring. This long and lean blazer is smartly designed with slim, cropped sleeves, smart-looking welt pockets, and embellished with six buttons. While it would look super-chic worn with trousers, we like it juxtaposed with something a little more casual, like a worn-in tee and skinny jeans. Try BDG's Carrot Shape Tee ($24), Cheap Monday's Narrow Skinny Jeans
($50) in Cheap Unwash, plus the necklaces shown with the Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer.
This impressively multi-tasking item has become a cornerstone of our daily dressing and we figured this might be true for you, dear readers, too. Accordingly, we assembled a quintet of amazing jackets for you today, including a few investment pieces and a few affordable options as well. Hopefully you'll find the right one for you!
1. Plastic Island Tux Linen Jacket
For our first pick, we selected a beloved blazer style reworked in a seasonally appropriate way. That's right, the tux jacket gets a spring makeover! Instead of the traditional materials and sober hues (think: black, heavy fabric) Plastic Island made their version in a gorgeous marine blue, lightweight linen blend. It still has the classic cropped, slightly boxy shape, but these little tweaks makes it feel completely fresh. Style it with an equally crisp top, like Elizabeth and James' Laurent Shirt
2. Jenni Kayne Wrap Blazer ($975)
We've said it before, but Jenni Kayne is truly one of the best American sportswear designers and her spring wrap blazer is a testament to her talent. Kayne's pieces are undoubtedly investments, but we promise you'll get a satisfying return on your money, as they lend themselves to endless looks. We're particularly jazzed about her textured cotton Wrap Blazer; it's a luxe, lovely, and versatile piece. One of our favorite ways to wear this jacket is nipped in at the waist and paired with a silky harem-inspired pant, as styled above. The blazer comes with its own double-wrap leather belt, but we cinched it with Deena & Ozzy's 3 O-Ring Belt ($28) instead. We finished the outfit with a pair of Vince's Suave Crop Pants
3. Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Jacket ($135)
If you're like us, you've come to depend on your boyfriend jacket to add some menswear-flair to your everyday outfits. Since this style has become such a reliable silhouette, we suggest picking up this new necessity in a decidedly girly hue, like hot pink! Topshop's gorgeous fuchsia jacket is simultaneously structured and soft, so throw it on over something body-conscious, like Elizabeth and James' Tube Dress
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Flagstone Tweed Jacket
There is so much to adore about this superb tweed jacket, we practically don't know where to begin! First of all, the timeless fabric is perfect for transitioning into spring and will still look stylish come fall. Secondly, the cropped sleeves, figure-flattering cut, and slightly short length are all very modern. Finally, we're quite fond of the finishing details, specifically the bold buttons! Though you could wear this blazer over anything, we like it with something a little sexy, like a Pins and Needles Vintage Cup Slip ($54) and a couple of cool necklaces. (We used a Love Lila By Round Designs Bow Necklace ($34), DLC by Dirty Librarian Chain Necklace ($38) and vintage rhinestone necklace for the story.)
5. Alexander Wang Double Breasted Jacket
Our final pick for Top 5: Blazers comes from a gentleman we all know and love—Alexander Wang. The fashion-world favorite created a to-die-for double-breasted stretch-wool jacket for spring. This long and lean blazer is smartly designed with slim, cropped sleeves, smart-looking welt pockets, and embellished with six buttons. While it would look super-chic worn with trousers, we like it juxtaposed with something a little more casual, like a worn-in tee and skinny jeans. Try BDG's Carrot Shape Tee ($24), Cheap Monday's Narrow Skinny Jeans
I love the grey blazer by Marc Jacobs. I am also digging the black blazer by Alexander Wang, Blazers are a great way to change up a boring outfit.
Posted by: PerfectLocks | 2009-04-15 22:05:31
Question. Ok. I love the the whole idea of the blazer and was wondering if they have shoulder pads in them like the old school ones. I'm a recovering shopaholic so I have tons of merchandise in my closet with tags still attached and I found this cool blazer I purchased a few years ago when I was in college and of course I never wore it. So now is the perfect time to bring it out. Should I remove the pads even if they're not that noticeable?
Posted by: niacaligirl3 | 2009-03-19 00:26:35
I am feeling the Marc J. blazer, I not crazy about the placement of the buttons. OMG The topshop blazer reminds me of exactly of a Blazer my Mom use to have when i was a pre-tee. fashion comes full circle, The cuts of the blazers are killer!!! But prices gimme a brake. Well somebody must be able to afford it or they wouldn't make it!! http://theartistresolution.wordpress.com/
Posted by: kat kelly | 2009-03-12 16:51:55
The Plastic Island and Alexander Wang Blazers' are Blazing! Luv the cuts shape and color, and the Topshop website has some nice Alexander pieces that are great thanks WWW nice article!!
Posted by: The Illustrious | 2009-03-12 10:51:01
i want that marc jacobs blazer. i love it.
Posted by: lianna | 2009-03-12 00:14:33
Ahh too funny, I just did an article on chic blazers for my blog- anewmode.com last week! For 10 more options,click here: http://www.anewmode.com/fashion-style/a-worthy-investment-chic-blazers/
Posted by: sabrina | 2009-03-11 21:26:39
That TOPSHOP blazer (#3) looks dangerously close to an Alexander cut out back blazer......
Posted by: emily* | 2009-03-11 19:47:48
I love it, but I can never find any inexpensive enough.. my pockets are relatively shallow. exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com
Posted by: Hadley | 2009-03-11 18:10:53
If you love luxury items check this site out.......it's so cool. http://luxury.affluence.org/?p=605
Posted by: Croatia | 2009-03-11 16:56:49
The Marc is so crazy. I WANT!!!!!
Posted by: Croatia | 2009-03-11 16:55:34
Love the MJ blazer! And the accessories! Great look.
Posted by: Trish | 2009-03-11 16:41:44
im making my own blazer right now! its a tedious process but i hope it will pay off! the pattern style is similar to #1, but its navy with gold buttons.
Posted by: car | 2009-03-11 15:29:16
Love love love this post! I especially like the Plastic Island and Alexander Wang blazers.
Posted by: Amy | 2009-03-11 15:28:02
all of these areee amazing. imagine all of these in your closet. it makes me giddy. ah. x egotrippingatthegates.blogspot.com
Posted by: D | 2009-03-11 15:10:41
heart the jenni kayne belted blazer !! beautyandthestreet@gmail.com
Posted by: Amber | 2009-03-11 13:51:18
I can't find the Topshop's blazer at their website. @.@
Posted by: rei | 2009-03-11 13:33:52
I look so terrible in blazers, must be a curse.
Posted by: SheShe | 2009-03-11 10:38:47
The Marc by Marc Jacobs is awesome. LOVE.
Posted by: K | 2009-03-11 10:14:27
Okay hi, I just want to know where those tangled necklaces are from. Talk about perfection!
Posted by: Olivia | 2009-03-11 10:00:44
Love, love, love! I especially like TopShop and A Wang--styled with those necklaces? Shut up. Perfection.
Posted by: Nicole | 2009-03-11 09:41:14
L O V E the Marc by Marc Jacobs Blazer, for $338, it's definitely worth it. come see me- http://noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com
Posted by: S | 2009-03-11 08:51:44
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All 5 are great, I wish I could get them all!
Posted by: Diana | 2009-03-11 08:32:18
This post is so perfect! I'm on a quest for the perfect blazer for spring right now and these are some incredible options. Love http://chicheroin.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Victoria C | 2009-03-11 06:39:20
I love love love 3 & 5, so gorgeous! rikkilane.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rikki Lane | 2009-03-11 02:50:01
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE the alexander wang blazer! theres nothing hes made that i dont like! but aaaah so expensive :(
Posted by: kainaz | 2009-03-11 02:32:43