How to Wear a Blazer Three Ways

I'm sitting here on my laptop putting together pics which I took earlier today and at the same time I'm listening to my son Dylan on KCLR. He's talking about the event he is organising this Thursday at 6.30pm in Carlow StartUp Grind and also about his business Matchday Technologies. As you can imagine I'm feeling very proud, he sounds so confident and enthusiastic.....yet another proud Mammy moment for me!

Before Dylan was due on the radio I popped into my local shopping centre Fairgreen to pick up some magazines. I actually hadn't bought a magazine since before Christmas so I'm really Looking forward to having a flick through them later. As I was coming out of Easons, large sale signs dragged me into Vero Moda for a quick nose. On my current Shopping List is a neutral blazer and an a-line Skirt. Unfortunately they didn't have a big selection of skirts but they did have some blazers. Sometimes you are just meant to pick up a bargain, there was a black blazer in a size 10 literally just sitting there waiting for me. I did a quick try on in the changing rooms and it was exactly what I needed. Oh I didn't even mention yet that it was reduced from €49.95 to €15!!!

When I got home I had a mini dress-up, putting together different ways to wear a blazer. There was no one else in the house that I could annoy into acting as photographer so apologies for the unprofessional pics...I think I need a bigger mirror and eventually a good camera. 

First up I literally just threw the jacket on over what I was wearing. What I love about this blazer is the 3/4 length sleeves and it has gorgeous ruching detail. I have images below where you can see this detailing better. The shorter sleeve means you can either wear a long sleeve top underneath and show off a flash of colour or print breaking up the block colour. If you are wearing it with a short sleeve top you can show off your favourite watch or some statement bracelets. The old black blazer that I have has long sleeves which obviously you can roll up if wanted and it was more fitted at the waist. So I'm delighted that this one is different, it just makes a nice change.

Top V by Very from Littlewoods, Jeans Noisy May, Boots from River Island.

LOOK ONE

For my first look I wanted to show you how a blazer can really dress up / glam up a very simple tee and jeans outfit. I can't emphasis enough the difference owning a couple of nice jackets makes to your wardrobe. They simply finish off your look and of course add warmth to what your wearing. 

Tee from Next. Same jeans and boots as above

LOOK TWO

My next look is to demonstrate how you can look ready for work, an interview or a meeting without owning a 'suit'. I actually wore this blouse and trousers Christmas day! Again having the flash of colour at the end of the sleeves really breaks up the dark combo of black on black. For a more casual look the blouse can be left untucked. Another idea would be leaving the blouse untucked and adding a belt, either directly on the blouse or over the jacket - play around with your outfits and don't be afraid to try different things. If you feel good in something and it flatters your figure you are on to a winner!!

Blouse from Zara, Black trouser from River Island, Burgundy shoes from Littlewoods

LOOK THREE

I just love a blazer and dress combo. This look can take you anywhere, I have worn outfits like this to interviews and meetings so this is yet another replacement for the conventional 'suit'. Again if you have any casual dresses, jersey styles, knit dresses or shapeless ones, the blazer adds classic tailoring to the dress and can also give you a more structured silhouette.

Dress Poppy Lux from Arboretum Garden Centre, Sock boots from Debenhams

STYLE TIP

The blazer for me is a capsule piece for any wardrobe. As with any wardrobe must have; buy your first one in a neutral colour such as black, navy, grey, beige. Once you have your basic piece that can be worn with everything, you can then expand your wardrobe and add fun blazers that have print, colour or embellishment. Florals are a popular choice all year round or add another block colour but this time in a vibrant hue such as red, green or blue. Ladies I found this simply stunning blazer below, I absolutely adore it! You won't have the same versatility with this jacket because of the print but that's okay because you'll already have a 'go to' neutral style.

I could easily see myself wearing this with black trousers and a white top or grey trousers with a black blouse or what about over a black dress? It's a lot pricier than what I spent on my black jacket, you'll have to agree it looks miles more expensive, you really can see the quality even in the pic.

River Island Floral Jacquard Blazer €94.59 from ASOS.....Buy Here
http://www.asos.com/river-island/river-island-floral-jacquard-blazer/prd/9083009?clr=blackandgold&SearchQuery=womens%20blazer&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=14&gridsize=4&pge=2&pgesize=72&totalstyles=287

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and picked up some tips on how to put together outfits from your wardrobe! If you would like some more outfit inspiration then check out my most recent post on My 5 Must Haves for any Wardrobe http://www.laineystyle.com/2018/01/my-5-must-haves-for-any-wardrobe.html

As always if there is anything you would like me to feature on my blog or if you would like to find out more about my personal styling services please contact me on laineystyle@gmail.com or 0868206850

Happy Shopping!!

Elaine xx