Blazers 101

Blazers are a mainstay in most wardrobes, though they can be tricky to style. At the moment they are hot-hot-hot with oversized silhouettes and shoulder pad trends dominating street style. But blazers can easily overwhelm an outfit and, more importantly, the wearer which makes fit and proportion paramount. Here are 5 blazer tips and tricks that minimize volume, balance proportions and accessorize in ways that ensure you remain the star of the show and not your blazer:

1. Know your shape
   Knowing your shape is the first step in making smart clothing purchases and shopping blazers is no exception. If you have broad shoulders, avoid shoulder pads. If the widest part of your body is below the waist, cropped blazers balance and de-emphasize hip width. And a tapered waist blazer works miracles for head-to-toe, pencil-straight bodies by creating the illusion of curves, and for hourglass-shapes by emphasizing the curves already there. Avoid double-breasted blazers if you’re petite — it’s way too much fabric!

2. Accessorize strategically
   Blazers can sometimes overpower the wearer so accessorize with pieces that minimize volume. Wear a belt to cinch waist, or a belt bag. Consider a crossbody purse that makes a diagonal line to create an optical illusion of both slimming and minimizing effects.

3. Create balance
   When there’s lots of coverage above the waist, strive for the opposite below the waist. Balance blazer volume with a cropped pant or pencil skirt to avoid a head-to-toe block of continuous, monotonous fabric that weighs-down the look. Also try skinny-legged pants to counter-act blazer volume — skinny jeans or trousers, leggings or jeggings.

4. Think in proportions
   Avoid cutting the body in half and instead go for thirds. Shop blazers that are either cropped or hemmed above or below the hip. If your blazers already end at the hip, style with untucked shirts that extend beyond blazer hem to create the most flattering proportions.

5. Suit up
   Go all the way with suiting when shopping blazers. A matching set creates a monochromatic column, making a longer, stronger vertical line. Either keep neck open with a collarless shirt or cuff sleeves to elbow to lighten the look, give the eye a break and draw attention to the waist. If your favorite blazer is a spare, improvise and pair it with a bottom in the same color to keep with — and benefit from — body lengthening rules.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.