A white blazer is on my spring/summer must have list. I will be wearing mine with a white and navy polka dot blouse and a navy skirt. I’ll also be wearing it in an all white outfit with white pants and a white blouse. And lastly, over a solid dress for a colorblock look.
Elected Official
Gerard Darel Open Jacket (Bloomingdale’s, $495)
Hill Staffer
Sateen One Button Blazer (Banana Republic, $158)
Unpaid Intern
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
I'd love a two ways on a white blazer–I have one, but struggle with putting outfits together with it because I feel like I look like I'm just wearing a lab coat over whatever else I have on.
I JUST bought a white blazer. Wore it last night over a solid black dress with a long necklace. Would love to see more outfit ideas around it! Also, this is my first time commenting… so wanted to say how much I LOVE your site, Belle. It's the highlight of my day.
I'm with KC – I would love to see a two ways (or more!). I'd particularly be interested in hearing thoughts on what pairings work for different complexions. As someone with fair skin and dark hair I think I can pull it off but not, for example, as an all-white look. And on the subject of two-plus ways, I recently needed a “smart casual” look for an event and CHS saved the day (and I even got compliments on my outfit)!
Love the white blazer Belle! A word of caution ladies – be wary of your bronzer application on the decolletage area when wearing something like this. I have an ivory blazer that had a run-in with my bronzer…and lost. Fingers crossed that my dry cleaners can fix it!
Belle, do these cotton jackets need to worn with cotton skirts? I know you mentioned pairing fabrics a few weeks ago. I'm wondering if a white cotton blazer with a super 120s skirt is a no-no. Thanks!
LS: Sometimes it looks fine, sometimes it looks forced. It's most obvious when you're wearing the same color. I would take your skirt to the store, try it on with the blazer and decide. Sometimes, if you do two cotton pieces on top and one smooth wool on bottom it looks nice. But this is really case by case.
Dying to upgrade my old H&M white blazer. Crossing my fingers that Gilt or any of the other flash sites can provide something for my budget.
I do have some issues with fit when it comes to blazers, though. I feel like the ones at many retailers like Ann Taylor are too boxy for my frame, but the offerings from other retailers like Express are too fitted/Kardashian-like (and cheap-looking). Zara makes some pretty good expensive-looking ones that seem to fit me better, but I'm always really self-conscious over whether they're too fitted for a professional environment. Does anyone have any advice for how a blazer jacket should fit in a Hill environment? I seem to see a lot of discrepancies in staffers' attire. I know tailoring is key, I guess my issue is I dont know how much to tailor.
If anyone is particularly attached to the elected official one sold at bloomingdales they are currently have a friends and family sale with 20% off online and in the store. Online the promo code is 'Friends'.
XF: I also have some fit trouble with blazers, since I have a larger chest but small waist. Lots of blazers seem to either hang huge on me, or else they're Kardashian-like tight (love your description!). I've had some luck buying a size up, but then slimming the sides and arms. I think even an inexpensive blazer looks so much better when it's been slimmed. Most important is that it hangs correctly over your chest–neither bursting open (too tight) nor hanging loosely (too large).