Ask Belle: Blazers for a Creative Office

Hi Belle!

I’m not interning on Capitol Hill, but I’m hoping you can help me with a problem I am having.  

My supervisor allows me to sit in on a lot of client meetings, but she requires that I wear a blazer.  Our firm handles public relations and advertising, and a traditional suit is just too stuffy.  Can you help me find some alternatives to basic blazers that cost less than $150 or less than $100?

I really appreciate the help, and love your blog.  Thank you, Nyla

Your question reminded me of a post on Who What Wear that I featured a few weeks ago.  Their interview outfit for someone in a creative profession was right on the money.  The perfect mix of professional, cool and fashionable.  And there are a number of inexpensive blazers on the market that could help you achieve a similar look.

From Left, Kut Moto Jacket ($47) // Vince Camuto Notch Blazer ($84) // Tahari Eyelet Jacket ($139) // DKNY Shawl Collar Jacket ($65)

A Moto Jacket. Check out this photo from Pinterest; I love the way the woman mixed the leather moto jacket with more traditional pieces to create a modern, edgy look.  The knit jacket above is a more affordable version of the leather jacket she’s wearing.

If you like the idea of a moto jacket, check out this bright raspberry jacket or this under-$30 moto-sweater jacket from Victoria’s Secret.  Petite?  This mandarin collar jacket is cool.  Plus size? This tweed moto jacket is really chic.

A Longline Blazer.  A longline blazer is a blazer with one button and a longer cut.  The cobalt blazer above is a longline with an inverted notch for an extra bit of style.  If you like this look, Mango has a great longline blazer in a soft blush color and this white Madewell blazer is lovely as well.

Plus size? Vince Camuto makes the inverted notch blazer in plus sizes.  Petite?  Ann Taylor has a white longline blazer that’s cut for petite ladies.

A Textured Jacket.  Whether you like lace or eyelet, a lightly textured jacket is a nice option for summer.  This Tahari jacket has a more traditional cut (similar blazer here for under-$50), and this Pendleton collarless blazer has a slightly softer shape.

Plus size? Coldwater Creek has you covered.  Petite? Try this Ann Taylor jacket.

A Brightly Colored Jacket. Bringing a burst of color into your office attire is a great way to spice things up, while still keeping it professional.  The bright purple jacket above is a great choice, as is this bright yellow short jacket ($50!).  Plus size ladies should check out this pretty green blazer, and petite ladies will love this sleek coral jacket.

These are just a handful of the shapes, styles and colors you could consider.  I’d also look into peplum blazers, waterfall blazers (so chic) and cropped jackets.