Clothes vs. Outfits: The Navy Blazer

Apr 30, 2014

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Blazer: Mango Engraved Button Blazer ($70)

Every professional woman should own a navy blazer.  It’s a versatile, classic piece that will become a wardrobe workhorse in no time.  This blazer from Mango is a nice, inexpensive choice (though I’d switch out that button post-haste).  I also like this J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer (in petite and tall) and this Tahari one-button blazer.  Plus-size?  Try this blazer from Jones New York.

Upper Left, Earrings: Enamel Caitie Earrings ($42) Top: J.Crew Sleeveless Drape Top ($88) Skirt: Zara Midi Pencil ($60) Shoe: Pour la Victoire Snake Pumps ($118)

This first outfit uses the aqua Zara skirt for a few weeks back to create an outfit that would be perfect for a creative work environment or a professional one with a more relaxed feel.  The pieces are all professional in shape and style but the bright color adds a bit of fun and boldness.  I also like this top from J.Crew that comes in several colors and is the perfect piece to wear under cardigans or blazers.

Would you prefer a different color skirt?  Banana Republic makes a pencil in dark pink (also in tall), and J.Crew makes one in kelly green.  You could also try the look with a flirty, printed skirt like this one from Kate Spade.

Upper Right, Necklace: Fossil Twist Pendant ($38) Shoe: INC Zitah Pump ($69 +25%-off) Ring: SKU Stacking Ring ($35) Dress: Ava & Aiden Crepe Dress ($129)

I love the look of coral and navy together.  For this outfit, I chose a crepe dress with a v-neckline to complement the cut of the blazer.  I also added rose gold jewelry to play with the hues of pink in the dress.  The ring in the set is meant for stacking and comes in rose, yellow, silver and pewter, so layer away.

Looking for a coral dress in plus-size?  Try this great Land’s End dress with a square neck or this sleeveless one with a v-neck.  Petite?  Try this House of Fraser ruched waist dress.

Bottom Right, Jeans: Paige Skyline Skinny ($179) Top: Precis Petite Floral Top ($66) Earrings: KJL Hoop Earrings ($55)

This outfit is for a casual work environment.  I like the mix of a crisp white jean and a navy blazer.  For shoes, I would choose a nude flat or strappy flat sandal.  I also like how the yellow gold jewelry plays with the shades of yellow in the top, but you could choose any metal you like.  And if you like the look, but you don’t work in a casual environment, switch the jeans out for a white trouser from Anne Klein (also in petite and plus).

Need a misses size printed top?  Try this Pleione split neck blouse in raspberry and navy.  Plus-size? Try this cherry-printed top from Modcloth.

Bottom Left, Dress: Dickins & Jones Wrap ($40) Shoes: Ivanka Trump Amoro3 Pump ($60) Belt: Vince Camuto Perforated Belt ($45) Ring: Kors Dome Ring ($85)

Sadly, this wrap dress is sold out.  I found a similar, navy-print wrap at Ralph Lauren and a blue and white floral wrap from Tart.  Want a bit more color?  This dress from Donna Morgan comes in a bold, teal and navy print.

This outfit is great for a Friday when you need to be dressed professionally, but you want to be comfortable.  You can also lose the blazer and wear the dress and heels out to dinner or drinks.  The Ivanka Trump pumps are a great buy, but they do run big, so keep that in mind.  And do not miss the Michael Kors ring, it has a tortoise inner band that is really chic.

Aside from with a suit, how do you like to wear your navy blazer?

Career Style, Work Wednesdays

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  1. Joanie says:

    Thanks Belle! This is exactly the help I was hoping for. thanks for everything. Hope your transition is not too stressful.

  2. Nicole says:

    Loving all the pieces you posted, particularly the coral dress. Guess I need a new navy blazer.

  3. I have paired my Navy blazer with different colors and prints and outfits and it always works, but my fav is when I pair is with green or yellow. They add such a character to the outfit. Thanks for sharing this..

  4. KS says:

    I would like one of everything on this page, please! Love everything you posted here. Thanks for sharing, Belle!

  5. SLG says:

    Could you do a post sometime on how a blazer should fit? I have a navy one and a black one, but I never wear them because I don’t feel confident in the fit. They make me feel boobalicious (in a bad way), or more pear-shaped than I already am, or on some days one of them makes me look like a duck, and I don’t know what to do about it. Maybe suggestions and a few links to photos of blazers that fit poorly or well?

    • Jamie says:

      I second this request! I always feel like blazers make me look so boxy or like a child playing dress up.

    • GoGoGo says:

      Agreed, fit advice is always handy!

    • GoGoGo says:

      @SLG– LOL, word. Nothing like feeling like a duck. Fwiw, I’m also fairly boobalicious and curvy, and I’ve found square-shaped two-button blazers are where it’s at for me. Stop me if this is old news already, but on me, one-button blazers like this one look real maternity real quick. Blazers that are short with little feminine lapels seem to be bust-enhancing too, kind of like crew neck t-shirts. So long lapels that come to a “deep-v” are where it’s at.

      There was actually a Calvin Klein suit posted on here not long ago that was totally one I own and wear around all the time…

  6. SoFLa says:

    How would you wear the belt with the wrap dress? Typically it comes with its own belt.

    • Belle says:

      You wrap the dress belt all the way around and pin it with safety pins. Then, cover it with the wide belt. IT gives you more structure and a stronger shape.

  7. Mo says:

    How appropriate. I just bought this dress at H&M and am wearing it at work with nude flats and a navy blazer.

    I sized up because it was a tad snug on my rear for work, I would have gone with my regular H&M size if it was strictly for play:

    https://www.hm.com/us/product/25852?article=25852-A

    With nude wedges and a hat I think it might double as a derby dress this weekend.

  8. Pam says:

    Totally loved all these pics. I only have a navy jacket as part of a suit. It’s cut is different. Might be time for shopping! Love the color combos and the reptile heel.

  9. K says:

    Hi Belle, the schoolboy blazer has gold buttons… I own it and sometimes feel like it is too much to wear just with any outfit – would you keep those buttons on or swap them out too? What would you swap them for?

  10. Julia S. says:

    I love my blue blazer from JCrew – more so than the matching dress and pants. When I’m out casually, I typically wear jeans and a fitted top, scarf, and my blazer. I love to roll up the sleeves to show the cool lining (but I worry about getting it dirty). I picked up a pair of Anne Klein dress slacks in camel off of ebay. With brown loafer style pumps, a fitted jersey or button-down, and my blue blazer I look professional but comfortable.

    Last year, I picked up a black stretch Banana Republic suit at a consignment shop just because it was so inexpensive. I never thought I’d wear it because I already have a black skirt suit. But I often wear the black blazer instead of my blue, because it’s cut shorter. I recommend that women have one of each, one longer and one shorter – the shorter blazers work better with dresses. All are great to wear with jeans or khakis casually.

  11. Sara says:

    Really looking forward to get attractive dresses…Great giveaway!

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